Sarah Silverman Lost Her Parents Days Apart—Now She’s Turning Grief Into Gold in Netflix’s “Post Mortem”
Sarah Silverman has always walked the tightrope between comedy and discomfort, and her new Netflix special “PostMortem”—premiering May 20—might be her most personal work yet. This marks her first stand-up special since 2017 and is rooted in a year of profound loss. In May 2023, Silverman lost both her father, Donald, and stepmother, Janice, just nine days apart. Out of that grief comes “PostMortem”—a raw, funny, and deeply human exploration of love, death, and memory.
Sarah Silverman: Turning Grief Into Comedy
Known for pushing boundaries, Silverman doesn’t shy away from heavy topics—instead, she leans into them. In the trailer, she jokes, “They both gave me so much… and most recently about an hour of new material.” That signature blend of honesty and irreverence sets the tone. This isn’t grief porn—it’s Silverman doing what she does best: finding absurdity in pain and comfort in humor.
“PostMortem”
Silverman has said some of her material grew directly out of the eulogy she gave at her father’s funeral. Living in her parents’ apartment during their final days gave her a front-row seat to the strange, mundane, and even funny moments that surround death. That personal lens shapes the heart of Post Mortem, making it more than just a stand-up routine—it’s a story.
Silverman isn’t just the face of the special—she also directs and executive produces alongside Amy Zvi and John Skidmore. Filmed at the Beacon Theatre in New York, the setting helps create an intimate space that mirrors the show’s tone. It’s polished but personal, funny but vulnerable.
“PostMortem” comes eight years after “A Speck of Dust”, and follows her 2022 HBO special “Someone” You Love. In that time, she’s continued to evolve, both professionally and personally. This new special feels like a moment of catharsis and connection—a way to process, share, and heal.
At its core, “PostMortem” explores the weirdness of death—the awkwardness, the rituals, the family dynamics—and the memories that linger after. Silverman weaves stories about her parents with sharp observations, balancing laughs with moments of genuine emotion. The result is a show that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
Silverman has long been a trailblazer in comedy, known for tackling taboo topics with guts and humor. With “PostMortem”, she adds another layer to that legacy—showing how comedy can be a tool for survival and a way to connect across shared experiences. It’s not just about jokes; it’s about life. “Post Mortem” premieres on Netflix on May 20.
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