Remembering Norm Macdonald with Dave Chappelle, David Letterman and More | Netflix

Dave Chappelle, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Adam Sandler, Molly Shannon and David Spade watch and react to Norm Macdonald’s 3 time Emmy® Award nominated Netflix comedy special Nothing Special. Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special is now streaming!
Subscribe: bit.ly/2Kncxw6
About Netflix Is A Joke: The official hub of Netflix stand-up, comedy series, films, and all things funny - curated by the world’s most advanced algorithm and a depressed, yet lovable, cartoon horse. Their unlikely friendship is our story…
About Netflix:
Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 221 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Connect with Netflix Is A Joke:
Visit Netflix WEBSITE: nflx.it/29BcWb5
Like Netflix Is A Joke on FACEBOOK: / netflixisajoke
Follow Netflix Is A Joke on TWITTER: / netflixisajoke
Follow Netflix Is A Joke on INSTAGRAM: / netflixisajoke

[@dc656]

I was really depressed when I heard he passed. But I shook off the depression, got myself washed up, withdrew $15 in cash, and went under the Queensboro Bridge and boy did I feel better after.

[@elconquistador364]

Paul Newman said, "you never get over it "

[@DaveS71]

@Yuri Ashol Adam Eget

[@squiggles1239]

@Yuri Ashol 😂

[@joeblow1942]

Ha ha, I KNEW when I started to read your comment that you were going to say that! He was one of the greats. RIP Norm.

[@Iyiouseismouse]

What a punk!

[@bradhend]

Imagine having THIS collection of comedians getting together to talk about how funny you were and remember you. What a legend.

[@raydraiz1859]

No!

[@TrumpsEarBandage]

Won’t happen for Amy Schumer

[@brandonchavez9924]

Eh, they can keep Sandler and Spade.

[@Dime_time333]

@@brandonchavez9924 they've had their moments. Especially Sandler. You can't say you hate all of his movies. No way.

[@brandonchavez9924]

@@Dime_time333 I absolutely do, besides the ones he didn’t direct himself. I give ones like Punch Drunk Love and Reign Over Me a grudging pass. But Sandler is a no effort money launderer when it comes to his “comedy”. Even the ones people consider good I can’t sit through. Just loud, obnoxious screaming. I’m definitely not a fan.

[@VodkaIsGood4U]

Norm isnt the comedian you worshipped until you were mature enough to see all the angles. Pure genius and its validated by the respect and reverence you see his peers remember him. Just sheer balls, conviction and bravery.

[@Pedroepacas]

But he was also the one that was praised daily by every other comedian or entertainer while he was still alive and working. You will see him being mentioned a bunch on any comedian podcast way before he died.

[@grizzlywhisker]

It's weird for me because I first saw Norm in Billy Madison with Sandler. Then I became familiar with him when he got on SNL and was doing the OJ jokes on Weekend Update. I remember going to see Dirty Work in the theater because I thought he was absolutely hilarious. I also remember being excited to see him voice the "Death" character on that really early Family Guy episode. I was a huge fan when I first came across him, but then I totally lost track of him for 10 or 15 years. Then I somehow rediscovered Norm over the past 6 or 7 years on KZbin, realized he had been doing a podcast and that I had never even seen the sports show on cable TV he had done (along with a few other things.) It was fun to get to watch all the old material again and discover all the newer stuff he had done that I hadn't seen. I remember being surprised how much weight he had gained and how much different he looked when I realized he was still doing comedy. I became a huge fan all over again, and his death hit hard because he was someone I looked up to when I was young that I was even more impressed with when I found him again at a later stage in life. Norm was absolutely a legendary guy, and I appreciate him on a totally different level compared to when I was a teenager in the 90's watching Dirty Work.

[@gargoyled_drake]

i know of his work, but never had the honor of meeting the man. He did seem to be doing his best to enjoy life. And i think that shined through in everything that he did. He never seemed to have lost the kid in him either, just seemed very pure, though mature and like someone who really wanted to spread joy.

[@calburge4338]

I agree I knew he was funny. Never knew he was THAT funny. He’s a genius!! RIP NORM

[@gopokes09]

That’s a good point. It’s like Bobby Knight’s borrowing of the quote at his retirement, “I did it my way.” Norm was his own man come what may. You have to admire that.

[@michaeljacksin9367]

this is damming proof that norm really liked people named Dave

[@NativeSon2012]

Just further supports your theory that Norm loves people named Dave!

[@davidperez5089]

Do you think Dave regrets not accepting His goodbye hug?

[@michaeljacksin9367]

@@davidperez5089 "we talked about that"

[@davidperez5089]

@@michaeljacksin9367 Time stamp

[@michaeljacksin9367]

@@davidperez5089 norm has a show letterman episode

[@chinaman1]

Even in death Norm is still trolling David Spade. Everyone got comfortable chairs to sit on except him. Spade's just sitting on some dinner chair.

[@stallhaagen]

“Cause you and me here are normal but Spade here…”

[@harrymothowl8923]

Hahaha this is my 3rd time watching this and never noticed it haha

[@dedg0st]

he has back problems. he was kneeling in his chair during his Tony hawk podcast appearance. he finally mentions it. I'm just glad I could ruin the bit with this comment. p.s. 你真的是中国人吗？

[@chinaman1]

@@dedg0st 是又这么样？不是又这么样？

[@willburke8373]

@@stallhaagenyou can tell he just woke up from a sweaty fever dream.

[@mtrps_]

Netflix should do everyone a solid by putting back on Norm MacDonald Live, because those were him at HIS BEST. What he wanted to be remembered by.

[@nickrobinson5352]

Yes, great idea!

[@JamesGalloway27]

they're still busy "reimagining" them

[@NegationOfNegation]

Hear, Hear!

[@Grief944]

They absolutely should

[@RockyMountainHigh74]

Netflix is too woke and self righteous to put Norm MacDonald Live on there

[@peugeot120]

When Norm gave Conan the congratulatory basket on the tonight show I almost died laughing

[@theomen7665]

"That's something they can never take away from you. Sure, the pressures on. But if I know you, miserable failure is not an option".

[@chyl0764]

Classic appearance

[@TheScyy]

Still miss that old chunk of coal.

[@Frank7489]

Or the part about how every 10 years Jay Leno out foxes some red headed rube 😂

[@antestanic2964]

@@theomen7665 He really said that? It`s a beautiful thing to say to a friend.

[@Sludgehammer138]

Chappelle's comment about Norm's timing being like a jazz drummer was really great analogy.

[@garrett621]

Agreed. I said "yes!" out loud when Dave Chappelle made that analogy.

[@McNuuuuggggiiiieeeessss]

Norm was naturally in tune with what was funny, I've never seen him in person, but even if a joke didn't land, he'd still win the crowd over or at least the people watching after the fact. Music can be mathmatic but it all depends on the person to make it truly amazing/timeless, I think Norm had that gift with his style of comedy.

