The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (HBO)

About The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is a two-part documentary that first premiered on HBO in 2018. It is an in-depth examination of the life and legacy of comedian Garry Shandling, known for his unique brand of humor and his profound influence on the world of comedy. The series uses Shandling's personal diaries and notes, revealing his deep-rooted pursuit for spirituality and self-discovery, which played a significant part in his life and stand-up routine. Through interviews with friends and family, the series uncovers the trials and tribulations that shaped his comedic style and discusses his contributions to show business.

Making / Production

The docuseries is produced and directed by Shandling's close friend and mentee, Judd Apatow. It took Apatow over four years to compile the vast archive of Shandling's personal material, including home videos, photos, and writings. The use of these archives gives viewers an intimate look at the comedian's inner life and creative process. Apatow also conducted numerous interviews with those close to Shandling to uncover rare insights into the late comedian's life and career.

Actors

• Judd Apatow: As the director, Apatow not only presents a thorough biography of Shandling but also acts as a narrating voice throughout the series.
• Garry Shandling: Although he had passed away before the series' production, the series extensively uses Shandling's own words from his diaries and past interviews to provide a deep understanding of his life and work.
• Various celebrities: The series features numerous interviewees from the world of show business, including Jim Carrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, who share their experiences with and impressions of Shandling.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series holds a unique place as a posthumous autobiography, using Shandling's own writings and musings to provide a narrative.
• The title of the docuseries reflects Garry Shandling's profound interest in Buddhism and Zen philosophy which greatly influenced his work.

Awards

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling was critically acclaimed and won the 2018 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

Quotes

• Moments from Shandling's journal: "The more personal and revealing you are, the more universal it is."
• Judd Apatow stating: "He transformed television because he wanted to get closer to the truth."

Music and Soundtrack

The series doesn't feature a traditional music soundtrack. The background score mainly comprises a soft, instrumental music underscoring the narration and interviews, setting a thoughtful and introspective tone for the series.