Norm Macdonald on David Letterman's last episode of The Late Show in 2015. It has been said that this is Norm's best joke by fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
@Azazel That line, and the "You think it would have taken like 5 seconds for the World to beat them...but it was actually CLOSE." are like McEnroe at the net just burying the game point.
@@matttherrien9608 that could be the English spelling. I'm hooked on this piece, it has habit forming potential, by the way I'm German and what worries me is the world......
For me this is best written comedy bit ever. Not a single word seems wrongly placed or off. The timing, the phrasing, you watch a master of his craft at the peak of his abilities. Greetings from the country of Germany
Fuck I’m going to miss this guy so much. I can only take solace in the fact he no longer has to live in perpetual fear of Germany. Rest In Peace. And yeah, OJ did it.
@@programmer1840 thanks. I get his use of irony here, but so many people in the comments are calling it a Perfect Setup, and that seems over the top. I thought I was missing something monumentally genious.
I love how he says 'It had never been tried before', that bit always gets me cracking up RIP Norm, one of if not the greatest comedian on planet earth,
@@petersengupta when your urge for improvement and correction of others is kinda ingrained into your mentality :D Here are soo many us army facilities and decades of mild brainwashing. Its now on an level witch wont be able to get into overdrive for the thirt time. But seriously i always wondered were the madness come from in that amound what infected so many people in an modern country.
They also invaded the east Roman empire quiet a lot as well, no doubt contributing to its weakening long term. Then also the Western "Holy Roman" German empire attacked the east Roman empire on multiple occasions during the Crusades.
This guy's intelligence and comedic timing with his material was beyond amazing. The way he describes Germany here and it's funny in its subtle, yet powerful delivery, all placing it in the mind's eye of the participating audience. I miss this guy, but I'm sure he's making them laugh in Heaven!
I cant believe he was fighting cancer for almost a decade. He seemed like his usual self every time I seen him on anything over the last 9 years. Would have never guessed he was so sick. Despite being so sick he continued being positive and funny. One of my heros.
I'm devastated. I'm in tears. Never met him, but don't have to in order to appreciate comedic genius. I'm missing him so much. A giant loss in the world of humor. A void that will not be filled by anyone ever. SNL needs to do a whole show in his honor with clips & friends.
@@bobhilton2643 Perhaps you lack in the history area? If not, It's the delivery, man. If you don't get it, you don't get it. You're missing out if this one doesn't reach you.
@@A1Authority Agreed. I am a decently good joke teller amongst my friends, but there is no chance in hell I could pull off making this even a little bit funny. Norm crushes it, and there isn't even a joke here, it's *all* delivery, and it's all so well done.
This has to be one of the sharpest jokes ever written. There's not a single word, pause of mannerism that doesn't fit perfectly. I bet he reworked and worded this joke several times to get it to this level. 🤣
What makes this set extra special is that he’s holding back tears the entire time, this being his final set on the final episode of Letterman. Preparing himself for the farewell speech to his friend and mentor, trying to hold it together on national TV, and still killed it
Norm's humor was rooted in pointing out the obvious in a ridiculous manner. He provided many laughs, and the saying goes "Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God." Thank you, Norm.
How is Norm funnier than both his delivery AND the actually joke? He's stronger than the sum of all his parts in a way that I find deeply interesting. Like a documented phenomenon that science can't yet explain.
By far my favorite comedian. I was listening to his pod cast, "Norm MacDonald Live" on my way to work. They had Nick Swardson on as their guest. The combination of Nick's Mr.Furley impressions, and Norm trying to get through his Man-Grate advertisement, had me in tears. A car full of people in the lane next to me were all laughing just from watching me crack up.
One of the SNL GOATS. There will never be another like him. From that whole group of when he was there with Sandler Myers rock. He was my favorite and they had some heavy hitters in that era.
I can't believe he's gone. Norm, you were beloved by millions and I will always remember you for your unique sense of humor and comical style. I hope you're at peace now up in comedy heaven with the rest of the greatest in history. Love you man. 😥
Comedy is at LEAST 75% timing... and Norm was rally the king of perfect delivery. RIP dude. You delivered some awesome pun's. And they were perfectly timed!
