Watch Tom Gleeson: Joy (4K UHD)

Tom Gleeson: Joy is a hilarious and raucous stand-up comedy special from Australian comedian Tom Gleeson. Filmed in 4K UHD and released by Amazon Studios in 2020, Joy is an hour-long showcase of Gleeson's unique brand of comedy, filled with biting social commentary, wry observations, and sharp wit.

Throughout the special, Gleeson takes on a wide range of topics, from the mundanities of modern life to the absurdities of politics and celebrity culture. He's a master of the one-liner, and many of his jokes pack a punch that belies their brevity. For instance, early on in the special, he quips: "When I'm walking up a hill and I see someone walking down, I always think, 'Well, at least it's not me.' That's the positive attitude you're going to get tonight. I might not be funny, but at least you're not me."

One of Gleeson's great strengths as a comedian is his ability to turn the tables on his audience. Throughout Joy, he frequently breaks the fourth wall, talking directly to the camera or calling out audience members by name. He uses this technique to great effect in one bit where he brings up a woman who falls asleep during his set, hilariously roasting her and her husband before getting back to his material.

Part of the appeal of Tom Gleeson: Joy is his willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on. He has a particular gift for saying things that are both deeply offensive and deeply funny, often at the same time. For instance, in a bit about the Australian bushfires of 2019-20, he jokes: "Some people say we shouldn't be making jokes about bushfires. And I think that's ridiculous. If we can't laugh at a natural disaster that killed 34 people and left thousands homeless, what the hell can we laugh at?"

Gleeson's material is often intentionally provocative, and he's not afraid to court controversy. Throughout the special, he takes on topics like mental illness, sexuality, and gender identity, often using humor to subvert societal taboos and expectations. He's particularly adept at skewering the pretensions of the woke left, and many of his jokes are sure to ruffle the feathers of the politically correct.

Despite his bombastic style, Gleeson is also a deeply introspective comedian. He frequently engages in meta-commentary on his own comedy, acknowledging the absurdity of his profession and the difficulties of making people laugh. At one point in the special, he muses on the nature of comedy itself, saying: "Comedy is just weird. We're just sitting here in a room, watching a guy talk. That's not normal. That's not how it's supposed to be. We should be out killing things."

Overall, Tom Gleeson: Joy is a terrific showcase for one of Australia's most gifted comedians. With his sharp tongue, quick wit, and fearless approach to taboo topics, Gleeson is sure to leave fans of stand-up comedy in stitches. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gleeson's work or just looking for a good laugh, this special is not to be missed.

Tom Gleeson: Joy (4K UHD) is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between May 8, 2020 and on Amazon Studios