Queer Comedian Mae Martin Talks Netflix Comedy Special ‘SAP’

Award-winning Canadian comedian, writer, and actor Mae Martin, best known for their critically acclaimed series Feel Good, has officially debuted their first hour-long comedy special, SAP, on Netflix.

Directed by renowned creator Abbi Jacobson, SAP opens and closes with a campfire sketch that underscores the human need to feel seen through the sharing of perspectives. Martin, who has been performing stand-up for more than two decades, showcases charm, charisma, and undeniable wit as they share details of their life journey and reflect on a world off its axis.

From embracing their nonbinary gender identity to a mythical moose encounter, nothing is off the table in SAP. Even more, we can’t help but smile as Martin calls out comedians using their platforms to slam the LGBTQ community while also offering a healing diversion from anxiety-inducing headlines about anti-trans legislation.

Martin took some time to talk more about SAP and their comedic artistry with OFM.

Can you begin by telling us what you hope viewers take away from your new Netflix comedy special SAP?

I just hope people like it. I hope it’s uplifting and that viewers leave feeling positive and reflective. I think there’s a lot of nostalgia in it, which I feel like there’s a real appetite for right now post-pandemic. I hope it makes people laugh.

You have been doing stand-up since you were a teen. How did this journey initially begin for you?

I remember my parents taking me to a comedy club when I was about 11, and I became fascinated by it. My parents were both big comedy fans as well, but at this show, the comedian brought me up on stage, sort of made me his ventriloquist dummy, and did this whole bit with me. I’m sure some people would have found that traumatic, but I found it so addictive and fun.

Is there a part of SAP that is your absolute favorite?

Yes, I love the snow globes bit. Talking about how we collect our experiences like snow globes. That’s a fun one because I get to do a stupid voice, which I enjoy doing.

You are currently in therapy, and you talk about this in the show. Were you at all nervous or hesitant to open up like this and be vulnerable?

Not at this point in my career. I’m like, “There’s no going back.” I’m kind of an open book at this point, and I’m pleasantly surprised that the more personal I am, the more people respond to it. It’s universal, so no, I wasn’t too nervous at all.

How do you find a good balance where you’re not oversharing?

Yeah, I don’t know if I found that balance yet (laughs). I definitely don’t use people’s names or really implicate them, and I don’t really talk about my current love life very much. That’s a line that I draw, but other than that, I think everything’s pretty much fair game as long as it’s funny.

I love how you address fellow comedians in SAP who punch down at the LGBTQ community and gender issues. Did you feel like you needed to say something because of today’s escalating rhetoric, especially towards trans people and drag queens?

Yes, and you’re right. The crucial thing is that it’s escalating, and if it wasn’t, I definitely would have felt like it was almost more important to not talk about it. Because of anti-trans legislation and “Don’t Say Gay” bills, we’re in a pretty scary moment of slipping backwards when it comes to LGBTQ rights. So, anything I can do to kind of redress the balance a little bit or be a positive voice in the mix, I feel like it’s important. I wish it wasn’t necessary, but it does still feel necessary to have that visibility.

Acclaimed creator Abbi Jacobson directed SAP. What was it like working with her?

It was great! We had such a blast. She’s so smart and funny, and we have a really similar sensibility and similar tastes, so it was fun getting to know each other better. I really trust her opinion. It eases your mind when you know you have someone backstage who is not going to bullshit you and shares the same sense of humor.

You currently have some other films and Netflix projects in development. What can you tell us about those?

I’m not allowed to talk about them much, but I do have a show in development, and then my co-writer from Feel Good, Joe Hampson, we’re working on a couple of movies. I don’t want to jinx anything so, let’s wait and see what happens!

Has entertainment always been your passion?

I have a lot of other interests too, but it’s definitely because I dropped out of high school, and don’t have a plan B. So, I have to make it work (laughs).

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career?

I’d love to write and direct a movie, which I am working on at the moment, and I also recently recorded an album of music. Like, serious music, and that’s been a lot of fun. That’s a whole other muscle to exercise, and I love doing that. I just want to keep trying things and keep expressing myself through different mediums, see what works and what doesn’t. I’m sure a good percentage of it won’t work, but you won’t know unless you try it.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

Not really, that’s about it. I mean, I’m in LA, and I’m always doing live shows, so if anyone wants to check out a live show, please do!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Martin by following them on Twitter @themaemartin and Instagram @hooraymae. Mae Martin: SAP is now available to stream on Netflix.

Photos courtesy of Netflix