Rest in peace Norm! I only really got into your stuff in the last three years! I couldn't count the amount of hours of norm MacDonald I watched on CZcams while I was stuck in bed too depressed to do anything else! Norm really helped me get through a rough time in my life! He will always be one of my comedy heroes! Rest in peace Norm "crackwhore" Macdonald
Both Norm MacDonald and Gilbert Gottfried had such an intellect to their delivery and humor in general. Both will be missed as the iconic Comedians comedian.
"You figure it'd take 5 seconds for the world to win but no it was actually close" that never fails to make me laugh
It makes you think “well shit, it shouldn’t have been that hard.”
It’s hilarious because it’s true, scary
@@calebstevens7487 that's what he said
WW2 was also terrifyingly close…. very close.
@@CaesarDarias ww1 was even closer they defetead russia duriing 1918 and its possible that they could end in a stalemate on the western front.
‘I don’t know if you guys are history buffs or not’ - The perfection of this setup is beyond words.
His delivery is stellar. What a gifted comedian.
@Azazel That line, and the "You think it would have taken like 5 seconds for the World to beat them...but it was actually CLOSE." are like McEnroe at the net just burying the game point.
There wasn’t even a punchline. That good
I think that one guy in the audience with that Brillant laugh...just seals the deal 4 me. Brilliant stand up.
@@tomz808 His Roast has become Legendary.
"But no, it was actually close" 🤣🤣🤣
They finally found a way that will never get them caught. It's the EU. They will just buy every country.
Josip Hadžiegrić That's ridiculous. We Germans don't buy other countries... We are credit sharks.
@@Leon_der_Luftige Hahahaha, that's precisely how it works XD
Muck006 I have no clue what utter nonsense you are going for here. F off you tinfoil lunatic.
@@Leon_der_Luftige Than try to get back your money dump. All credits are lost believe it.
“What do you think you are? Mars or something?” It’s too good.
The Dark Side of the Moon!
Best tag ever
That line is honestly genius. Could mean Mars the planet to contrast with the world earth, or could be Mars the Roman God
No it’s Mars the planet, the reference is to “War of the Worlds.”
It makes sense on several levels wow
The way he says "The World" is so perfect like no other. Like, each instance is amazing in its own way
Ever heard about Dio Brando?
@@Tavo98 za wordo
@@Tavo98 Now that we are talking about JoJo and Germany, it reminds me of the best nazi: Stroheim.
Yeah just perfect he also does this bit a lot better here than in his special on Netflix
@@naveensharma99 I loved Jojo. Better than a Rock movie. Lord help me.
Just heard about Norm’s death and had to come back here to see one of my favorite bits of his. Rest In Peace to a legend
Didn't know already about Norm's passing? Where ya from, Mars or somethin'?
@@mode2967 weird flex bro
He died? I didn't even know he was sick
Jesus it's already been over a year
@@amunra4256 No one knew, he hid it and chose to keep making people laugh.
This bit seems so off the cuff, but he's said that he worked his ass off on it. One the greatest bits ever.
you can tell every beat and vocal inflection is heavily practised, it's impressive
The " Worrrllld" agrees... Well, except 99. Nien Nien% of Germany
I first saw him do it live in a small theater and the audience was howling.
The applause was so genuine, because the joke was so ridiculously hilarious.
yeeluvspizza when something’s actually funny and people arnt just laughing because they’re told the person infront of them is a comedian!
thanks for explaining to the folks at home what Applause is
@@andrewtregoning hahahahaha thanks for the laugh bro xD
Anybody else come back to this bit regularly? It’s so great
It's one of my favourites. That's not a misspelling, that's how us Canadians spell it. For some reason we're supposed to add a "u" to some words.
Perfect comedy writing
Your gonna have to come back again
About the spelling. What are you talking about eh?
@@matttherrien9608 that could be the English spelling.
I'm hooked on this piece, it has habit forming potential, by the way I'm German and what worries me is the world......
Well, third time is a charm. Greetings from Germany :)
lol! who says germans don't have a sense of humor :) kudos Nik
Hahaha 😆 good one!
No.
From Russia with love.
Wtf bitch
And... there’s a German civil war 😂
I can hear Norm's "The World" in my dreams.
Stando power
@@BlamoStramo man of culture, i see
RIP to a legend.
Delivered perfectly, right down to his pronunciation of "the".
For me this is best written comedy bit ever. Not a single word seems wrongly placed or off. The timing, the phrasing, you watch a master of his craft at the peak of his abilities.
