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Jim Gaffigan: Noble Ape
Why do doctors always describe tumors as fruit? When your family's scared, sometimes the only move is to laugh together.
Who it's for
Gaffigan folds his wife Jeannie's pear-sized brain tumor and surgery into his usual gentle observational comedy, which gives caregivers permission to laugh without feeling disloyal.
Feelings it meets
What it is
Jim Gaffigan's 2018 stand-up special, directed by his wife Jeannie Gaffigan, who had a brain tumor removed the year before. Alongside material on her illness, including how doctors compare tumors to fruit, he covers food, his sedentary lifestyle, touring the world with his family, and performing for crowds waiting for Pope Francis in Philadelphia and meeting the Pope.
Where to find it
Released theatrically and on demand in 2018; has since streamed on services including Hulu. Streaming availability rotates; check JustWatch.
Before you start
Heads up: A spouse's brain tumor and surgery.
Age: TV-14 on Hulu (suggested 12+)
The roots below the earth claim no rewards for making the branches fruitful.Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 134
