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Music and comedy. It’s a pairing you don’t often think about, but when it’s executed well, it’s unforgettable. Between musically focused comedies like Garfunkel and Oates and Atlanta and the rise of Saturday Night Live‘s music videos, beat-based comedy has been taking off in a big way lately. It’s this niche kingdom that musician, singer, beatboxer, actor, and comedian Reggie Watts rules.
Watts is having a pretty big 2016. Though Comedy Bang! Bang!, the show Watts has hosted alongside longtime creative collaborator Scott Aukerman, has been cancelled, Watts’ personal career is taking off. From his instrumental role in late night to his new Netflix comedy special, Watts has proven time and time again that he’s a performer who needs your attention. To introduce you to this musical genius and delightfully odd comedian, consider this your “meet cute” to this performing dynamo. Let this be the beginning of the Reggie Watts-fueled YouTube rabbit hole you’ll inevitable fall down.
Comedy Bang! Bang! (2012 – 2016)
For several years, Watts stood beside his longtime friend and collaborator Scott Aukerman as one of the voices behind IFC’s Comedy Bang! Bang! It’s through this eccentric and over-the-top talk show that many fans know him, but unfortunately all good things must come to an end.
Watts’ time on Comedy Bang Bang! spawned the short-lived web series spin-off, Reggie Makes Music. The series was one of the most consistently joyful musical collaborations on the web. Basically, Watts would drop a beat and the guest of the week would start improvising lyrics. If you’ve ever wanted to see Fred Armisen, Aziz Ansari, Anna Kendrick, or Jordan Peele improvise a song, now’s your chance.
[Where to stream Comedy Bang! Bang!]
The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail (2014)
Watts has appeared on Jonah Ray and Kumail Nanjiani’s stand up show on two occasions. Structured to mimic an LA underground alt-comedy scene, the half-hour series features performances and clips from both leading comedians and rising talent. Watts has been featured on the program two times, both in 2014: “The One with the Wedding Stories” and “The One with the Betrayal.” Any time he’s on, the comedian has inserted a dose of delightful oddity to the documentary-styled show.
[Where to stream The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail]
Creative Control (2015)
Partially created by Kickstarter and released through Amazon and Magnolia Pictures, this American-French film was one of the oddest movies of 2015. The sci-fi drama focused on an executive who uses a new form of technology to have an affair with his best friend’s girlfriend. Watts starred in the film as himself and is responsible for creating one of the most fun and meta trailers in recent history.
[Where to stream Creative Control]
The Late Late Show with James Corden (2015 – 2016)
This is the show Watts is probably known best for. The talented comedian and musician is currently the band leader for The Late Late Show, and Watts’ presence on late night drastically elevates the series. Seeing Watts in his element is magical. It’s difficult to decide which late night host has a better musical accompaniment, James Corden or Jimmy Fallon. A comparison to The Roots is a testament to Watts’ genius. Also, Watts once performed a song on The Late Late Show with Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, and it was nerdy comedy magic. Seriously, if you want to smile today, watch the above clip.
[Where to stream The Late Late Show with James Corden]
Reggie Watts: Spatial (2016)
Watts has a new special premiering on Netflix this week, and if the trailer is any indication of what we can expect, it’s going to get weird. Featuring Watt’s patented brand of absurdist alt comedy and enough beatboxing performances to make your jaw drop, the comedian’s latest stand up show promises to take viewers through space and time. I have no idea what that means, but I’m in.
You can watch Reggie Watts’ new comedy special, Reggie Watts: Spatial, on Netflix December 6.