[@perseus9428]

Conan always made Norm funnier. Something about the way they flowed together.

[@SirMo]

Norm was a funny dude no matter what. But he could also really make Conan laugh. So it just amplified the whole thing, to watch this master comedian, make another comedian crack up laughing. I don't know any other comedian who can make Conan laugh like Norm, except for maybe Bill Burr.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Perfect straight man

[@AngryHandstands]

Gotta look up the "chairman of the board" joke Norm made on Conan. one more time. 10\10 Norm+Conan moment

[@qwertyuiop-ke7fs]

They're both smart

[@dangerous8333]

Straight man.

[@frame-perfectadskip9159]

What I remember about Norm MacDonald was Netflix acquiring his show and taking it away from us by "cancelling" him over a joke he made years before. Fuck you Netflix. Love you Norm.

[@soundboyeric2276]

Upvote this. Netflix wants their cake and eat it too

[@juice6199]

@@soundboyeric2276 Agreed. EAT SHIT NETFLIX

[@sanjaivkovic9126]

Love You Norm GOD SPEED

[@SJNaka101]

Yeah, the worst thing about it is the hypocrisy

[@Tom_Ate_95]

That's not what happened.

[@Dana-wq5tp]

I like how Dave Chappelle said his comedy was that of a jazz musician because I would always tell people after watching a Norm set or bit how incredible his timing was. Superior to anyone else. Not all of his material was funny but the way he would deliver it would make me laugh. Even in interviews or on talk shows, that timing was always there. It was a gift and it's what separated him from other comics.

[@brandonhicks9926]

For real. Some of the jokes he told were genuinely terrible jokes, but somehow, for some reason, I still laughed at them

[@Gonzoogs2003]

@@brandonhicks9926I think a huge part of it is that you and I KNOW what a genius he is, so there’s something so much funnier about hearing norm do a shit joke because we feel like we’re in on it.

[@Madeoftea]

Not all of his stuff was funny, but he thought all of his stuff was funny and believed it. And that, laughing at him laughing at. His own jokes, even if they weren’t funny, was pure Norm.

[@bealiobealio]

You miss all the shots you don't take, Norm missed, but always got the laugh.

[@StopmotionStudios13]

His comedy is like his gambling. Everything on red. Its the same thrill. Great quote from conan.

[@wneumanjr285]

*( ISN'T [°RED] · "EVEN" · THOUGH ! 🎲🎲 ) ❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓ €¥£ ^

[@guthriechristina]

totally probably maybe the same thrill

[@melchior2678]

Norm was great. Conan and Netflix are gay AF

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

Comedians love doing Alcoholics Anonymous crowds because we've seen it all, & heard about everything we haven't seen in person, & in great detail. If he was a gambling addict, well... that makes sense because I laughed my ass off at EVERYTHING he did, even the stuff that noone else laughed at, & I'm a boozer. I love his Netflix effort. Laughing at things that no one else is visibly laughing at? somehow makes it all the better, somehow. It's like masturbation, almost; you imagine what the joke would do, & you kind of do... most of the work to arrive at the payoff you anticipate, but on your own steam. He's just... the servant. Does that make sense? Like, he gives you HALF the delivery, & you... pick it up & run it to the door & it's worth it. Comedians HATED COVID comedy acts, performing to... basically empty air, because most comedians feed off the room energy. Norm... he's different. A deadly disease RAMPAGING THRU HIS AUDIENCE, he doesn't care. Like these guys said, he serves you what he can come up with. If you get it, you get it. If you don't, well... you die from a deadly epidemic sad. He's just doing his best.

[@butterflymoon6368]

might want to use speech marks there, son

[@bigthiccboi137]

You know it was a real class act to put this part of the special on KZbin for free. Someone at Netflix really loved norm, and we thank you for that.

[@YoureRatherDumb]

Ted Sarandos, from what Norm said.

[@goramvach1767]

WELL NO... YOU SEE THEY OWE NORM'S FAMILY MONEY AND ... WELL... THEY GAVE THEM THIS KZbin CLIP INSTEAD. THEY GAVE THEM A CLIP ON KZbin WHICH THEY WONT EVEN GET THE AD REVENUE FOR PROBABLY...

[@losethos1734]

Is that why Netflix won't release his podcast? F them

[@ffejpsycho]

hahaha

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

yep

[@FunkBastid]

Spade and Sandler were pretty quiet here, but they probably knew him the best out of this group. I’d love to see a 5-hour talk of those 2, Schneider, Swardson, and Eget just kicking it and telling Norm stories

[@wunderdub]

100p my thoughts also

[@snavisTM]

In fact letterman has spoke during interviews basically making fun of Norm for getting emotional during letterman's final episode so all on all we could have definitely done with out him and who invited Chepelle, that dude never stops talking.

[@laarman.]

@@snavisTM it’s almost like norm had a massive impact on his life!! Shun him for shining light on a passed friend!!

[@angelaoehley7931]

Probably too painful for them especially Spade. 😢

[@jewbego5323]

No they didn't

[@chandlerwarren6281]

Dave hit it on the head, Norm made me feel safe and like everythings going to be okay. Time stands still when listening to Norm, no worries or stress, just enveloped by someone sharing their mind with you

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

Conan says, "No one talks like that." Chappelle is close when he says Norm sounded like "a 1930s Canadian dockworker." I'm just a bit younger than Norm, but also had older WWII-era parents. Norm talks like the older people I grew up around in rural Canada in the late 60s and early 70s.

[@RudyBoy]

Wow, really interesting! Thanks for that piece of trivia

[@RudyBoy]

I always couldn't put my finger on it

[@shuhbhm]

When he was a young kid he used to hangout with the old people a lot and that's where picked it, he tells about that in some podcast. I don't remember the name

[@ryanmills5942]

This is how Canadians talked before we had the tv

[@guitarjacksonblue]

Now that you said that i kinda see some tiny simularities in his speech pattern to jordan peterson. Who comes from a similar background i think.

[@tomwilko7841]

I'm a marketing exec at 9/11 Airways and would just like to thank norm for keeping my small company from almost certain bankruptcy with his kind words...turns out the name of our airline reminds some people of a terrible tragedy that happened in New York years ago...we've finally turned a profit this last quarter and are looking forward to our merger with a little known but very profitable airline bearing fruit...we've changed our name out of respect for that terrible tragedy so look out for new routes throughout the Virgin Isles from 'Epstein Caribbean Airways'..."more than you bargained for... guaranteed"

[@salkdhfpoahergpoahre1534]

That's a terrible name for an airline. It reminds me of that tragedy

[@michaeljacksin9367]

@@salkdhfpoahergpoahre1534 plains trains automobiles and programmed missile trajectory

[@ThrasherGnar]

9/11 was a National tragedy…

[@georgesotiriou7051]

@@ThrasherGnar Don't laugh at that.

