Simon Amstell: Set Free

I've always like Simon's humour. And I really like his honesty in this show. A lot of things I can relate to - and it's really refreshing to hear some elements of gay life that are mostly hushed up talked about in such a matter of fact way. However, this isn't really a comedy show, it's a story of mental health. And by the looks of it, Simon's put down his baggage but doesn't know where he is..

Just what i needed. Did not know of Simon before this and.... i love him ! So happy i came upon this on netflix !

There are plenty of well-written lines and strong wordlplay to keep the viewer entertained. The subjects he discusses are sometimes more personal than his previous shows, but where he normally has the ability of making the personal universal, he gets a bit self-indulgent at points and I couldn't relate to some of his material at all.

The segues are a little clunky and he jumps from musings on sex, to the royal family, to LA gurus, without much grace. While interesting, it comes across as a little incoherent and lacking in thematic reinforcement, which was a strong point in his other shows. It is loosely framed by his relationship with his father, but this doesn't really go anywhere interesting.

At least there are jokes - which is not to be underestimated. It sags in the middle where he gets a bit derailed by his own opinions and there are various takes on religion/mysticism which feel undercooked, but just as he starts to get preachy, he resolves the bit with a decent punchline or skit. Then it fizzles out towards the end.

So it's a bit all over the place and he's capable of much more refinement, but it's certainly not terrible or boring. It's a decent show, but I think I was expecting a more mature product from a seasoned comedian.

Funny fistfuls of deeply personal swings and roundabouts! The personal doesn't get preachy, it's just an very honest expression of reaching happiness that'll make you laugh!

Didn't know I was a Simon Amstell fan till watching this. He seems to see the world much like I do. Not the snarky host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks I'd been used to in the past. As irreverent as usual but with a deeper self awareness as he opens up about his life.