Adam Conover self-releases comedy special after turning to personal material

Comedian Adam Conover released “Big Divorce Energy” on YouTube on Oct.

23, a shift toward more personal material.

The hour draws on the end of his 15-year relationship with illustrator Lisa Hanawalt, and the two remain friends.

Conover says he is using comedy to examine dating, sex and what shapes straight men’s sexuality.

He is also known for criticizing Hollywood companies and supporting unions during the 2023 strikes.

Conover says Hollywood companies have moved away from his kind of comedy, so he chose to release the special himself rather than pitch it to them.

He argues that industry mergers and decisions by company leaders threaten workers and the kind of work they can make.

He says he now has to build his own business on YouTube.