From Vanity Fair · Chris Murphy · · 2m
Kate Berlant Opens to Less Niche
Kate Berlant shares her journey to embracing vulnerability in her comedy after six weeks of social media detox.
In brief
Kate Berlant shares her journey to embracing vulnerability in her comedy after six weeks of social media detox. Kate Berlant's new stand-up special Parmesan explores her queerness, relationships, and mental health while premiering on HBO. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Social Media Detox
Kate Berlant completed a six-week Instagram cleanse to reconnect with her spirit and source.
“I just came off a six-week Instagram cleanse”
New Comedy Special
Berlant's stand-up special Parmesan premieres on HBO on Friday, October 16.
“Parmesan, which premieres on HBO on Friday, October 16”
Personal Themes
The special explores Berlant's queerness, relationships, and mental health after years of social media use.
“it's funny because when i was putting together the special, i had this feeling of, 'you know what, i'm not going to talk about the phones'”
Relationship Details
Berlant is in a relationship with MUNA guitarist Naomi McPherson, who uses they/them pronouns.
“i'm a serial monogamist”
Comedy Style
Berlant blends absurdist comedy with intellectual insights from her millennial perspective.
“it's the balance of keeping something sacred”
Podcast and Projects
Berlant's popular podcast Poog with Jacqueline Novak and solo work Cinnamon in the Wind and Kate have built her fanbase.
“thanks to projects like this summer's cult hit Maddie's Secret”
Queerness Journey
Berlant discusses her late 30s realization about her queerness after attending an all-girls school.
“i went to an all-girls school. that just was not in front of my face”
Family Challenges
Berlant mentions her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis as a recurring theme in her comedy.
“my dad has alzheimer's”
Relationship Dynamics
Berlant and McPherson collaborate on the special, with McPherson providing feedback on her material.
“oh, you dropped this”
Title Origin
Berlant chose the title Parmesan after a conversation with Chelsea Peretti, who laughed at the idea.
“i was like, 'parmesan.' and she laughed, and i was like, 'okay, that's good enough for me'”
Future Plans
Berlant remains open to having children but feels her career is still in its niche phase.
“i'm still in it. i recorded it just a few months ago”
Comedy Philosophy
Berlant believes stand-up comedy should entertain audiences while providing insight into the human condition.
“i think if there is a crowd, you got to entertain them. you got to try”
Personal Vulnerability
Berlant shares her journey to embracing vulnerability in her comedy after six weeks of social media detox.
“i'm so aware of persona, i would be really fearful of something as private or sacred as a romantic relationship”
Mental Health
Berlant discusses her mental health struggles and the importance of self-acceptance in her comedy.
“i was like, 'oh, i don't know if i'm going to do that'”
Comedy Evolution
Berlant's comedy has evolved from scripted shows to more personal, unscripted stand-up specials.
“i was like, 'oh, what if i just did more stand-up comedy, capital s'”
Next Steps
Berlant plans to collaborate with John on new projects while staying open to less niche work.
“i'm looking forward to more collaborations with john”
The one thing
Kate Berlant's new stand-up special Parmesan explores her queerness, relationships, and mental health while premiering on HBO.
