Netflix's year-end comedy special, Torching 2024: A Roast of A Year, has ignited controversy following some of its satirical jabs at high-profile figures. The special features several comedians, each taking aim at events and personalities of the past year, but certain remarks, particularly from Hannah Berner and Tim Dillon, have sparked public backlash.
Hannah Berner, known for her role on the reality show Summer House, faced backlash for her comments about actress Blake Lively during her stand-up set. "The word c** was trending this year. I don’t think Blake Lively was all bad," Berner joked. This quip was made all the more poignant by the fact Lively had recently sued This Is Us* director Justin Baldoni, claiming he was behind a smear campaign after she reported him for misconduct on set.
Following the special's release on December 27, Berner took to social media to clarify the timing of her joke. "My joke in the Netflix roast was filmed before news of the lawsuit. To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake," she said in an Instagram post. Her comments come as public sentiment surrounding Lively has rapidly shifted, especially as she reveals her experiences with workplace misconduct.
Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni includes allegations of deliberate attempts to damage her reputation, underscoring serious issues related to harassment and retaliation within the entertainment industry. She stated, "I hope my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted." Baldoni, through his lawyer, dismissed the allegations as “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.”
Meanwhile, Tim Dillon took his own comedic risks during the roast by portraying the “ghost” of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was murdered earlier this month. Dressed as Thompson, Dillon tossed out faux prescription pills and delivered provocative punchlines, like, "I’m the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, and I understand many of you are happy I’m dead." He proceeded to address the reactions to his tragic demise, stating, "Let me tell you, your reaction to my murder makes me sick… and not the type of sick I would immediately deny for not having the proper paperwork." This dark humor prompted nervous laughter from the audience, indicating the thin line comedians often tread between humor and sensitivity.
Dillon's performance, which took place at The Bellwether in Los Angeles on December 17, attracted immediate attention both for its irreverence and for the timing soon after Thompson's fatal incident. Dillon joked about how Thompson's last thought was, "I love my job," elaborately exclaiming how he 'helps people' by denying healthcare, skewering the corporate healthcare model.
The fierce reactions to both comedians highlight the challenges of comedy, particularly when grappling with contemporary issues steeped in real tragedy or significant personal conflict. The special itself has drawn criticism for its choice of subjects and the apparent insensitivity displayed, especially with respect to the timing of the many social controversies glanced at over its 45 minutes.
Directed by Joe DeMaio, the roasting lineup also included well-known comics such as John Stamos, Mark Normand, and Ms. Pat, each delivering their own viral moments, poking fun at topics ranging from politics to celebrities like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Insult comic Jeff Ross, renowned for his role as the "Roastmaster General,” oversaw the proceedings, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of live comedy shows.
Dillon’s comments surrounding his portrayal of Thompson have underscored just how wildly the audience can vary from targeted individuals to national figures, depending on sensitivity and timing. His closing quip—that he was actually "working remote" even from the afterlife—illustrated the extent of dark humor mixed with absurdity.
Overall, Netflix's Torching 2024: A Roast of A Year serves as both entertainment and provokes reflection on the boundaries of comedy. With social media allowing for immediate feedback, the reception of jokes often pivots rapidly depending on current news events and public interest. Berner and Dillon's segments exemplify this phenomenon, shedding light on the balance comedians must navigate between satire and their audience's sentiments.
This latest Netflix comedy special is part of the company's larger strategy to increase its stand-up offerings, which have proliferated over the past year with nearly 40 specials, aiming to attract subscribers with diverse content. The roast genre, with its blend of brutal humor and current events, continues to attract viewers, even amid controversy.
