

Albert Brooks calls his doctor about a cold. The doctor is unhinged. So is Albert.
Writing
Self-aware comedy that predicts modern cringe humor.
Acting
Brooks and Shearer escalate mutual frustration perfectly.

Director
Albert Brooks
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This aired during SNL's first season when the show was still finding its voice between live sketches and pre-filmed bits.
Brooks was hired as a filmmaker, not cast member—this short established the template for his entire career of anxious self-examination.