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This Is Not Happening

It’s Friday, which means you don’t want to work. You just want to relax and sort through those emails and spreadsheets you’ve been putting off while you listen to something fun in the background. This Friday, that fun background binge needs to be Comedy Central’s This Is Not Happening.

This Is Not Happening has a beautifully loose premise — comedians take the stage and have to tell a true story. Anything is fair game as long as it actually happened. Between the show’s smaller stage, intimate camerawork, and anything-goes parameters, the show feels like you have exclusive access to a great comedy club packed with very funny people who have had several very weird experiences. Originally, This Is Not Happening was a storytelling web series, but last year it was picked up as a series. Season Two just started again in late February, so we can finally get our truthful stand-up fix. There are a lot of sets to love and a lot of amazing comedians, but we’ve picked out a few of our favorites. Try not to laugh too loudly.

“Kumail Nanjiani Tries Hard To Be Cool”

High school was tough for most people, and the brilliant Kumail Nanjiani was no exception. Nanjiani , who you probably know from Silicon Valley and Portlandia, tries desperately to be cool in high school but is met with betrayal. It’s a sad story that anyone who felt like an outcast in high school can relate to, but Nanjiani makes it hilarious by the level of detailed planning his teenage self put into joining the cool kids. Not only is his three-step coolness plan a smart critique on the artificial construct of cool in high school, but the story shows off Nanjiani’s ability to transform mundanely hard moments from his past into great comedy.

“Ari Shaffir and Pete Carbone: First Mushroom Trip”

Out of all the sets in the series, this may be the most innovative. Ari Shaffir and Pete Carbone take turns detailing their first mushroom trip together, and initially, the trip is going well. However, in the middle of the trip Carbone separates from Shaffir, and that’s what takes this drug adventure tale from good to great. The duo take turns telling their own version of the night, which should be relatable to anyone who’s had to recount the night to a too-wasted friend.

“Julia Lillis Will Do Literally Anything For Love”

This story shows the mortifying effects of taking rom-com advice too seriously. After her British boyfriend breaks up with her via Skype, Lillis books a surprise flight to the U.K. to win him back. Unfortunately, being detained by airport security and being named a EOS (enemy of the state) seriously throws a wrench in that plan. The best part about this one is how painfully honest it feels. Even as Lillis laughs at herself, you can see her hating her past self’s decisions. Don’t worry, Julia. We’ve definitely all been there.

“Henry Rollins: Punk Rock Hyenas”

At its core, This Is Not Happening is a space for comedians to tell their craziest stories in a judgement-free recorded space, and this story fits that description more than any other set. In an attempt to “not be an asshole,” the former front of the hardcore punk band Black Flag, Henry Rollins, decides to take some acid. What follows involves getting waaaay too high and almost dying at the hands of a 90-pound woman. It’s just a damn good story.

“Ms. Pat: Life-Saving Titties”

This may be the most insane story in the series, but told through Ms. Pat’s matter-of-fact style, it’s hilarious. This was the one that left me laughing so hard, I received annoyed looks from coworkers. The story is about a drug deal gone awry, why you should never go into a shootout with your safety on, and the importance of having big boobs. So basically, it’s a perfect story.

You can watch new episodes of This Is Not Happening every Tuesday at 12:30 a.m. ET on Comedy Central or the Comedy Central app.

[Where to stream This Is Not Happening, the Comedy Central show]

[Stream This Is Not Happening, the Comedy Central web series, on YouTube]