[@gbeach85]

Now you’re thinking like Albert Fish.

[@TheDJOblivion]

You could find 200 comedians to sit down and do this and there never be a repeating story, the man is a literal legend.

[@OtisB.Driftwood]

As a Swedish-German, I have the utmost respect for Norm.

[@JW-zl5ju]

I hope you don't entertain any funny business

[@Angelgrinder1]

Do you need someone to hold you down? :)

[@drewwhitney7327]

“The country I fear is Germany. Now, I don’t if any of you are history buffs…”

[@mplslawnguy3389]

My god you must be sore

[@chocolatepolos1268]

Fucking Richter giving out about Norms joke that he didn't even get in the first place. This Andy guy is a real jerk!

[@jonathananaya]

I like how Letterman naturally asks questions and keeps the conversation going. And how Adam has a jersey on under his shirt. He’s a bum to the core. Love it. Rest in Peace Norm. Truly a great.

[@23rascel]

Letterman’s masterful interviewing skills on display

[@CaptainObvio]

Ball is life for Sandler

[@henriquejmsantos]

Rather be alive tbh. Bit i get your sentiment nonetheless.

[@RhinoAg]

Sandlers jewish roots hating norm for being white coming to fruition

[@VodkaIsGood4U]

Letterman is maybe the biggest legend on this panel and thats saying something. Still the best host of his era imo. Him driving the convo is no shock here.

[@dylantornello1539]

Letterman just naturally moves the conversation on without losing interest in the topic its masterful

[@jaunnada3648]

You have zero skills at reading people. Chappelle and Conan can barely look Daves way they can't stomach him so much. Dave really does think he is intelligent when he clearly is not.

[@donlightfoot9608]

What? Letterman awkwardly derailed the conversation every time he spoke. He asked such ridiculous questions no one even wanted to answer.

[@AlJayWright]

@@jaunnada3648 I wouldnt go that far but his comments were not particularly insightful

[@JP1989-l9h]

Hell no, dave was asking the dumbest questions ive ever heard.

[@morose1434]

@@jaunnada3648 So after watching this heartwarming video, seeing all of the pictures of Norm with his loved ones and hearing people who loved him talk about him, you immediately switch into a different mode when seeing a happy comment made by someone else who loved Norm. Why do you care enough to be so mean about it? I can’t imagine watching this lovely video then starting shit with someone saying something they liked about it

[@fischkopf]

Letterman and Conan kept Norm's career going, don't know how much, but after he got fired for making OJ jokes on SNL they kept inviting Norm to their shows.

Indeed and that's where a generation came to love Norm.

[@gbeach85]

He’s a “comedian’s comedian.” The one all the other more successful comics praise.

[@Kelberoth]

and didn't it work out so well for them? Not saying they did this out of selfish interest, but some idiot boots him off SNL and then he crushes again and again and again... and again, and again, on their talk shows. Like, it was so great for them, my favorite Conan moments ALL had Norm on. Chairmen of the Bored comes to mind.

[@adamdesanti6713]

The appreciated him. They "got" him. He was there to "waste" everyone's time, like Conan says. And it was glorious, like Dave says.

[@Talkinknicks]

I wonder if Sandler thinks its bizarre that in his movie “Funny People”, the plot is basically the last 10 years of Norms life . In the movie, Sandler plays a comedian who suddenly finds out hes dying of cancer ,keeps it a secret from everyone, & becomes a more heartfelt ,authentic person, taking a younger comedian under his wing ,and reconciles broken relationships. I wonder how Norm reacted to seeing this coincidence premise,his friend playing his role and art imitating his life, dying of cancer, keeping it quiet , being emotional knowing how precious each interaction with his friends is and how it might be his last time seeing them. He must have been dying to tell Sandler, “ you stole my life story” . Or i wonder if Norm gave him the idea while trying to tell Sandler but he mistook it as a joke movie idea. Who wrote the story? Its so ironic but no one mentions it .

[@melchior2678]

It's just another example of a ko$her comedian stealing from a Gentile - in this case, Norm.

[@melchior2678]

"What a weJ steals from a Gentile he may keep" - Talmud, Sanhedrin 37a

[@DonkeyBoyVids]

@@melchior2678 good job buddy you got it all figured out! You totally understand everything about the world and the deep state and society! You win! Now go fuck yourself.

[@dEcmircEd]

I think it's the way around. norm liked Adams cancer idea and decided to run with it

[@snavisTM]

To bad that movie was awful.

[@minister2965]

Letterman was seasoned enough to know what questions to ask. Even when Conan seems to break he went and gave others a chance to let him calm down.

[@jaunnada3648]

Dave is a creepy perverted self absorbed talentless maggot.

[@shaunieinthewrasslin2877]

You know your special when adam Sandler wears long pants to an event for you

[@karuonline3294]

Lol

[@matthewlloyd3651]

Wow! Just wow. Industry heavyweights taking time to share stories about an original artist that influenced them. Professionally but also personally. I really like how they all praised Norm Macdonald's fearlessness. A true inspiration to all performers. RIP Norm. 👏 🇨🇦 ❤️

[@nelparduke4021]

Smell my seed.

[@stanleyfranks9891]

Would have been cool if they did this while thee legend was still with us instead of making money of his name when he’s dead!! Not to mention maybe having his REAL really close friends like Artie Lange, Colin Quinn, Rosanne, Kevin Farley… then maybe Spade, Sandler and David Letterman…

[@fezzik7619]

*off. And these people were all very close to Norm as well. Who says the made money off this you cynical a-hole. Letterman had him on his show constantly as did Conan. He was Letterman’s final segment. When Conan was struggling to keep his show on the air he’d have Norm on a lot because he new he could count on a good segment. You heard Chappelle’s testimony. Molly and Adam started their careers on SNL with Norm. So stop being such a little prick about it!

[@Mehskakdnhwusbfk]

@@stanleyfranks9891 Actually norm idolized david letterman. But I agree with what you're saying.

[@stanleyfranks9891]

@@Mehskakdnhwusbfk Yes he did along with Mr Warmth Don Rickles and Mr Bob Hope!!! His favorites!! My point was, Norm probably only talked to Chapelle like 20 times in his life and Molly Shannon far fewer!! These people were struggling for Norm stories when his actual real friends in show business like Artie Lange, Colin Quinn, Kevin Farley, Jim Breuer and Rosanne have a million Norm stories and would have brought more heart to the conversation as they were all unbelievably close with Norm! Don’t get me Wrong I know Norm was Close with Sandler, Spade, Swardson and the rest of the Roh Schneider Gang and Dave and Conan were a great place for Norm to showcase his skills but Wish it was LONGER and more personal with Real Friends!! Not just showbiz buddies stretching for stories!!

