The Special Without Brett Davis is a public-access television show on Manhattan Neighborhood Network. The show takes the form of an ever-changing live "special"[1] with a new format and performers, and a host portrayed by comedian Brett Davis.[2]
The show adopted the Wednesday night 11pm timeslot previously held by The Chris Gethard Show after it moved to cable.
The show features a rotating cast of comedians in varying roles week to week, in character or as themselves.
Past contributors include Jo Firestone, Chris Gethard, John Early, Ana Fabrega, Julio Torres, Anna Drezen, Bridey Elliott, Conner O'Malley, Joe Pera, Josh Gondelman, Cole Escola, James Adomian, Patti Harrison, Sunita Mani, Tallie Medel, Ziwe Fumudoh, John Reynolds, Anna Drezen, Ikechukwu Ufomadu, Matt Rogers, Zach Cherry and Bridey Elliott.
Every episode featured a "joke of the week" from "Mr. Jokes" Steve Whalen, who mainly appeared as himself regardless of the episode's theme.
The show featured interviews with actors including Michael Shannon, Richard Kind, Natalia Tena, Danny Tamberelli, Alex Brightman, Rose McGowan, Dasha Nekrasova, Tim Williams, Kevin Corrigan and Logan Miller.
The show also featured comedians such as Gilbert Gottfried, Janeane Garofalo, Brian Stack, Dave Hill, Jake Fogelnest, Megan Koester, Artie Lange, and Tom Scharpling.
The show also featured many names from the world of wrestling, including Lita, Dave Meltzer, New Jack, Virgil, Dalton Castle, Salina de la Renta, Low-Ki and Pat Buck.
Other personalities that appeared include: Scott Rogowsky, Karley Sciortino, Lloyd Kaufman, Adam Richman, Chapo Trap House, Dasha Nekrasova, Jesse Camp and Marnie the Dog.[3]
Musical guests included Jerry Paper, The Thermals, Jean Grae, Screaming Females, Sloppy Jane, Thick, Emily Wells, Sunflower Bean, Mr Twin Sister, Meredith Graves, Guerilla Toss, M Lamar, Lushlife, Dougie Poole, Ava Luna, Domino Kirke, SAVAK, A Place To Bury Strangers, Jazzboy, Long Neck, Tredici Bacci, The Vandelles, Showtime Goma and more.