Watching Jim Gaffigan’s comedy specials always gives me such pleasure. His brand of clean homespun humor never ceases to delight me. So, of course, I looked forward to this sixth special, Jim Gaffigan: Noble Ape, and was not disappointed. Gaffigan is in the Zone here as he covers a multitude of topics, including the recent medical crisis in his family which involved his wife’s brain tumor. Happily, his wife is fine now. Jeannie Gaffigan even directed and co-wrote Noble Ape.

After discussing this personal crisis with his audience, Jim Gaffigan moves on to a wide range of topics. Some of my favorites? How tourism and parenting are similar, the massage mystery, fashion attitudes, strange fruit, and M&Ms.

Gaffigan’s unique self-deprecating delivery enhances his sometimes “unthinkable” material and helps him win the hearts of viewers. I continue to be impressed by the skillful way he moves from one topic to the next. And it’s no wonder the Wall Street Journal called him the King of Clean Comedy.         

Noble Ape was recorded live at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston after a sold out North American Tour of theaters. And now more viewers can enjoy Gaffigan’s entertaining performance, thanks to Comedy Dynamics.  

“Noble Ape” made me laugh again.

The reason? It’s Jim Gaffigan.

Clean Comedy King is his gig.

Laughs he evokes? Not small but BIG.

No matter what he talks about,

we cheer him on and want to shout,

“Don’t ever go to the dark side.

We like to take this lighter ride!”

Yet nothing’s sacred to this man.

His topics? The whole world to scan.

Medicine and religion too

come under his amusing view.

Watch out Finland and you, Japan!

You are not safe from this fun man.

But they are in good company.

Even the Pope gets scrutiny.

Refreshing to see a show like this.

It’s one I’m glad I did not miss.

So thankful for the laughs galore.

But now I’m left wanting lots more!

Gaffigan fans should be happy to know that 2018 looks like a breakthrough year for him. He’s in 13 feature films scheduled for release, including Troupe Zero (co-starring Oscar winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney) and Hotel Transylvania 3, where he voices Dr. Van Helsing, the legendary monster hunter.    

(Limited theatrical release by Comedy Dynamics; also available on Amazon as well as other streaming services. Not rated by MPAA.)