[@Kukabu12]

When I was in Quarantine, I stumbled upon his work. You know how friends just disappear after you graduate? What I mean to say is, your real friends stay, and I didn't have many of those left on account of my own mistakes. Well, at this point I was a Junior in Highschool and I was obsessed with comedy, but Norm was the most fascinating comedian to discover on my travel through the culture of comedy. I devoutly follow comedy, and I try my hardest to keep everyone laughing the way that I saw him do it. He taught me a lot, not just about how to lift spirits, but to simply communicate properly. Anyways, I still remember thinking to myself often, "What kind of person is he?" "Would we be friends if we met?" And I had literally dreamt meeting him a couple times. I still remember the day he died. I didn't cry until a week later, I think it's because quarantine really fucked up my neurochemistry or something, but whatever. The comedian I had loved to listen to who's humor perfectly suited mine, thus driving me to want to adhere to and consume anything he made, had died. I then realized he would be gone, and that I would never see the chance to meet him myself. Regardless of the situation, I just wanted to hear him tell me that I had made a decent joke. Or maybe to shake his hand and just say thank you. There's very few people I looked at with this sort of para-social relationship, and I'm proud to say it. But sadly, I never got to see him live. Never got to see in person just how he loved to work the crowds. It's truly saddening to realize that it has officially been a year since his death, and there is not a moment that goes by where I don't think of his jokes. I truly hope that he knew his impact on his fans and loved ones was greater than he could ever imagine. Maybe that's what his intention was when he didn't tell everyone, maybe it was so that he could look back in the afterlife and chuckle. Rest in Peace King, and Thank you for the laughs.

[@a.s.h.5774]

He knew, dude. He knew

[@Tomthestarhartnell]

Do you know Kermit Jagger?

[@wangson]

" You know how friends just disappear after you graduate?" I sure do. I've been dwelling on that a bit lately. I do see old high school friends here and there - it's just not as fun as it was back then...even when we're drinking!! Back in the day, it was grass combined with drinking...I can't handle smoking grass anymore. At 48, I'm starting to fall apart but I miss those goddamn, good ol' days man! I feel like a fucking asshole for not doing more to reach out but I think that they main 3 or 4 feel like I do. They've got kids - I don't. Maybe that's it.

[@benoitmatters3674]

Keeping it a secret was his way of beating the disease. Now he is remembered as the legend he should be and is. Not just another celebrity who died of cancer. Now his legend will live on forever unlike the disease he leaves behind.

[@darthjohn0]

Norm's passing was sad...at the time. But seriously, it's not only sad Norm has passed but so have many of his friend's that were guests on his podcast: Fred Willard, Larry King, Super Dave, Carl Reiner, Gilbert Gottfried, and Bob Saget.

[@camvick407]

Wild year man

[@imfly131]

Took me almost a week to look back and laugh.

[@TokyoXtreme]

Somehow Andy Dick has survived.

[@trendybistro]

@@TokyoXtreme I bet he wishes he hadn't, did you see that weird video of him in some dudes apartment on skeeved out?

[@bombadilian]

Didn't realise Gottfried had passed.

[@anubislee36]

I never would have expected that I would fall in love with a comedian I grew up ignoring, let alone that he would end up teaching me such a valuable lesson: If you love someone, appreciate them while you can because we rarely get to know when the end is going to come. The last line of his book has become a mantra for me as well. "I have been lucky."

[@Darkstar001]

"turkey fucking chilli, story of my life.

[@davidigleniec2483]

give them their flowers while they are here to appreciate them.

[@tauruschorus]

Have some internet flowers on me

[@chrislynn9592]

Thank you for this post/comment. You are so right in your assessment. Thanks a lot

[@itzMarcMan]

This is literally me right now. I can’t believe I called myself a comedy fan but literally never even blinked in Norms direction. RIP.

[@eddiearrington8086]

Norms integrity was monstrous in scale. No one could push him in a corner without regretting it. He was many moves ahead of anyone in his sphere. He was a man of great substance

[@vanhetgoor]

Adam Sandler is nice, when he quotes Norm, the intonation of his voice becomes like it is the voice of Norm. Only the good ones can do that.

[@jameskim1505]

Adam is a great one.

[@vanhetgoor]

@@pashadyne What is wrong with being a nice person and releasing boring sh*t movies? The last decade Hollywood did not produce ONE movie that was up lifting and entertaining. All movies nowadays are just Fireworks and Psychopaths spreading their filth on the general public and children in special.

[@CustomizedUsername]

@@pashadyne he just makes kid movies now. His run in the 90s and early 2000s was epic. Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Waterboy, Wedding Singer, Big Daddy, Mr. Deeds, 50 First Dates, Longest Yard and Little Nicky I’ll still watch if I see them while channel surfing. The ones he produced like Deuce Bigalow, Joe Dirt, Grandma’s Boy and others I can’t quite remember were solid comedies. I even like his serious stuff Spanglish, Reign Over Me, Uncut Gems, and especially Hustle. He has a solid resume, why the hate?

[@cngotham4111]

@@pashadyne we are watching a video of people honoring their dead friend. A dead person is getting honored with the people he met throughout his live. One being Adam Sandler and your here talking about some crap movies. Get over yourself.

[@cngotham4111]

@@pashadyne Dude just grow up you know what the comment section wants to talk about and it's not about whether Adam Sandler movies are good or bad. It's about honoring a dead friend and a comedic legend. You really think this is the time and place to trash on Adam Sandler? Anyways have a nice life I'm not going to respond back cause it's not really worth the time.

[@calburge4338]

He was extremely funny. But somehow extremely underrated

[@orbitalbutt6757]

Only by the public. Among comedians Norm was an absolute legend. As a for example, look at his set from the Bob Saget Roast. The people who didn't understand the ins and outs of comedy? Barely reacting. But the _comedians_ on the stage and in the crowd? They were absolutely dying, howling with laughter, they're falling all over themselves. Some are physically struggling to breathe. The man was a comedians comedian and he was held in the absolute highest esteem

[@kitrik23]

@@orbitalbutt6757 never underated by anyone with 1/4 of a brain

[@calburge4338]

@@orbitalbutt6757 100% agree. I should’ve been more specific in saying that. I stand corrected

[@orbitalbutt6757]

@@calburge4338 No worries at all man. Anyone showing love to Norm is an ace in my book 👍

[@floresaza253]

The older I got the funnier he became to me. And yeah I watched his acts during the pandemic and it was clear he was feeling sick but trying to hide it.

[@nicholasbradley8868]

Gotta stay going to Denny's and wearing hats

[@roshambo5895]

I love how Adam is through this. I think he was probably the closest of them all. Real reminiscent, sad and happy at the same time

[@Dilmahkana]

First time I watched this, I thought Spade was real quiet, perhaps quite emotional. But I think it's just respect for the others in the room, waiting his turn.

