Comedian Sarah Silverman’s latest Netflix special, “PostMortem,” was born out of a eulogy for her father and stepmother, who died just nine days apart from each other in 2023. The special captures the spirit of their love for laughter, as reflected on a tombstone that reads: “Janice and Donald, who loved to laugh.”
Silverman’s early stages of working with the material were rough, but she gradually found her footing as she navigated talking about her dad and stepmom in a way that felt right. She says the tour was cathartic, allowing her to process her grief while sharing stories that needed to be told.
The special also touches on Silverman’s experiences as a woman in comedy, including being sexualized and facing sexism in the industry. However, she maintains that this aspect of her career has made her who she is today.
Silverman opens up about her parents’ support for her dropping out of college to pursue comedy, with her father agreeing to pay her rent for three years if she left NYU. This decision allowed her to focus on her craft and eventually land a writing job at Saturday Night Live.
Throughout the special, Silverman weaves together stories of love, loss, and growth, showcasing her unique voice and perspective as a comedian.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/29/nx-s1-5409086/sarah-silverman-postmortem-netflix