Obscure with Michael Ian Black

Obscure with Michael Ian Black

Comedian Michael Ian Black is tackling a great work of literature. Actually, Tackling might be too strong a word. More like “light caressing” plus a lot of complaining. He's reading the Thomas Hardy classic, Jude the Obscure, out loud and commenting as he goes. Join Michael, some of his famous (and non-famous) friends and experts as he discovers Jude’s world and a few things about his own. Is it a terrible idea? Probably. But it’s a terrible idea he wants to do with you.

Episodes

Episode 40 - No Country for Obscure Men

March 15, 2019 • 36 mins
Jude distracts himself from women by joining the church choir. And Michael distracts himself from life with episodes of Fargo.
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Episode 39 - You Have My Good Wishes, Mrs. Phillotson

March 8, 2019 • 36 mins
Jude and Arabella meet for the first time since her marriage. The emotional S&M ensues.
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Episode 38 - Three's Company

March 1, 2019 • 37 mins
Natasha Leggero joins Michael for a special live reading of Jude at Sketchfest in San Francisco.
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37. Episode 37 - The Business of Giving Her Away

February 22, 2019 • 33 mins
Jude experiences pangs of regret, and Michael finds himself falling in love with Hardy all over again.This episode is sponsored by The Harold Ramis Film School (www.ramisfilmschool.com or call 312-883-1241). 
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36. Episode 36 - Runaround Sue

February 15, 2019 • 38 mins
Sue asks Jude to play an important role in a big event, and Michael checks in with his wife Martha to get answers to some burning questions.
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35. Episode 35 - Leave the Door Open a Crack

February 8, 2019 • 27 mins
Jude confesses his romantic past to Sue. And Michael confesses his romantic past to you.
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34. Episode 34 - She's Just Not That Into You

February 1, 2019 • 32 mins
The plot thickens as we catch up with Phillotson, out in search of the truth about Sue.
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33. Episode 33 - Going Through the Spanking Machine

January 25, 2019 • 37 mins
Michael contemplates throwing the book into the fire in frustration while Jude and Sue go round and round.
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32. Episode 32 - Don’t Be Such a Wet Noodle

January 18, 2019 • 32 mins
Sue finally admits she sees love in Jude's eyes, and Michael sees himself in Jude.
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31. Episode 31 - I’m a Negation of Civilization

January 11, 2019 • 44 mins
Sue reveals her true self to Jude, and Michael has an epiphany about why this book is considered a classic.
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30. Episode 30 - Take Off Those Wet Clothes

January 4, 2019 • 40 mins
Michael is joined by Another Period co-star Paget Brewster to read an intimate scene between the notorious cousins following an incident with Sue’s gossipy classmates.
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29. Episode 29 - Anything Can Happen Here

December 28, 2018 • 29 mins
Jude the Obscure is getting hot, and Michael is all aflutter!
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28. Episode 28 - Now Don't Be Such A Silly Boy

December 21, 2018 • 38 mins
Jude goes to Melchester where a lonely Sue makes a startling confession.
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27. Episode 27 - There's Nothing Wrong With Community Theater

December 14, 2018 • 33 mins
Jude heads back to Marygreen with his tail between his legs. And we learn that Michael's just a human too.This episode is sponsored by RXBAR (www.RXBAR.com/OBSCURE code: OBSCURE).
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26. Episode 26 - Jude the Hack

December 7, 2018 • 48 mins
Michael turns to fellow comedian Guy Branum to help break down Jude’s Latin performance at the local tavern.This episode is sponsored by Away (www.awaytravel.com/obscure code: OBSCURE).
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25. Episode 25 - Jude Is No Jack Reacher

November 30, 2018 • 39 mins
Jude realizes he may never get the higher education he has always wanted, and Michael talks to his old friend David Wain about handling disappointment.This episode is sponsored by Man of the People with Pat Tomasulo (www.wgntv.com/LIVE).
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24. Episode 24 - Jude: The Walking Dead

November 23, 2018 • 36 mins
Ghosts and Zombies and Meth Heads, oh my!This episode is sponsored by Man of the People with Pat Tomasulo (www.wgntv.com/LIVE).
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23. Episode 23 - One Thing We Know about Triangles, They Have Pointy Sides

November 16, 2018 • 43 mins
Michael's invites his wife Martha back to comment on the book's Bizarre Love Triangle.This episode is sponsored by Man Of The People with Pat Tomasulo (www.wgntv.com/LIVE)
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22. Episode 22 - Never Meet Your Heroes

November 9, 2018 • 52 mins
The hilarious Nell Scovell returns to weigh in on Jude’s latest disappointing encounter.This episode is sponsored by Man Of The People with Pat Tomasulo (www.wgntv.com/LIVE) and RXBAR (www.RXBAR.com/OBSCURE code: OBSCURE).
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21. Episode 21 - Jude the...Psycho?

November 2, 2018 • 32 mins
We learn more about Jude's special cousin Sue Bridehead, who is also looking for something new in her life. 
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