27 details and references you might have missed in Bo Burnham's new Netflix special 'Inside'

Kim RenfroJun 6, 2021, 07:57 IST

Bo Burnham references a comic named Hans Teeuwen in his new special "Inside."Netflix and Comedy Station

Bo Burnham's new Netflix comedy special "Inside" is jam-packed with references to his previous work.
So we broke down each song and sketch and analyzed their meaning and context.

"Inside" feels like the creative culmination of Bo Burnham's career over the last 15 years, starting with his first viral YouTube video in 2006.

Bo Burnham on stage for the Netflix special taping of his live show "Make Happy." Netflix

The opening shot of "Inside" makes it clear that Burnham is threading the start of his new special with the very end of his 2016 special, "Make Happy."

The end of "Make Happy" and the beginning of "Inside." Netflix

How "Make Happy" ended is vital to understanding the start of "Inside."

Bo Burnham singing to his audience at the end of "Make Happy." Netflix

At the start of "Inside," Burnham says he's been "a little depressed" so he's going to try getting back to work.

Burnham singing the intro song of his special, "Inside." Netflix

We see a series of meta scenes that show Burnham setting up his cameras and lights. Then a quick flash of his future self bursts in to glance at the audience.

Burnham at the start and end of filming his special, "Inside." Netflix

His first full song in "Inside" is a parody of his own internal debate over whether or not he should be "joking at a time like this" - complete with a whiteboard mapping how to tell if a joke is funny or not.

The "IS IT FUNNY" flowchart in Burnham's room. Netflix

His first full song in "Inside" is a parody of his own internal debate over whether or not he should be "joking at a time like this" - complete with a whiteboard mapping how to tell if a joke is funny or not.

This whiteboard comedy equation seems to hearken back to one of Burnham's songs from the "Make Happy" special.

Burnham's take on the "tragedy plus time equals comedy" rule. Netflix

Another of Burnham's mock lessons on comedy breaks up movies, TV, stand-up, podcasts, and social media into "funny" bubbles.

Another whiteboard in Burnham's room. Netflix

After the "FaceTime with My Mom" song, Burnham shows another behind-the-scenes look at himself working. A flash image appears in the corner, showing himself roleplaying as a Twitch streamer.

The lower corner version of Bo Burnham appeared for a split-second. Netflix

After the "FaceTime with My Mom" song, Burnham shows another behind-the-scenes look at himself working. A flash image appears in the corner, showing himself roleplaying as a Twitch streamer.

The song "That's How the World Works" employs the use of a sock puppet, a likely reference to one of Burnham's favorite comedians - Hans Teeuwen.

Burnham with his Socko and Hans Teeuwen with Ronnie the sock puppet. Netflix

"White Woman's Instagram" song is edited primarily into the square format of an Instagram photo, but the aspect ratio opens up when the song touches on an example genuine emotion.

The narrow and opened view of Burnham's mock-Instagram photo. Netflix

"White Woman's Instagram" song is edited primarily into the square format of an Instagram photo, but the aspect ratio opens up when the song touches on an example genuine emotion.

Burnham's entire comedic ethos can be summed up in the reaction-to-the-reaction-of-the-reaction video bit.

Burnham reacting to himself reacting to himself singing. Netflix

During "Sexting," Burnham's projector shows a text from someone spiraling while trying to communicate about making sure both parties are enjoying the experience.

A brief shot of this message appears during the "Sexting" song. Netflix

Next, Burnham does some introspection on the video that started his whole career: "My Whole Family."

Burnham playing the piano on his floor. Netflix

Burnham has been open about the way his own standards for "appropriate" comedy have changed rapidly in the last 15 years.

That's why a chilling, droning sound plays during the next shot of Burnham watching that first viral video on a projector before cutting to a song about holding him accountable.

Burnham watching his own YouTube video in "Inside." Netflix

That's why a chilling, droning sound plays during the next shot of Burnham watching that first viral video on a projector before cutting to a song about holding him accountable.

Next, Bo ruminates on turning 30 years old after working on the special for six months. His past self appears for a split second, mirroring the earlier blip in the special.

Burnham waiting for this 30th birthday, and the flash of a younger Burnham that appeared. Netflix

Next, Bo ruminates on turning 30 years old after working on the special for six months. His past self appears for a split second, mirroring the earlier blip in the special.

After a brief "intermission," we finally see the full version of the Twitch-streamer-Bo who glitched into the special earlier.

Burnham's faux-Twitch stream in "Inside." Netflix

When the game ends, the screen says "another night approaches" and then it cuts to Burnham getting into bed. This kicks of a section of the special that seems entirely focused on a downward mental spiral.

Burnham closing his eyes under a spotlight as another night approaches. Netflix

When the game ends, the screen says "another night approaches" and then it cuts to Burnham getting into bed. This kicks of a section of the special that seems entirely focused on a downward mental spiral.

"That Funny Feeling" is a song about things that make you feel like you're living in a warped simulation or have totally disassociated from reality, or perhaps have begun to accept that we're at the edge of the collapse of civilization.

Burnham singing "That Funny Feeling" in front of fake firelight and a projection of the woods. Netflix

"That Funny Feeling" is a song about things that make you feel like you're living in a warped simulation or have totally disassociated from reality, or perhaps have begun to accept that we're at the edge of the collapse of civilization.

When Burnham says "20,000 years of this, seven more to go," he's likely referring to the window of time we have to take action against global warming before its effects are irreversible.

