Watch Hannah Gadsby: Douglas

Hannah Gadsby: Douglas is a comedy special that premiered on Netflix in May 2020. The show was filmed during her 2019 world tour in Melbourne and Los Angeles. The show is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2018 performance Nanette, wherein Gadsby explored her childhood and experiences as a queer woman. In this special, Gadsby takes on a new challenge: naming the show after her dog, Douglas, who does not make an appearance in the special. Gadsby compares herself to her dog, implying that they have a lot in common. Douglas is a border terrier who Hannah adopted and named after an unknown man’s suggestion. The show begins with Gadsby admitting that she may have over-promised on the dog aspect of the show, but regardless, the audience is in for a good time.

The show is structured similarly to Nanette: a blend of comedy and serious topics that delve deeper into issues like misogyny, gender identity, and sexuality. Gadsby asserts that this is what comedy should be: transformative. The audience, she argues, should leave a comedy show changed for the better. The comedian discusses her own experiences being diagnosed with autism and how it affected her life, including with dating and relationships in her younger years.

Gadsby proceeds to tackle a variety of subjects, including masculinity, power, and control dynamics between men and women, to name a few. Her storytelling techniques are as powerful and effective as ever, but this time around, she incorporates self-referential humor that pokes fun at her own life and her previous material. For instance, she cracks a joke about how one of the venues she played during her tour was not planned, so she spent the duration of her performance apologizing to the audience.

One of Gadsby's rants is about the way maverick artists have historically been accepted as naturally predisposed to being “difficult” male geniuses, but when it comes to female artists, they are labeled as “hysteric”. She explains that this kind of thinking is why misogyny remains widespread. She uses Pablo Picasso as an example, who was revered for his works despite his misogynistic tendencies. Gadsby argues that art does not exist in a vacuum, so it is necessary to acknowledge the people behind them.

Overall, the show feels like a continuation of her previous performances, but with additional self-awareness and humor. Gadsby's storytelling ability remains unparalleled, and in this special, she uses her gift to examine important social issues. She is able to address heavy topics with enough humor to keep the audience laughing while informing them of an important issue. She uses comedy to break down walls, allowing individuals to have conversations they may not have had before.

The special is directed by Jon Watt, filmed on a single stage set designed by Gary Cooper, with lighting by Paul Lim. The production team has done a great job of capturing the live performance feel in the archived piece, giving viewers a sense of the energy and the excitement of the audiences for whom Gadsby performs.

Fans of Nanette will see in Gadsby: Douglas another masterful work from a passionate, intelligent, and empathetic comedian. Fans new to Hannah Gadsby will find a performance that both entertains and invites them to think deeply about important social and cultural issues. For anyone who has a love for comedy that implores reflection and transformation, Hannah Gadsby: Douglas is a must-watch.

Hannah Gadsby: Douglas is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.