Bob Odenkirk slams ‘manosphere comedy’ as shallow and on the decline
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Bob Odenkirk criticized what he described as “manosphere comedy” as shallow and derogatory during an interview in which the actor touched on trends in modern stand-up, performance and cultural commentary.
“This is definitely about low-hanging fruit — big time,” Odenkirk said. “Interview” podcast for the New York Times. “It’s like it’s actually on the ground. A rotting fruit on the ground.”
When asked what today’s comedy scene is responding to, the “Better Call Saul” star made the statement, pointing to a wave of internet-driven, male-focused humor that’s gained traction in recent years.
“Manosphere comedy was the reactionary comedy movement of the last five years,” Odenkirk said.
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Bob Odenkirk criticizes “manosphere comedy” as shallow in his interview on The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast. (Randy Holmes/Disney)
“I don’t think he has a lot of depth,” Odenkirk said. “It’s a movement that I’m happy to see turn into something else, disappear or disband.”
He went further to suggest that the style relied more on shock value than considered material.
“This is literally like rotting on the ground. Take this and eat it. Throw it at people,” Odenkirk said.
“It will get boring after a while,” he added. “Like what? Let’s use the scenery as crudely as possible.”
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Bob Odenkirk reflects on performance and authenticity as he explains that comedians “act like someone with your name” onstage. (Getty Images)
Odenkirk framed the issue as part of a broader misunderstanding about comedy itself, arguing that audiences often mistake the performance for sincerity.
“If you want to say something honest, you have to get off the comedy stage,” Odenkirk said. “Everything you say is fiction. Everything.”
He added that part of the appeal comes from audiences responding to blunt or abrasive presentation rather than deeper insight.
“Let’s use the scene to be as crude as possible, as inept and stupid as possible,” Odenkirk said.
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Bob Odenkirk opens up about the impact of his fatal heart attack on the set of “Better Call Saul” and how it changed his perspective on life. (Olivia Wong/WireImage)
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He argued that comedians are often wrongly treated as speaking directly and from the heart when performing a role.
“You are not you. You are acting like a person named after you,” Odenkirk said.
He added that the change blurred the line between entertainment and genuine expression.
“That’s not true,” Odenkirk said. “If you really want people to understand this directly, you have to get off that comedy stage and say it somewhere else.”
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Odenkirk rose to prominence in the alternative comedy scene of the 1990s alongside David Cross and later gained mainstream recognition with “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” He has transitioned into action roles in recent years, including the “Nobody” series and the upcoming movie “Normal.”
