Why Bo Burnham is a Phenomenal Comedian

Bo Burnham is a YouTuber, comedian, and filmmaker. His career started in 2008 when his song “Bo fo Sho” went viral, allowing him to become a stand-up comedian in 2010 with his first comedy special, Words Words Words. He then went on to release two more comedy specials before pivoting to filmmaking with his TV series “Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous.” He continued filmmaking until 2021 with the release of his most recent comedy special “Inside.”

People often argue that Burnham is purely a satirical comedian who is simply riding on his early childhood fame without talent to back it up. This is entirely incorrect, as demonstrated in the special “Inside.” Burnham made the special entirely by himself, within a singular room over the course of a year. His camera work and comedic talent are on full display as he steps off a bright stage and enters a dark room. The special itself is incredibly emotionally charged, as Burnham deals with his own declining mental health and the realization that he turns thirty years old. He sings songs about his early career, being held accountable for things he did in the past, and why he quit performing live comedy. While still being satirical about the state of the world, he brings about more emotions and commentary on governmental systems, revealing his real talent combining satirical comedy with genuine emotions. He isn’t a kid singing songs in his room, but a grown adult who should be treated like one. 

His emotional and satirical sides, along with his talent, are shown specifically in the songs “How the World Works,” and “Look Who’s Inside Again.” in which the latter is one of his most popular songs. “How the World Works” is a song about the US states with both politics and social ethics. Burnham describes how bad the history of the US is while operating a sock puppet singing to kids. It is both extremely funny and incredibly serious, showing how he can blend the two topics seamlessly. “Look Who’s Inside Again” is a song about Burnham’s early career. Starting out as a kid doing funny things on the internet, and now stuck in a room doing comedy to no one but himself. This sad song shows how Burnham feels about both his current and his early life, going outside only to return inside once he finds a reason. Both songs are incredibly emotional and show how Burnham can blend both comedy and emotion in a seamless manner, his full talent on display within the comedy special “Inside”

Aside from his songs, Burnham’s interludes show the ways in which 2020’s pandemic took a toll on people, and demonstrate how well he is able to transition from song to song. Bo Burnham is truly an incredible comedian, who is able to make you laugh while also making you cry with his deep lyrics. Anyone who says he is only riding off his early fame is simply incorrect.