[@matildo4ka7]

The closest Adam (Eget) is not in this room.

[@kylecook7187]

@@matildo4ka7 Adam Eget? The notorious holocaust denier?

[@matthewscott3311]

I think David Spade was equally as close to him as Sandler.

[@MyName-vg8yu]

@@kylecook7187 911

[@dwartfarquart9590]

Spade's impression of Norm is the only one that catches that playful timing that was a facet of what made him so funny. I will always remember the great chemistry Norm had with this group of people and Schneider, Rock...

[@yankees29]

Spade definitely does the best Norm impression.You’re right his timing is what makes it great.

[@QuinnGIn1080p]

I'm almost certain that Norm lived somewhat close by to David Spade and they had a lot of comraderie in general before Norm's passing.

[@andrewgonzalez6208]

“You called me? On the phone?”

[@katiedrake7936]

I think he liked rock a lot. What makes you think otherwise? I’ve heard his sentiments on Schneider and get it, but curious about rock lol

[@VancouverCatDogLover]

Norm had sooo many people that cared sooo much about him. He was one of the best SNL alumni. I was soo shocked to find out that he passed.

[@krispatterson9356]

His chairman of the “bored” always gets me laughing

[@78tag]

I knew there would be other people here who would mention that Conan episode. If I hadn't been sitting in my Lazyboy recliner I would have been rolling on the floor when he pulled that one out of the air. The set up was perfect and Conan stepped right in it. That's what made it so funny. These comedians were talking about timing - I'm sure Norm was just waiting for the right moment to lay that one on them.

[@alanh7247]

he probably got that line from the 1975 Iggy Pop song I'm Bored... it's a pretty well-known tune and it's a pretty well-known line.

[@Koogz406]

What is the movie called "8 seconds"

[@Koogz406]

​@alanh7247 no no its not watch the episode and try again

[@Koogz406]

He spells the word out how does that relate to that song get real that has nothing to do with the movie how you can make that outlandish statement how does that song make norm spell out board for a joke about her movie chairman of the board make it make sense dirtbag.

[@taylormartin1425]

Upon rewatching, I think Letterman really wanted to talk about the quality of the jokes/performance because that would have mattered a lot to Norm. I have been wondering why for several weeks now ever since I saw the special as I thought his approach to this was weird...but now I think he deliberately kept bringing it up because he knew how much that would've mattered to Norm, even posthumously, to not have his performance be judged with pity. Norm went so far out of his way to make sure no one knew about what he was going through so that we would judge him on the quality of his work and nothing else. Letterman, I think, was honoring that.

[@adrianfox-kirk5271]

Thank you! I was watching this and struggled with Letterman's constant return to 'in front of an audience' idea. I couldn't put my finger on it and it was a bit annoying. This comment helped it to hit in a different way and makes much more sense of Letterman's thought process.

[@DaviMourao]

Good point, same way as Letterman never judged Andy Kaufman's work with pity. Dave probably wanted to stir the conversation as if Norm was still here to get the feedback.

[@motleysue8171]

I think this just shows how unemotional Letterman likes to be publicly even about someone he really likes. I’m not being negative, just saying, it is what it is. Like Norm said, he’s like Nixon. I think he just didn’t want to wade into sentimental territory, so he opted to discuss the mechanics. Once everyone else went there he did a little bit too. I don’t think Norm would’ve wanted people sitting around talking about his comedy any more than he would have them talking sentimentally about him. Like he said, [He didn’t] give a $&@# about too much. Having said that, I adore the man, and hate that he is gone way too soon.❤️🃏♦️

[@skepticalobserver7484]

Never thought of that until you mentioned it, but I think you’re 💯 right. Thank you.

[@randall-king]

Agreed. It could also be that he was following the direction they were given. “The idea is that we put all of you guys in a room, y’all watch Norm’s special, and then give your thoughts on it.” They we’re probably supposed to talk about the special, but for obvious reasons they slipped into sharing stories from knowing Norm. Maybe Dave was making a futile effort to keep things on track and eventually gave in to the direction that that group went.

[@matthewvalley3448]

I love how they didn't get Spade a good chair....Norm would've loved that.

[@aware2722]

I can only image that 😂

[@GreasyBelcher]

Never heard of this Norm MacDonald guy. The more I hear about him, the more I like him.

[@greenbinepark]

Touche

[@cougarsorwhat]

He's like the opposite of Hitler

[@ffejpsycho]

@@cougarsorwhat "like" the opposite?

[@sanjithd3343]

I suppose so... But the worst thing about him had to be the Hypocrisy though

[@Gonzoogs2003]

Allegedly!!!

[@xbmpr]

I was watching this special and when “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal” played against Norm’s picture I was inconsolable. I cried so hard. I found Norm about 3 years ago when I was 16 or 17. He expanded my vocabulary, my knowledge of weird names of Canadian towns and most importantly showed me how to be funny. I would always defend him against my father who thought Norm wasn’t funny at all, telling my dad he just doesn’t get it lol. I miss Norm dearly. Listened to him in my best of times and in my worst of times.

[@AidanDotDash]

You sound like you own a doghouse

[@Frank-jg4tq]

I feel you bro. I was stunned when I found out he died because I had known him for a few years as well, and loved his unique comedy. Then I was going back recently and watching his old appearances and stuff and when I watched his final set on Letterman I just cried so hard for 10 minutes. He was one of those people you feel so connected to without having to know personally. When he first passed I mentally put it in my celebrity deaths folder but it really feels so much closer to home for a lot of people.

[@bretbrooker9108]

Infinitely, timelelessly, hilarious and always makes me feel better.

[@BurnDoubt]

Just buried my grandfather a couple weeks ago and I have been binge-watching everything Norm I can find, The way he joked about death combined with his glorious exit from this mortal coil somehow made it all a little easier to handle

[@Jackaroo.]

You never heard tell of a boot?

[@dwitt4574]

Norm was master of awkward silence. He lived for it. He was soooooo funny!!!

[@ricky4214]

"There was something more exciting and interesting about the silence, and Norm's joy at having landed the dud. It was thrilling, it was heroic" -David L.

[@skrrtzamboni]

I love Chapelles analogy of a jazz drummer. They say great jazz is about the notes not played, and I think Norm embodied that completely. It wasn't what he said it was the pacing and silence of when he wasn't trying to land a joke. Truly one of the greatest and most innovative comics of our time.

[@MrAdriaxe]

Norm knew the joke was worth doing because the smart people would get it.

[@jaunnada3648]

barf worthy coment by lame pervert Lettergirl

[@PatrickMHoey]

Norm made me feel like being in on the joke, like half the crowd wasn’t. That was special

[@mishtaromaniello8295]

Perfect description. This was Norm’s magic.

[@LouieShowers]

I have a norm MacDonald tshirt. It's just his giant face. Sooo many people compliment him. I love wearing it. Norm is forever a legend.

