Wanda Sykes on Liz Cheney’s Great Hair, Returning to Society After Quarantine & “The Upshaws”

TL;DR

Wanda Sykes discusses her new Netflix show and pandemic experiences on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Transcript

our first guest tonight is one of the funniest people on the globe she has been in seclusion she is now fully vaccinated and ready to roll with a new comedy series on netflix called the upshaw's please welcome wanda sykes [Applause] [Applause] how you doing wow i'm very happy to see you in in the flesh it's good to see you too jimmy i've seen you q... Read More

Key Insights

• 😑 Wanda Sykes expressed relief at re-entering live performances, highlighting the dichotomy of excitement and nervousness amidst COVID-19 precautions.
• 👪 The conversation illustrated the evolution of family interactions, especially regarding gift-giving as children grow older and develop financial independence.
• 🗺️ Sykes humorously navigated the complexities of traveling during a pandemic, emphasizing the comedic elements of life post-lockdown.
• 🪜 The dynamics of familial humor were drawn out, revealing how personal storytelling adds depth to comedy and relatability.
• 👪 Sykes reflected on the relative triviality of everyday worries, showcasing her comedic lens on parenting and family expectations.
• 🙅 The temporary halt of "The Upshaws" filming during COVID provided an opportunity for creative re-evaluation, resulting in a more refined product.
• 🙂 Discussions on the cultural shifts brought by the pandemic shed light on how societal norms regarding cleanliness and safety have transformed.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Wanda Sykes' new Netflix series about?

"The Upshaws" is a comedy series that showcases the everyday life and challenges of a working-class African American family. It offers a humorous take on family dynamics and the strife that comes with raising children, portraying relatable situations that many families experience. Sykes plays a prominent role, drawing from her own comedic style.

Q: How did Wanda Sykes prepare for her flight after the pandemic?

Sykes humorously describes her flight preparation as overwhelming, recalling how she had to relearn travel norms like managing carry-ons and TSA regulations. Despite being vaccinated, she took extra precautions by wearing a face shield and a mask, and she meticulously wiped down her entire seating area, joking about her intense approach to cleanliness.

Q: What gifts did Sykes’ children give her for Mother's Day?

Sykes mentioned that, for the first time, her 12-year-old twin children bought her gifts instead of just making handmade items. She received a mug that said "love is love" and a set of pajamas, which she found very thoughtful. This shift marks a milestone as her kids grow older and begin to understand gifting.

Q: How did the pandemic affect the filming of "The Upshaws"?

Filming of "The Upshaws" was interrupted after completing five episodes. The production was paused due to COVID-19, which forced creative adjustments. Sykes explained that writing resumed months later, allowing for the development of new content, ensuring the show aligns with contemporary comedic contexts.

Q: How does Wanda describe her family’s sense of humor?

Sykes describes her brother Harry as funny in a family context but not necessarily suited for the stage. She emphasizes that family humor can be unique and specific to family gatherings, contrasting it with professional comedy, suggesting that not all amusing family members would fare well in the spotlight.

Q: What was Wanda's take on the economy since the pandemic?

Sykes spoke candidly about her observations on families returning to normal activities like attending bowling alleys, poking fun at the paradox of cleanliness in public spaces. She humorously noted that families were cautious about touching video games while still engaging with shared bowling equipment.

Q: Did Wanda Sykes discuss her relationship with her mother during the interview?

Yes, Sykes recounted her mother’s return to gambling at casinos post-pandemic, highlighting their lighthearted banter on the topic. She shared how her mother enjoys visiting the slots, ensuring her mother’s happiness was prioritized over potential losses, giving insight into their family dynamic.

Q: How has Sykes' perspective on politics changed post-Trump presidency?

Sykes mentioned that while she's still engaged with political news, the tone has relaxed since the Trump presidency. She humorously noted that the urgency to track his daily actions has diminished, providing her with a more relaxed approach to politics while still maintaining awareness of current events.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Wanda Sykes enters the spotlight after a long period of seclusion due to the pandemic, now promoting her new show, "The Upshaws," on Netflix.

• The conversation revolves around the humor in family dynamics, particularly Sykes’ funny background and her experiences with her twin children’s gifts for Mother's Day.

• Sykes shares her anxiety over attending social events post-pandemic, illustrating the comedy of re-entering life with over-preparations like excessive cleaning during flights.