David Cross says stand-up specials aren’t special anymore

Inside: 16 ways to celebrate L.‍A.‍'s literary scene; what we know about Kanye's new album; "Kim's Convenience" back on stage.‍  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­   ADVERTISEMENT March 28, 2026 | View in browser Entertainment David Cross says stand-up specials aren't special anymore unless comics start breaking some rules To make comedy specials special again, Cross says performers must break rules and take risks, rejecting slick, expensive productions that feel impersonal and phoned-in. Read More ADVERTISEMENT 16 ways to experience L.A.'s electric literary scene this spring From Skylight reading events to poetry at the Getty Central Garden, here's our curated list of literary happenings across Los Angeles. Read More 'Kim's Convenience' is back onstage after TV success with its sitcom warmth intact Ins Choi's "Kim Convenience," the Toronto hit play that inspired a TV show, opens at the Ahmanson Theatre, refreshes a familiar immigrant family drama with warmth and gentle humor. Read More ADVERTISEMENT At the Forum, Bad Omens are a good sign for heavy rock's future Bad Omens' slam-packed Thursday night show reaffirms that they're one of the most ambitious and skilled young bands in rock. Read More Saying 'I do' is supposed to be joyous — unless something very bad happens Haley Z. Boston's Netflix series "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen," executive produced by the Duffer Brothers, explores what happens when you have doubts about marriage. Read More Keep up with California Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Subscribe to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe Now There are no operas more brilliantly wacky than those of Gerald Barry. Look out for 'Salome' Following two of the most brilliantly wacky operas of our time from Gerald Barry, the premiere of his "Salome" promises to out-wacky the others. Read More NBC's 'Today' sets date for Savannah Guthrie's return The morning show co-host has been off the air since her mother was abducted on Feb. 1. Read More What we know (so far) about Ye's 'Bully' The rapper reportedly premiered his long-gestating new LP online late Thursday. Read More ADVERTISEMENT Thank you for reading Entertainment Digest from the Los Angeles Times Sign up for more L.A. Times newsletters. Sign Up You received this email because you opted to receive email communications from L.A. Times. Unsubscribe | Manage marketing email preferences | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | CA Notice of Collection Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. Place an ad or classified. Copyright © 2026, Los Angeles Times 2300 E. Imperial Highway, El Segundo, CA 90245 1-800-LA-TIMES latimes.com