[@votequimby2076]

To me what makes Norm probably the best talk show guest is that he is the smartest straight man pretending to be the fool. By that notion he's trying to make the host the straight man. It's the reason why his interactions with both David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, both very intelligent and know how to play off his jokes, were so hilarious and delightful. With other hosts you don't see that because well... it's pairing the smartest straight man pretending to be the fool with an actual fool. RIP Norm

[@MeanKitchnerLeslie]

I thought he was deeply closeted and pretending to be straight

[@shadow_realm47]

@@MeanKitchnerLeslie he was :(

[@Oliver-uz4fg]

That old lump of coal always made me laugh.

[@Imtherobv]

I took the OPs use of "straight" as the opposite of "fool" in this sense.

[@fafafohigh69]

Molly Shannon? a character comedian? Norm hated doing characters. I don't remember Norm favoring female comics either, in fact he and Artie often vocalized their disdain for female comics that weren't named Lisa Lampenelli

[@shanustheanus]

The best thing about Norm is that he wasn't a hypocrite

[@adamdesanti6713]

And, y'know, that he didn't do any raping!

[@incredelman11]

Dave is such a natural with how he greases the conversation. To die and be celebrated by this group of people shows that Norm was a resounding success. RIP!

[@bshayc79]

There's 3 Dave's, so I'm gonna assume your talkin about the one in the middle lol

[@jaunnada3648]

Barf worthy comment. Norm didn't love Dave the other comics were trolling Dave. Norm as many other comics of that time saw Daves beyond pathetic stand up comedy and really hated that the fact that Carson picked Dave only because Dave had his head up Johnnys azz. Anyone else would have been more deserving and better at it.

[@BAM5636]

@jaunnada3648 Lol, I think he will be just fine without your support. Also if you didn't know Lettermen and Norm were very close, you clearly don't know much on the subject to begin with.

[@noahmay7708]

@@jaunnada3648 wha?

[@borisdamole]

I think 80% of the best laughs in my life come from these people, and of course the one guy we wish was sitting with them. Norm Forever.

[@melchior2678]

Norm deserves better than to be featured on a channel run child abusers like Netflix corporate staff

[@aerosmithskoal]

Chappelle says something amazing in this clip. He says my favorite comedy is soothing. How many of us have fallen asleep listening to Norm MacDonald?

[@joeytomaselli112]

Dave you can tell he’s hurt over his friends death . It’s in his eyes . Same for everyone else but what Norm did for Dave when he lost his father . People don’t forget that . ❤

[@joeytomaselli112]

What did he do . Can you share the story . Loved both of them

[@joesr31]

Remember he didn’t lose, it was a draw

[@jagsahil]

His wife was a real Battle Axe.

[@El_Diego86]

Doc She's Chocking! 😅

[@CaptainObvio]

RIP Norm. Thank you for using your dark humour to make the world a brighter place.

[@lancemorrison8561]

I still love him the most for his relentless trashing of OJ! He sacrificed his TV career for that and became a comedy icon!!

[@tinabarrette963]

I love how he trashed Killary Clinton.😂

[@dreaminginnoother]

I remember watching Weekend Update as a kid and Norm would say a joke I didn't understand and the audience wouldn't really laugh, but seeing Norm's pleasure in it made made me feel like it was on me that I didn't get the joke. Norm was always 2 steps ahead of the audience and he liked it that way.

[@iam_Klaus]

// how old were you at the time? ( when you first noticed Norm on Weekend Update )...

[@dreaminginnoother]

@@iam_Klaus like 10 or 12 maybe? What years did he do it? I was a kid for sure.

[@christopherhovis9926]

It's amazing to me how much respect a titan like Chappelle offers to Norm and his passing. It's a testament to just how influential of a comic he was even to current legends.

[@carl_d_music]

Seeing Chapelle getting emotional about Norm was really moving for me…..people that help you thru your darkest times really leave such an impact on you and it’s obvious Norm did that for Dave

[@Horzinicla]

Yeah man hearing chappelle like that was the best part of this gathering. The best living comic talking about the greatness of the best comic

[@joenobody5913]

It obviously went both ways. One of the last things I remember Norm saying a few months before he passed was a tweet about how Dave Chappelle was the greatest stand comedian ever and then another tweet about how Dave was our generations MLK. Pretty fuckin high praise.

[@TheCurtisValentine]

I love how Dave is still steering the conversations as if they were all guests on his show.

[@andrewgeorgelang]

All these big names talking about Norm. Well I'm not a big name, but a good friend of Norm and his family. We all still think about ya buddy

[@rawpower12xu]

Man, this is making me tear up again. The only “celebrity” that I have cried upon his passing. One of my Heroes.

[@miguelito-sf7es]

a real hero, unlike those teachers...

[@rawpower12xu]

@@miguelito-sf7es 😂

[@wneumanjr285]

@@miguelito-sf7es **( You-Gotta' Admit, - Though, - °That·Guy·On···Iwo-Jima ···· °￦ho-Planted·The-FLag·🇺🇸 #············>·········>·······> *{ "HE'S~CLOSE" ! }* 👀🏆👀 €¥£ ^

[@1crackaddict]

Mr Robin Williams, too. But yes.

[@Grief944]

He wasn’t afraid to step outside the box

[@meangene408]

I love watching him on Conan. He was constantly throwing him under the bus. Swearing, being erratic, close to the bone jokes or slagging the other guests all to make Conan feel totally uncomfortable.

[@matthewklahn3204]

It was to make Conan laugh. They had amazing chemistry. Conan plays straight-man so we can feel like the joke is on him and us in a fun way. True comedic minds.

[@GlennTillema]

That bit @12:30 really tells it all Norm: "I bought a farm ..." Conan: "I knew immediately this was complete bullshit!"

[@kdworak4754]

He was the best on Conan. Simply the best of himself.

[@billbally4419]

You don't get Norm.

[@meangene408]

@@billbally4419 Sorry?

[@FlunchzProductionZ]

Not having an audience is what Norm has always had, in the sense that he didn't perform for their applause, he was the judge of his work, he didn't need any authority to tell him what to like.

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

The opening lines by Letterman are so beautiful. Norm would have been in tears. He loved and respected Dave so much

[@SideGigSquid]

I was really saddened about Norm. Tom Petty was the other recent celebrity that kind of hit me. I saw Rob Schneider last year and got to talk to him a bit. Told him I was sorry about his friend and how much me meant to me, and how much he must’ve meant to him being his actual friend. He spent a lot more time with me than the other people at his show just talking about his friend.

