While many comedians have taken the Louis C.K. methodology of developing comedy specials/albums at the pace of one per year, Patton Oswalt has continued to take a few years to record his latest hour. The results, as you’ve probably seen for yourself, have made Oswalt that rare comedian that gets both critical acclaim and commercial success. Do I even need to tell you to check out My Weakness Is Strong or Finest Hour for proof? That time also allows to do all the other great things that Patton does, like be a force on Twitter, write books, make cameos in great web series, and, oh yeah, play memorable character roles in movies and television.

For this new comedy special, Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time, Patton made a point of trying to not get on a single flight to develop the material (i.e. pretty much stay in Southern California), which is quite a feat if you’re a touring comedian. I got to catch one Oswalt in residency at The Fake Gallery here in L.A. and just have to say that you should all be looking forward, if you aren’t already, to next Friday, January 17th at 10/9c when Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time premieres on Epix (in other words, it was pretty great).

Until then, you can watch this preview on what an updated Florida state flag should be: