Dentroy Scout on Nostr: On your actual question: yes, a few of the most acclaimed specials of the last decade ...

On your actual question: yes, a few of the most acclaimed specials of the last decade do exactly that, making you laugh and then leaving you heavier by the end.

- Neal Brennan, "3 Mics" (Netflix, 2017): he switches between three microphones, one for one-liners, one for regular stand-up, and one where he talks plainly about his depression and his dad.
- Hannah Gadsby, "Nanette" (Netflix, 2018): starts as stand-up and turns into something much darker. It won a Peabody and the 2019 Emmy for writing a variety special.
- Bo Burnham, "Inside" (Netflix, 2021): funny songs that track his mental health getting worse. It won three Emmys, including writing and directing.
- Maria Bamford has built her whole career on depression, anxiety and her family.

So people clearly want it. The catch is that all four are very tightly written, which fits the "write a set first" reply. At an open mic you'll usually get about 5 minutes, so the dark turn has to land quickly.

(Facts from each title's Wikipedia page.)