The "Climate Clock", installed by project co-founders Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd in honor of Climate Week, counts down the years, days, hours, minutes, and seconds the Earth has left to take action to stop global warming. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

When Burnham says "20,000 years of this, seven more to go," he's likely referring to the window of time we have to take action against global warming before its effects are irreversible.

The song "All Eyes On Me" uses a vocal distortion on Burnham's voice, perhaps signaling that what we're hearing is the manifestation of depression trying to convince us to sink into the comfort of inertia.

Burnham staring into the camera while singing "All Eyes On Me." Netflix

The song "All Eyes On Me" uses a vocal distortion on Burnham's voice, perhaps signaling that what we're hearing is the manifestation of depression trying to convince us to sink into the comfort of inertia.

During "All Eyes On Me," Burnham explains to his "audience" why he quit live comedy, and reveals that he had been ready to return right before the pandemic hit.

Burnham singing "All Eyes On Me." Netflix

In the background of "All Eyes On Me," the camera's timestamp is frozen in place - as if the camera isn't even recording anymore. We're all just in this dark, liminal space together.

The numbers are clear even with all the overlaid visuals of Burnham singing. Netflix

In the background of "All Eyes On Me," the camera's timestamp is frozen in place - as if the camera isn't even recording anymore. We're all just in this dark, liminal space together.

"All Eyes On Me" is also the first time Burnham uses an extended handheld shot in the whole special.

Burnham holding the camera during "All Eyes On Me." Netflix

Finally Burnham is shown "waking up," ending the section of the special spent in the darkest possible mental space.

Burnham waking up. Netflix

At last, Burnham sings his "Possible Ending Song," and manages to go outside - only to feel terrified and vulnerable in the spotlight.

Burnham in the spotlight once again. Netflix

But in the end, Burnham watches back what he's made, and smiles ever so slightly. Like he's ready to be outside again. And maybe the rest of us are ready, too.

The final shot of "Inside." Netflix

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27 details and references you might have missed in Bo Burnham's new Netflix special 'Inside'

"Inside" feels like the creative culmination of Bo Burnham's career over the last 15 years, starting with his first viral YouTube video in 2006.

The opening shot of "Inside" makes it clear that Burnham is threading the start of his new special with the very end of his 2016 special, "Make Happy."

How "Make Happy" ended is vital to understanding the start of "Inside."

At the start of "Inside," Burnham says he's been "a little depressed" so he's going to try getting back to work.

We see a series of meta scenes that show Burnham setting up his cameras and lights. Then a quick flash of his future self bursts in to glance at the audience.

His first full song in "Inside" is a parody of his own internal debate over whether or not he should be "joking at a time like this" - complete with a whiteboard mapping how to tell if a joke is funny or not.

This whiteboard comedy equation seems to hearken back to one of Burnham's songs from the "Make Happy" special.

Another of Burnham's mock lessons on comedy breaks up movies, TV, stand-up, podcasts, and social media into "funny" bubbles.

After the "FaceTime with My Mom" song, Burnham shows another behind-the-scenes look at himself working. A flash image appears in the corner, showing himself roleplaying as a Twitch streamer.

The song "That's How the World Works" employs the use of a sock puppet, a likely reference to one of Burnham's favorite comedians - Hans Teeuwen.

"White Woman's Instagram" song is edited primarily into the square format of an Instagram photo, but the aspect ratio opens up when the song touches on an example genuine emotion.

Burnham's entire comedic ethos can be summed up in the reaction-to-the-reaction-of-the-reaction video bit.

During "Sexting," Burnham's projector shows a text from someone spiraling while trying to communicate about making sure both parties are enjoying the experience.

Next, Burnham does some introspection on the video that started his whole career: "My Whole Family."

Burnham has been open about the way his own standards for "appropriate" comedy have changed rapidly in the last 15 years.

That's why a chilling, droning sound plays during the next shot of Burnham watching that first viral video on a projector before cutting to a song about holding him accountable.

Next, Bo ruminates on turning 30 years old after working on the special for six months. His past self appears for a split second, mirroring the earlier blip in the special.

After a brief "intermission," we finally see the full version of the Twitch-streamer-Bo who glitched into the special earlier.

When the game ends, the screen says "another night approaches" and then it cuts to Burnham getting into bed. This kicks of a section of the special that seems entirely focused on a downward mental spiral.

"That Funny Feeling" is a song about things that make you feel like you're living in a warped simulation or have totally disassociated from reality, or perhaps have begun to accept that we're at the edge of the collapse of civilization.

When Burnham says "20,000 years of this, seven more to go," he's likely referring to the window of time we have to take action against global warming before its effects are irreversible.

The song "All Eyes On Me" uses a vocal distortion on Burnham's voice, perhaps signaling that what we're hearing is the manifestation of depression trying to convince us to sink into the comfort of inertia.

During "All Eyes On Me," Burnham explains to his "audience" why he quit live comedy, and reveals that he had been ready to return right before the pandemic hit.

In the background of "All Eyes On Me," the camera's timestamp is frozen in place - as if the camera isn't even recording anymore. We're all just in this dark, liminal space together.

"All Eyes On Me" is also the first time Burnham uses an extended handheld shot in the whole special.

Finally Burnham is shown "waking up," ending the section of the special spent in the darkest possible mental space.

At last, Burnham sings his "Possible Ending Song," and manages to go outside - only to feel terrified and vulnerable in the spotlight.

But in the end, Burnham watches back what he's made, and smiles ever so slightly. Like he's ready to be outside again. And maybe the rest of us are ready, too.