Ep 9. Everything is Terrifying

The Chris Gethard Show is a talk show that invites viewers and guests to participate in bizarre and unconventional stunts, games, and conversations. Season 3 episode 9, titled "Everything is Terrifying," follows the show's usual format of pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected with a Halloween-themed episode that explores different dimensions of fear and paranoia.

From the start, Chris Gethard sets the tone for the episode by sharing some of his own irrational fears, ranging from a fear of clowns to a fear of the dark. The audience is then introduced to the guests, which include comedian Jo Firestone, actor Nick Kroll, and writer Aparna Nancherla, among others. Together, they form a panel that will face a series of challenges designed to elicit fear and discomfort, as well as engage in conversations about what makes us afraid and why.

The first segment of the show is called "Fear Factor," in which members of the audience are invited to share their own personal fears and phobias while blindfolded. Chris Gethard and the panel then have the option of confronting these fears in real-time, such as handling live snakes or putting their hands in boxes filled with mice. The segment is equal parts thrilling and unsettling, as the audience is kept in suspense about what might happen next.

Next up is "The Scarecroft," a haunted house set up in the studio that challenges guests to navigate through a series of spooky rooms, complete with creepy decorations, jump scares, and unsettling sound effects. As they travel through the maze, the guests are faced with challenges that test their courage, such as having to reach into a bowl of eyeballs to retrieve a key or drinking "witch's brew" to move on to the next room. The tension is high as the guests try to navigate the maze without making a fool of themselves, and the audience is left on edge wondering what lurks around the corner.

The third segment of the show is called "The Ring," in which different members of the audience are challenged to retrieve a prize from a small pool of water while blindfolded. The catch? There is a live tarantula in the water with them. The audience is encouraged to cheer for the brave souls as they fumble around in the water, all the while wondering if the spider will crawl up their sleeve.

Finally, the show ends on a more introspective note with a conversation about the nature of fear itself. The guests discuss the difference between what is logical and irrational fear, as well as the role that fear plays in society and politics. They also share personal stories about when fear led to a transformational experience, whether it was confronting a phobia or facing a challenge that seemed insurmountable. The conversation is thoughtful and meaningful, providing a counterbalance to the more outrageous stunts of the previous segments.

Overall, "Everything is Terrifying" is an excellent example of what makes The Chris Gethard Show so unique and exciting. The Halloween theme provides a perfect backdrop for exploring different aspects of fear, while the stunts and challenges provide plenty of thrills and laughs. At the same time, the show doesn't shy away from deeper conversations about the role of fear in our lives, making it a well-rounded and engaging viewing experience.