menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

George Carlin’s 9/11 Special Was Too Dark to Be Released. Here’s What He Says in It.

21 0
24.04.2026

Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

George Carlin’s 9/11 Special Was Too Dark to Be Released. Here’s What He Says in It.

George Carlin planned to call his next HBO special I Kinda Like It When a Lotta People Die. Then 9/11 happened.

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

On September 9 and 10, 2001, George Carlin appeared at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, where he performed material intended for his upcoming 12th HBO special. When the special was eventually released two months later, it was titled Complaints and Grievances, but the original plan was for the title to be “I Kinda Like It When a Lotta People Die.”

As you probably could’ve guessed, the events of September 11th had a significant impact on the jokes that ended up making it to HBO that November. In fact, most of the stuff Carlin was doing leading up to the attacks wouldn’t be heard again until 15 years later.

As the title pretty clearly implies, I Kinda........

© Vice