Mostly Sex Stuff

Amy Schumer built her early career on a specific tension: looking like a Kewpie doll while saying the dirtiest thing possible. In her first hour-long special, she solidifies that persona. She plays with her hair, uses strategic “ums” to sound insecure, and casually mutters expletive-heavy punchlines about bad dates under her breath. The hour lives up to its title, focusing heavily on the mechanical, often humiliating realities of dating—from hostile personal grooming appointments to boyfriends who make weird requests at dinner.

Filmed at The Fillmore in San Francisco, the 2012 set captures the comic just before she became a household name. She was coming off high-profile appearances at the Comedy Central roasts, and the network bet heavily on her original material. The broadcast was a massive ratings hit, becoming the channel’s most-watched stand-up hour in over a year and immediately securing the green light for her eventual sketch series.