[@joen8529]

Norm and Tom Petty… you’ve got very good taste. 💎

[@vjm3]

Not about Norm, but their stories about their last moments made me remember something similar I was going through with one of my friends. He didn't let anyone but his immediate family knew that he was on his way, but one night I was hanging out at his family's Christmas party, and we just had this moment of understanding. The party was enormous, and everyone is running around acting busy and arguing, but it was only him and I just sitting at a table keeping quiet and snickering at the absurdity of his family. At one point I looked at him and I started small talk and it was just something in the way he talked and acted. I was smiling and he kept saying things where he was expressing some sort of appreciation. So at one point I just lean in and whisper with this sudden tonal change "Is everything alright?" We locked eyes and he just looked at me for a few seconds of intense silence. Then he just smiled and said "I'm good, but I haven't been feeling well." At that point I kinda knew, because this guy would never admit if he was hurt or unwell. This was his code. He just put it on the back burner and do for others first. That's the kind of guy he was. So realizing he didn't want to make a big thing about it, and kept it on the down-low for a reason, so I said "Well whatever's going on, let me know if you need anything." He just nodded his head and smiled, giving a non-committal "Sure." I excused myself to use the bathroom and when I got up, across the way his Dad was sitting there. He had a dead on serious face, but it was still warm. I pretty much started tearing up at that, because I knew they were all going through it, so I went to the bathroom to gather my composure and continued the rest of the night respecting his wishes, not making a big deal out of it. He'd pass shortly after that, and everyone except for me was surprised by it. Some people don't dare tell others, because they can't stand being treated differently. It'll hurt them as the final memories they have of them would be sad ones. I guess it's no point to make people worry. I can respect that, but I do wish he'd asked for more help. Even driving him to the doctor or paying a medical bill, I'd have done it. RIP bro. But yeah, the whole point to this unrelated story is I understand a little bit why Norm kept it to himself. I feel immense relief that everyone else also had moments involving Norm where they suspected something. It shows you they were all very close.

[@Tonyhouse1168]

It takes a strong person to suffer in silence and still bring joy and love to others without needing commiseration or validation. It sounds like you had a good friend with a good heart. I know it doesn’t mean much, but I think it’s really cool that you kept your knowledge of their situation quiet and honored their wishes.

[@clicheguevara5282]

I very, very rarely have any emotional reaction to a celebrity death, but I was genuinely sad when Norm died. I have so much love and respect for that dude.

[@NormanTiner]

Same. Last time I was this hurt by a comedian passing I was just a kid learning about Chris Farley. Comedians, especially the rare breed that make you feel joy instead of just laughter, are kind of like a torch in the darkness. They bring comfort and humor to life and help you to see the fun side of things. It hurts because the world lost a genuine good person who brought joy to millions, and of course that includes you and me.

[@NormanTiner]

But yeah, when I heard about Norm I was watching his clips almost daily and it was such an unexpected gut punch. I didn't want to do anything for two days. Felt like I lost a favorite uncle.

[@sambinoballsiii8585]

Agreed! I had the same experience after hearing about his passing. I literally wept. He was my best friend I never met. I saw his television debut on Letterman when it aired. He got me from the start. How he kept his sickness private was monumental and nobel.

[@joenobody5913]

Yeah he was one that got me too dude. Only once before have I been genuinely saddened and left in a funk because of a "celeb" death. 30+ years ago when 10 year old me saw the news announcing the death of Jim Henson.

[@TheScyy]

Same here, can’t think of any other celeb that actually affected me like that.

[@cbrew8619]

I think Norm's special was not only a farewell, but also his way of comforting those who would miss him dearly after his passing. I don't have anything funny to say, but my heart is filled from this!

[@Ahqeter]

One of the sweet things about this video is the sense that their focus on Norm - or of these talented people we have "known" for years - so humanizes them for those of us who've seen then on stage a lot, but not in this meditative mood. It makes them all seem so much sweeter. It's a tribute to Norm that this is his effect on them as well. Thanks, all of you.

[@rallerallesson408]

This was beautiful. Norm was the only celebrity death that seriously affected me on a deep level. RIP to the greatest comedic mind ever.

[@PlanetEarth3141]

I think Norm was a big deal. But the comedian I miss most is Gilbert. I think Gilbert spent as much time working on his act and delivery as Norm did. I also can see similarity between Norm and Gilbert in that they were two different kinds of comedy but both were fearless. They believed in their material and would absolutely 'go there'.

[@BonelishOfficial]

@@PlanetEarth3141 Gilbert Gottfried was brilliantly funny. With his best routines has ever floored me like him. Norm and Gilbert -- both fiercely independent, and more than willing to play in the no-comfort zone.

[@mbolduc]

I love everyone in this room, but Molly Shannon really touched my heart here and elsewhere about Norm. What a lovely human being she is

[@illmakeyouuncomfortable7745]

Weiner water soup & fantasy on rye. That's all me. Thanks, Norm. Miss you bud.

[@ericdoe2318]

18:25 norm found out how not to pay taxes, by loosing it

[@browsertab]

Anyone who can make David Letterman go into the studio must have been someone of significant value to the world.

[@browsertab]

@@perseus9428 did i even fucking say that you weirdo

[@perseus9428]

why don't you Joblow me .. trash.

[@perseus9428]

His majesty is that important in your eyes, is he? "Significant value to the "world". Of course, being an American, you think the world ends at the Mexican border.

[@CD-ry4wg]

@@perseus9428 what silly twaddle is this. What is your culture

[@perseus9428]

@@CD-ry4wg Mine is a culture that reads books that don't have pictures. Mine is a culture that doesn't claim to be "number one" even while it's in rapid decline.

[@ZND572]

Comedy is like a piece of music and Norm was Mozart. While most comedians focus on the lyrics of the song, Norm was all about the melody. Norm was in harmony with his comedy and it didn't matter what his lyrics were, it was the melody that was Genius.

[@Takealiltripnsee]

There is nothing "Hollywood" about Norm. He was a living legend. Rip

[@elijahlawrence7257]

Legend says Letterman is still asking how this would've played in front of an audience.

[@Marshall_Stacks]

Edited and still unclear...

[@cmintsurfer]

Man, this was rough to see! Norm meant a lot to many people but even some of those closest to him were unaware he was leaving. Just like his long jokes that took forever to set up, only he knew when it would end.

[@CuriousCat705]

Miss norm a lot. Best comedian ever. A wonderful storyteller. You could tell, he was a deeply empathetic man.

[@LastbutNotFirst]

some might say a very deeply empathic man

[@wildcardartsent]

​@@LastbutNotFirstSo you're telling me he's not empathetic!

[@ilyaripine2904]

" Death is a funny thing. Not funny haha, like a Woody Allen movie, but funny strange, like a Woody Allen marriage., When it's unexpected, death comes fast like a ravenous wolf and tears open your throat with a merciful fury. But when it's expected, it comes slow and patient like a snake, and the doctor tells you how far away it is and when, exactly it will be at your door. And when it will be at the foot of your bed. And when it will be on your flesh. It's all right there on the clipboards." - Norm Macdonald Now you're a diamond 💎

[@andrewtremblay6539]

Whoever came up with the title dropped the ball big time. The very obvious choice, and really the only name that should have been considered, is “Chairman of the Bored “.

