Watch The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling was a two-part documentary released by HBO in 2018, directed and produced by Judd Apatow. The documentary provides an intimate look into the life of legendary comedian Garry Shandling, who was known for his unique style of humor and groundbreaking contributions to the world of comedy during the 1980s and 1990s.

The documentary is split into two parts, each running for approximately 110 minutes. The first part, titled "It's Great That Garry Shandling Is Still Alive", examines the early life and career of Shandling. It covers his early struggles in the comedy scene, getting his first big break as a writer for sitcoms like Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter, and eventually transitioning into stand-up comedy.

The first part also delves into Shandling's personal life, including his childhood and relationships with his parents. It also covers his struggles with mental health and relationships, which are recurring themes throughout the documentary. Through rare home videos, photographs, and interviews with friends and family members, viewers are given a deeper understanding of Shandling's personality and how it influenced his comedy.

The second part, titled "The Moment You Decide to Become a Comedian is the Moment You Announce that You Are Alone", picks up where the first part left off and focuses primarily on the making of The Larry Sanders Show. Considered by many to be Shandling's greatest achievement, The Larry Sanders Show was a groundbreaking sitcom that satirized the entertainment industry and was instrumental in shaping the comedic landscape.

The second part of the documentary also explores Shandling's final years, including his death in 2016. It examines how he continued to work on his craft even as his health deteriorated and how the people who knew him best coped with his passing.

Throughout both parts of the documentary, Apatow and his team make use of never-before-seen footage and photographs, including recordings Shandling made of his own therapy sessions. By doing so, viewers are given a unique glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential comedians of our time.

While The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is undeniably a celebration of Shandling's life and career, it is also a deeply personal exploration of the man behind the comedy. By exploring his relationships, insecurities, and passions, Apatow gives viewers a much more nuanced and complex understanding of Shandling than they may have had before.

In many ways, The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is not just a documentary about the life of one man, but a meditation on the nature of comedy and the people who devote their lives to it. It is a testament to the power of humor to connect people, even in the darkest of times, and a reminder of the contributions that Shandling made to the world of comedy and beyond.

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between March 26, 2018 and on HBO