Cats, Cops and Stuff

Armed with nothing but a microphone, a stool, and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula Poundstone uses her 1990 HBO hour to turn casual conversation into an art form. The set thrives on spontaneous audience interaction, blending organic crowd work with crafted bits about the absurdity of everyday life. She evaluates the logic of a 1982 Snickers commercial script, analyzes the structural flaws of her Pop-Tart diet, and gives voice to the demanding inner monologues of her cats. It is a loose, conversational hour that feels entirely off-the-cuff even when she hits her rehearsed material.

Directed by Bruce Gowers, “Cats, Cops and Stuff” captured Poundstone just as she was becoming a major force in comedy. Her ability to riff on the spot—sparked by moments like a front-row fan handing her a box of pastries—earned the hour wide acclaim. The set took home a CableACE Award for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special, making her the first woman to win the category. Decades later, Tig Notaro cited it in Time Magazine as one of the five best stand-up specials ever made.