Kate Berlant brings her unique comedy to HBO with 'Parmesan'

Kate Berlant makes her HBO comedy debut with 'Parmesan', a new stand-up special premiering October 16 from Los Angeles

Kate Berlant is set to make her HBO comedy special debut with Parmesan, a new hour of stand-up comedy premiering on October 16.

Directed by Doron Max Hagay, Parmesan was filmed at the historic Plaza Nightclub in Los Angeles. The HBO comedy special will feature Berlant’s distinctive style of observational humour as she explores contradictions in modern life and the conventions of stand-up comedy.

Berlant reflects on subjects including the moon, her social media feeds and her sexuality, combining sharp observations with stream-of-consciousness moments. HBO describes the special as a performance that examines both everyday life and the art of comedy itself.

Parmesan marks Berlant’s second stand-up special. Her first, Cinnamon in the Wind, aired on Hulu in 2022 and was largely improvised. That same year, Berlant teamed up with frequent collaborator John Early for the surrealist sketch comedy special Would It Kill You to Laugh?, which was released on Peacock.

Beyond stand-up, Berlant has built an acting career across film and television. Her credits include Don’t Worry Darling, Sorry to Bother You, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Dream Scenario, The Bear, Nobody Wants This, The Other Two and I Love Boosters. She also appeared in Maddie’s Secret, directed by Early.

Berlant executive produces Parmesan alongside Dave Kneebone, Jani Kranking and Naomi McPherson.

The upcoming HBO special continues Berlant’s work across stand-up, sketch comedy and acting, bringing her latest performance to audiences on October 16.