Ep 7. Greg Giraldo

Greg Giraldo was one of the most talented, intelligent and hilarious comedians who left us too soon. In the seventh episode of Dark Side of Comedy season 1, the focus is on Giraldo's life and career, which ended abruptly in 2010 at the age of 44 due to an accidental overdose of prescription pills.

The episode takes us through Giraldo's early beginnings in comedy, his struggles with addiction, his rise as a household name and his untimely death. Dark Side of Comedy does a fantastic job in showing how Greg's quick wit, incisive intellect, and superb comedic timing made him stand out in the crowded world of stand-up comedy.

The audience is taken back to a time when Giraldo was a young man working as an attorney in New York City. We learn that his passion for comedy made him quit his law job, and he pursued a career in stand-up comedy full time. The episode shows us clips and highlights of Giraldo's acclaimed performances on various comedy central roasts, including those of Charlie Sheen, Joan Rivers, and Flavor Flav, and his own special 'Midlife Vices.'

Giraldo's humor was often edgy and unapologetic, tackling sensitive social issues like race, politics, and religion. This episode shows how he pushed the boundaries and brought uncomfortable truths to light. Although his humor was often dark and sarcastic, Giraldo's likable persona and devilish smirk made him endearing to his fans.

Despite his success and fame, Greg battled addiction throughout his career. The episode goes on to reveal how his reliance on narcotics eventually led to his downfall. Dark Side of Comedy shines a light on the struggles that many comedians face while trying to cope with the pressure of being funny all the time, often leading to self-destructive habits.

The episode features interviews with comedians who worked and toured with Giraldo, including Jim Norton, Tom Papa, and Daniel Tosh, who pays tribute to Giraldo, calling him one of his biggest inspirations. Interviews with family and friends also provide insight into Giraldo's personal life, painting a picture of a man who struggled to balance his private and public persona. The episode also features appearances by Sarah Silverman, who recounts fond memories of Giraldo, and Patton Oswalt, who reveals how Giraldo's death affected him.

Overall, the seventh episode of Dark Side of Comedy season 1, named after Greg Giraldo, is a bittersweet tribute to a talented comedian whose death has left a void in the comedy world. The episode does an excellent job in capturing Giraldo's life, his work, his addiction, and the legacy he leaves behind. It's a must-watch for fans who want to learn more about the beloved comedian and the dark side of comedy.