Greetings from the country of Germany
Ein deutscher Fan? Gibt es sie wirklich? Bin ich gar nicht allein? :D
@@lurchileb this bit is one of his best, i constantly replay it.
What I love is that it's technically not even a joke everything he says is true he just says it in such a funny way
@@vivekp4854 my favorit one is the gift basket at conan. It's perfect in different layers, don't you think?
It's super tightly written, agreed - and in his unique voice. Perfection.
I must have watched this 40 or 50 times and I still laugh every time
It's genius that's why.
Fuck I’m going to miss this guy so much. I can only take solace in the fact he no longer has to live in perpetual fear of Germany.
Rest In Peace. And yeah, OJ did it.
And murder is now legal in the State of California
Alright. Manslaughter.
Or so the Germans would have us believe.
And who's the culprit behind all this? You guessed it, FRANK STALLONE!
Also, Ellen is a gay!
"SKRANKILY KRAKLY!"- Hitler 1936
LMAO!!!
Your German isn’t quite correct. It’s “Skr-ie-nkle-ee! Crie-nkle-ee!😆
@@philippesauvie639 Yes the beginning of the Beer Hall Putsch Speech.
That Hitler was a real jerk
Love how CZcams puts a translation option for this.
I don't know if you guys are history buffs or not....
smithblack100 HAHAHAHAHAGQHAFAHA
Forgive my ignorance or stupidity. I don't get it. What's so perfect about this setup? Can someone kindly explain it to me?
@@bobhilton2643 He is implying that only history buffs would know about this, which is ridiculous because everyone knows about WW2.
@@programmer1840 thanks. I get his use of irony here, but so many people in the comments are calling it a Perfect Setup, and that seems over the top. I thought I was missing something monumentally genious.
@@bobhilton2643 it's more the delivery than the clever content.
I love how he says 'It had never been tried before', that bit always gets me cracking up
RIP Norm, one of if not the greatest comedian on planet earth,
RIP Norm. A true legend of standup.
@Banana in Condom Yeah. Exactly.
Fair play to germany for taking on the world and it being a close one
Shall we give it another try?
@@Gallus-gallus third time's a charm, no?
@@petersengupta when your urge for improvement and correction of others is kinda ingrained into your mentality :D
Here are soo many us army facilities and decades of mild brainwashing.
Its now on an level witch wont be able to get into overdrive for the thirt time.
But seriously i always wondered were the madness come from in that amound what infected so many people in an modern country.
@@Gallus-gallus i would say is better then trans kids, so go ahead
Aww shit, here we go again.
History buffs will know: The germans also invaded the western roman empire in the 5th century. Marking the end of italian reign in the region.
They also invaded the east Roman empire quiet a lot as well, no doubt contributing to its weakening long term. Then also the Western "Holy Roman" German empire attacked the east Roman empire on multiple occasions during the Crusades.
And then they translated the bible and really screwed the Italians
The Germanic tribes are unparalleled in warfare. They’ve been at it for thousands of years.
They also fucked up some Romans occasionally.
@@motioninmind6015 they screwed the WORLD really hard with that one too
@1:45 Who is it Norm won't dignify by saying his name? You guessed it... Frank Stallone.
or so the germans would have us believe
This is perfect.
This guy's intelligence and comedic timing with his material was beyond amazing. The way he describes Germany here and it's funny in its subtle, yet powerful delivery, all placing it in the mind's eye of the participating audience. I miss this guy, but I'm sure he's making them laugh in Heaven!
As a german citizen, I approve of this bit. 😂😂
RIP Norm.
So as, THE WORLD. LOL
Well at least there's one. TY
Der typische deutsche Schuldkult-Verlierer! ;)
its just a shame Germany didn't win
Y'all scary when you get riled up.
Funniest man in... THE WORLD.
wungabunga or so the Germans would have us believe....
Was the funniest. Rip
I cant believe he was fighting cancer for almost a decade. He seemed like his usual self every time I seen him on anything over the last 9 years. Would have never guessed he was so sick. Despite being so sick he continued being positive and funny. One of my heros.
I like that bit at the end, "what do you think you are? Mars or something" lol
Gonna miss this guy. Hilarious and one of a kind.
