Obsessed

Jim Gaffigan treats eating terribly like an extreme sport, and Obsessed is him reviewing the game tape. By his fourth hour, his signature stage persona is an exact science. He plays the doughy, self-deprecating father of five whose high-pitched inner monologue constantly judges his own material. He knows people expect him to talk about his diet, and he delivers a methodical takedown of kale, Whole Foods, Chinese desserts, and hot dogs.

Filmed at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, the 2014 Comedy Central release leans into the local crowd with a long chunk dissecting seafood. He questions the appeal of oysters—“rocks with snot in them”—and notes the clear red flag of needing a hammer just to eat a crab. Beyond the buffet, he taps into the physical reality of raising a large family, outlining a strategic plan to avoid paying for his daughter’s future wedding by simply passing away beforehand. The album debuted at number one on the iTunes comedy charts and picked up a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album.