Inside Amy Schumer: Season 4

The fourth season of Amy Schumer's acclaimed half-hour sketch comedy series on Comedy Central continues to explore cultural double standards, stereotypes, and the experience of being a woman in modern American culture—subject matter that is relatively rare on American TV (even on shows with female leads). Schumer's creative approach is to anchor each episode with a theme, taking the lead on most skits and not being shy about letting herself be a figure of ridicule—such as her pitch of a hip-hop "Betsy Ross" musical for Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator and star of Hamilton). Other episodes revolve around the objectification of women and others (in one sketch, professional athletes comment on the actions of everyday schlubs and place bets on their performances), hate speech, and male fantasies, all done with brash and raunchy humor. While this season doesn't quite match the ingenuity and insight reached in earlier seasons, the comedy is still smart, funny, and observant. Schumer has not officially ended the series, but it remains on indefinite hiatus (the final episode here is a clip show of highlights from all four seasons hosted by Andy Cohen). Compiling all nine episodes from 2016, extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette and outtakes. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)