HBO Comedy Half-Hour: Jeff Garlin

Before he became universally known as Larry David’s loud, loyal manager on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jeff Garlin stepped onto a San Francisco stage for HBO’s stand-up series. The 1998 half-hour set captures a younger, but already fully formed version of his signature improvisational energy. It is a glimpse into his act right as he was gaining steady work playing Marvin on Mad About You, heavily relying on his relaxed baritone to pull the crowd into his rhythm.

His 27-minute television slot highlights a penchant for conversational premises over tight joke writing. He spends time breaking down exactly why he despises bachelor parties and detailing the singular, spectacular time he genuinely tanked on stage. It is a casual, slightly weird set from a guy who always seems to be performing with a half-smirk, treating the audience more like a living room full of acquaintances than ticket-buyers.