Kate Berlant makes her HBO debut with stand-up special Parmesan on Oct 16! Catch release dates, venue details, and production news inside.
Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, and actress Kate Berlant (Don't Worry Darling, The Bear, Dream Scenario) is making her highly anticipated solo HBO debut with Kate Berlant: Parmesan. Directed by frequent collaborator Doron Max Hagay and filmed at the iconic Plaza Nightclub in Los Angeles, the one-hour stand-up special premieres Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on network television and will be available for simultaneous streaming on Max.
What Is Kate Berlant's Special Parmesan About?
Known across the industry for her subversion of traditional joke structures and razor-sharp physical timing, Berlant brings a fresh hour of observational commentary to the screen.
- Surreal Observational Humor: The hour weaves seamlessly between absurd stream-of-consciousness riffs and acute cultural commentary, exploring everything from the mysteries of the moon to modern sexuality.
- Digital Satire: Berlant takes dead aim at modern digital life, deconstructing social media feeds, online hyper-fixations, and technology-induced anxieties.
- Meta-Comedy Structure: Moving beyond basic punchlines, Parmesan dissects the performative conventions of stand-up itself, turning the stage setup into part of the bit.
What Are Kate Berlant's Previous Specials and Notable Roles?
While Parmesan serves as her first original solo hour for HBO, Berlant has established herself as a ubiquitous force across film, television, and experimental comedy platforms.
- Stand-Up & Sketch Roots: Her previous solo outing, 2022's largely improvised Cinnamon in the Wind (directed by Eric Wareheim), debuted on Hulu. That same year, she partnered with long-time creative collaborator John Early for Peacock's critically lauded surrealist special Would It Kill You to Laugh?
- Screen Acting Achievements: Berlant has delivered memorable performances in high-profile feature films like Sorry to Bother You, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Don't Worry Darling, and Dream Scenario.
- Television Appearances: On the small screen, her resume includes guest and recurring turns on hit series like FX's The Bear, Netflix's Nobody Wants This, Max's The Other Two, and the upcoming comedy feature I Love Boosters.
Stream Kate Berlant: Parmesan starting October 16 exclusively on Max.