[@TrewlPatrol]

Not that he’s not already, but Chappelle is going to be so interesting to listen to speak when he gets in his 70’s/80’s…

[@MaximTendu]

i hope he'll write a novel. Norm did it, and it's brilliant.

[@ytadltspv]

actually, he - and others like him - stewart, etc - might just stop talking altogether - things wouldve gotten so worse that all these conscience-keepers will just give up.

[@MaximTendu]

@@ytadltspv can you please fix the verb tenses and try again? I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say.

[@G23-y9n]

Norm’s a comedy legend! Admired and respected by other legends. God rest his soul 🙏

[@roblacitinola866]

There never was, and will never be another like Norm Macdonald...He was a true gift to all of us. RIP Norm-

[@NiklasKing87]

miss him so much. in 2019/20 I spent weeks at a time in the Hospital with Leukemia. I would watch his Conan and Letterman stuff on repeat to cheer me up.

[@stevescott3735]

Hope you’re doing well now bro

[@capnskiddies]

Laughter is truly a decent medicine. I mean not the best medicine, cos you're here as well as many other people who had no comedy. I tried that in a Norm vibe. Barley works

[@Tim_Worldly]

Norm was one of a kind. His style and delivery. I think he will be more appreciated as time goes on.

[@impossiblewhopper539]

A true original.

[@kylegravel5298]

Conan was essential and like the audience was a perfect partner to Norm and his comedy. Rob, Adam and norm in the Animal movie was hilarious. Norm pulling out his lit torch and stuff was priceless

[@bensonb8973]

Norm out there cracking up angels now.

[@donHooligan]

i'm guessing he got bored and talked God into letting him hang with his homies...

[@spaceo8568]

That's what is so great about Norm. He wasn't JUST a person. He was an experience.

[@TryMyMartini]

But an incredible person first and foremost.

[@keircampbell9374]

That’s close but not quite right. What’s great is he WAS just a person. A normal guy who was just the person he was, authentically, and in a world of people wearing masks it feels so unique. He is what we all should be: himself.

[@justsayin5609]

Nice... all of these pals just having a conversation without any profanity. Simply being human sharing memories.

[@brandonjones8059]

Norm’s passing hit me hard. My grandparents who raised me who are no longer here I remember seeing him on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and we were all laughing so damn hard. RIP

[@JamesR1234]

I thought I understood why Letterman kept bringing up the fact that Norm's special was without an audience--like it was some unique, experimental comedy that Norm decided to try doing towards the end of his life. Letterman kept asking the others if they thought this type of format worked, and maybe it would have been better with a live audience. But...when I read how this came to be I wondered if Letterman knew about the process of how this special came to fruition? This wasn't an attempt to do some ground breaking comedy from a different angle or thinking. Norm MacDonald was in remission from his illness for several years. It came back in 2020 and he started fighting it. In early 2020 Norm writes what eventually became this comedy special. He has a test run of the material taped in a friend's apartment--no audience. It went well--for what it was--and he drew up plans to tape two performances of the new material at LA's Comedy Club in front of a live audience. Then the pandemic hit, and the subsequent lockdowns, so those plans were temporarily scrapped. But the lockdowns continued into 2021. In July of 2021 Norm goes to the hospital for what is supposed to be a quick office visit regarding his treatment. He had a couple of stem cell procedures done on him earlier in the year. It's discovered that an "infection" has developed--Covid or something else?--he never leaves the hospital and passes away about six weeks later in September. While he's in the hospital he has his associate-Producer partner pull the old 2020 test run of the proposed comedy special. Norm does some notes in regards to the tape--he apparently thought he was going to recover at the time and expected at some point to do the material in front of a live audience. Since Norm doesn't get the opportunity, this tape of the test-run of the proposed comedy special "becomes" the special. It's not like Norm MacDonald wanted to do it this way--there was no choice. Norm's camp, and Netflix, could either use the workup tape as a Remembrance of Norm, or there would be no comedy special of the new material. So Letterman spent a lot of his portion of the "Remembering Norm MacDonald" segment continuously going over an issue that circumstances dictated would never happen. Also, in another part of the Remembrance, Letterman said he always thought that Norm's tearing up during Letterman's farewell was about his feelings towards him, but now he thinks it might have been about what Norm was going through with his health. Why say something like that? Norm MacDonald was diagnosed in 2013, quickly sought treatment, and went into remission. He apparently thought that beyond some maintenance and checkups he had beaten the illness. Letterman's farewell show was in mid-2015. Norm is still in remission at that point and will be for approximately another five years. There is no evidence that MacDonald broke into tears over anything other than a tremendous respect for a man who had supported and been there for him for 25 years, and who he considered one of the greatest talents he had ever come across. He even said that he "loved" Letterman at the end of that standup bit. So why say, with potentially millions watching this Remembrance, that Norm may have actually been crying about himself and tarnish one of the great moments in television history? Wished they would have edited that part out. It looked like Adam Sandler and David Spade both responded to Letterman with "He really loved you" to reassure Letterman that Norm's sentiments were real when Letterman said what he said and Letterman thanked them. But again, why say it? Anyway, RIP Norm. You will be greatly missed.

[@umair_qazmi]

How do I end up discovering legends after their time has been done. Oh Norm.

[@milwaukeebrewers6337]

Man I'm on vacation I don't wanna watch this and get sad. I will when home.

[@rawpower12xu]

17:32 That’s a great story. I have listened to this anecdote plenty of times since the special was released.

[@felipeharger]

This is truly beautiful!! Comedians from all walks of life talking about how much Norm impacted them!

[@obediahabisua2962]

Started immediately crying within the first 10 seconds. Goddammit we miss you norm, the world isn't the same without your jokes

[@Kingjoffrey12]

Those pictures of Norm smiling at 14:43 welled tears in my eyes. In early 2021, I lost my dad to cancer and during the memorial service, many of the ones that shared their memory of him commented simply on his laugh and smile. These are traits I believe my dad shared with Norm and vice versa. The ability to emotionally affect people simply with a smile or a laugh is rare and priceless and I will not forget either of them.

[@andrewleyden2752]

Norm wasn't a big name in my part of the world (Ireland), but I've come to appreciate his stuff through KZbin. Everything said here rings true. RIP.

[@sirsillybilly]

Norm received so much backlash over his ‘criticism’ ie opinion on Hannah Gadsby’s ‘comedy’ special, when he said it was interesting but not comedy. I vehemently stood up for him on Twitter to the hordes attacking him.. to my shock and dismay he responded with a DM and followed me ! Truly a humbling moment 🙏 Love him ❤️

[@emmettlester739]

What did he say??