This delivery is just unbelievable
I'm devastated. I'm in tears. Never met him, but don't have to in order to appreciate comedic genius. I'm missing him so much. A giant loss in the world of humor. A void that will not be filled by anyone ever. SNL needs to do a whole show in his honor with clips & friends.
Don't hold your breath for that wankfest to do shit
You never cried. Shut up
You know for all the ill Hitler did at least he wasn't a hypocrite. That would have been the worst part.
George Livesey "No I think the worst part were the rapes"
George Livesey
He committed hypocrisy on millions of people
"Wait this isn't a shower... Hypocrisy!!!"
Say what you want about Hitler, but the man killed Hitler
This comment is fucking gold!!! 😂😂😂 you sir have won the internet.
This REALLY is, possibly the best comedy bit I have ever witnessed.
I want to take home that bit, and say, way before he's in the grave... RIP Norm. We loved u. A little bit. Just then.
it’s up there along with Abbott and Costello’s, ‘Who’s On First’ and Steve Martin’s “The Great Flydini!” 😂
I don't get it. What's so great about this bit? It's decently funny, but I don't get the why everyone loves it so much
@@bobhilton2643 Perhaps you lack in the history area? If not, It's the delivery, man. If you don't get it, you don't get it. You're missing out if this one doesn't reach you.
@@A1Authority Agreed. I am a decently good joke teller amongst my friends, but there is no chance in hell I could pull off making this even a little bit funny. Norm crushes it, and there isn't even a joke here, it's *all* delivery, and it's all so well done.
Found out about his passing and had to come back to this bit. RIP to one of the GOAT's.
as a german.. i approve this message.. RIP Norm!
Your mom needs some big hot German würstchen, then she will love it.. and swallow down American pride, with german mustard at the same time
This has to be one of the sharpest jokes ever written. There's not a single word, pause of mannerism that doesn't fit perfectly.
I bet he reworked and worded this joke several times to get it to this level. 🤣
Both right. Written quickly & perfected over weeks. Allegedly
One of the best bits ever written in my opinion 😊
And a sincere delivery of praise at the end
RIP. I am beside myself right now as I try to comprehend that he’s gone.
"I don't know if any of you are history buffs..."
That's a great 👍 line
The deadpan delivery is just great 😂😂😂 “idk if you guys are history buffs or not” had me dying 😂😂😂😂
Pound for pound one of the best bits in all of comedy. It’s even clean.
His timing, phrasing and just that comedic voice is masterful. God bless norm. Devastated he's not with us. Sincerely am.
stiengly kliengly! Yes a moving speech
My wife and I were just talking about this bit yet again and had to watch for the 30th time
Pedantic Pete you married well.
I listen to this one and the moth joke all the time when I need a pick-me-up.
The only slight problem with this joke is the ending - Germany in actual fact didn't "get to be a country" for about 40 years after WWII
"What do you think you are, Mars or something?" 😄
Rest in Peace to the greatest comedian of all time
This was such a great bit.
“I don’t know if you guys are history buffs or not…”. Brilliant.
Germany, the Bond villain of nations.
Implying that the west would even exist without us. Look at the hellscape. At least you aren't speaking German.
Klaus Schwab is in charge of being the world’s Bond villain at the moment!
@@philippesauvie639 fed post redacted
@@philippesauvie639 Together with Gates and others they have some kind of league of evil shit going on.
@@ReeN1995 Germany is invaded by American sjw culture und lgbt stuff. I mean America can have it in their country but don't force it upon us
What makes this set extra special is that he’s holding back tears the entire time, this being his final set on the final episode of Letterman. Preparing himself for the farewell speech to his friend and mentor, trying to hold it together on national TV, and still killed it
Norm was so good! I was actually at this taping. It was the 4th last episode, not the final one. Oprah was also there that night.
@@peted501 Too bad Oprah was there.
Who do you think you are, Mars....?
El Cochi Loco That was a pretty great line 😂😂
Underrated line!
eep orp eep ah ah.....means I love you.
It was like if the joke has a PPS
What's with the Mars reference? Is he talking about the Roman God?
We’ll miss you so much Norm. Damn I’m sad about this.
Love ya Norm.
We have a saying in Germany "alles guten dinge sind 3 " means all good things are three :-D i hope not :-/
Norm's humor was rooted in pointing out the obvious in a ridiculous manner. He provided many laughs, and the saying goes "Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God." Thank you, Norm.
I wish I knew about Norm when I was in high school. I always loved this type of humor and he was the absolute master of it
How is Norm funnier than both his delivery AND the actually joke? He's stronger than the sum of all his parts in a way that I find deeply interesting. Like a documented phenomenon that science can't yet explain.
Well put. Knowledge is one thing and life another.
Good stuff, greetings from Germany.
We're watching you Germany 🤨
@@chiefootball5832 Oh, we're fine for now. Not so sure about the US, though.
@@chiefootball5832
By "we" you mean the WORLD"?
@@Kareragirl I would disagree with you being fine.
@@rogerhoke9725 I dunno. Looks fine to me, really. Actually...better then pretty much all of German history.
Good lord I loved his delivery
that little pause before his third "the world" (at the end) is one of the many many genius parts of this bit.... Norm is such a beast on stage
"Now you would figure it would take like 5 seconds for the world to win, but no, it was actually close."
Best lien in the joke.
R.I.P Norm. Your Voice is one of a kind
That had never been tried before. Always breaks me up.
I've seen this 10 times and I still laugh out loud. Naughty Germany.
A man who put a smile on the world's face. 😊
RIP you great man
Imagine he has actually been battling cancer for years when this took place.
Wow, I didn’t even think of that! That’s insane. I absolutely LOVED (and STILL LOVE) Norm!! 💔😢
RIP an absolute fucking legend
He's going to go down one of the greatest stand ups in comedy history....
This is comedic genius in action !!!
RIP, Norm. Came here as soon as I found out. :(
Me too.
RE" what do you think you are Mars or something? " LMAO !
Brilliant, love your work. Thank you.
RIP NORM. This is one of the funniest bits ever.
Rest well, Norm.
During the pandemic these clips of him would keep me sane and for that I am very grateful.
The entire bit on the last Letterman show was the only time during a stand up performance where I laughed until I cried...and then cried for real
By far my favorite comedian. I was listening to his pod cast, "Norm MacDonald Live" on my way to work. They had Nick Swardson on as their guest. The combination of Nick's Mr.Furley impressions, and Norm trying to get through his Man-Grate advertisement, had me in tears. A car full of people in the lane next to me were all laughing just from watching me crack up.
Rest In Peace, Norm.
You figure that would take about 5 seconds for the world to win, but no!
It was actually close.
Always be a legend. Thank you
One of the SNL GOATS. There will never be another like him. From that whole group of when he was there with Sandler Myers rock. He was my favorite and they had some heavy hitters in that era.
Rest In Peace legend. One of my favorite comedians.
This is hysterical, but more than being funny, it makes you wonder what was REALLY going on, because the truth sounds completely ludacris.
When I saw this live on Letterman I was laughing so hard that I couldn't breath.
Just noticed that great pun at the end there: “Are you Mars or something?” RIP Norm.
I’ll be weeks watching these old clips. Rest In Peace. Greatest to ever do it.
I'm here because he passed away today. God speed and God bless.🙏
Rest in peace, Norm. You were one of the greatest comics of all time.
Only 21 years passed.
This is stand-up perfection, the entire bit is brilliant
I can't believe he's gone. Norm, you were beloved by millions and I will always remember you for your unique sense of humor and comical style. I hope you're at peace now up in comedy heaven with the rest of the greatest in history. Love you man. 😥
Didn’t MASH settle this? Every line is perfection. Massively underrated. A big loss. RIP Norm
Comedy is at LEAST 75% timing... and Norm was rally the king of perfect delivery.
RIP dude. You delivered some awesome pun's. And they were perfectly timed!
"what do you think, you are mars or sth?" 😆😆
Rest in peace Norm! I only really got into your stuff in the last three years! I couldn't count the amount of hours of norm MacDonald I watched on CZcams while I was stuck in bed too depressed to do anything else! Norm really helped me get through a rough time in my life! He will always be one of my comedy heroes! Rest in peace Norm "crackwhore" Macdonald
This is my all time favorite joke which is saying something considering how great he was.
RIP Norm
One of the greats, and he didn't lose his edge with age.
Both Norm MacDonald and Gilbert Gottfried had such an intellect to their delivery and humor in general. Both will be missed as the iconic Comedians comedian.
One of my favorite jokes of all time. R.I.P. norm, I love you.
My favorite Norm Joke. RIP.
RIP to an irreplaceable comic genius. What a huge loss.