Ben Stiller’s documentary about his legendary comedian parents debuts on Apple TV+ this Thursday, Oct. 24. The film honors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, comedy icons who performed together for over 60 years. Audiences can watch the deeply personal tribute starting today.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost” premieres Oct. 24, 2025 on Apple TV+
- The comedy duo appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show 36 times during the 1960s and 1970s
- Anne Meara died in 2015 at age 85; Jerry Stiller passed in 2020 at age 92
What Makes This Documentary Special
Ben Stiller directed this intimate portrait of his parents’ lives. The film premiered at the New York Film Festival on Oct. 5. It had a limited theatrical run starting Oct. 17 before streaming.
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The documentary explores how Jerry and Anne balanced creativity with family life. Their comedy partnership began in the 1960s. They became household names through countless TV appearances and comedy albums.
“I feel very fortunate to be partnering once again with the incredible team at Apple TV+, this time on a project that is very personal to me and my family.”
Christopher Walken and Stephen Colbert appear in the film. Ben’s sister Amy Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor also share memories. The documentary uses home movies and recordings Jerry preserved throughout their lives.
The Stiller & Meara Comedy Legacy
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara met in 1953 at an acting audition. They married shortly after. By 1961, they performed in nightclubs across New York.
The duo joined The Compass Players, which became Second City. Their comedy routines featured characters Hershey Horowitz and Mary Elizabeth Doyle. These personas played on Jerry’s Jewish heritage and Anne’s Irish Catholic background.
| Career Milestone | Year |
|---|---|
| First Ed Sullivan Show appearance | April 7, 1963 |
| Comedy duo dissolved | 1970 |
| Jerry’s role on Seinfeld begins | 1993 |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame star | Feb. 9, 2007 |
They stopped performing together to save their marriage. Anne explained they couldn’t separate the act from real life. Both pursued solo careers while staying married for 61 years.
Ben Stiller’s Severance Connection
Ben Stiller directs and produces Severance for Apple TV+. The show earned 27 Emmy nominations in 2025. It became the most-nominated series of the year.
Severance won multiple awards at the Sept. 14, 2025 Emmy ceremony. Britt Lower won Outstanding Lead Actress. Tramell Tillman won Outstanding Supporting Actor.
The thriller series is Apple TV+‘s most-watched show ever. It secured a third season renewal. Ben’s work on both projects shows his range as a director.
Why This Film Matters Now
You’ll see how comedy legends balanced art and family. The documentary arrives during a time when audiences crave authentic stories. Ben turns the camera on himself to explore generational patterns.
- The film addresses how children of performers navigate their parents’ fame and public personas
- Ben and Amy discuss never knowing if fights were real or rehearsed
- Archival footage shows the duo’s 36 Ed Sullivan appearances and their impact on 1960s comedy
Jerry documented everything on tape and film. This obsessive recording became the foundation for the documentary. The film reveals tensions between Anne’s desire for independence and Jerry’s need for approval.
Where Can You Watch Jerry Stiller’s Documentary?
The documentary streams exclusively on Apple TV+ starting Oct. 24. The subscription costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. The film runs 1 hour 38 minutes.
You can access Apple TV+ on multiple devices. Watch on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. The service also works on smart TVs and streaming devices.
Will this personal documentary resonate with viewers beyond the Stiller family fans? Critics praised the film’s honesty at its New York Film Festival premiere. Early reviews call it moving and unexpectedly funny.
Sources
- Apple TV+ Press – Official announcement of documentary release
- Variety – Documentary review and analysis
- Deadline – Trailer release and premiere details
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.
Remember when Jerry Stiller rocked the screen with his comedy genius? Now, Ben Stillers paying tribute to his late father in a documentary. Intrigued to see the Stiller & Meara legacy unfold on Apple TV+?
Anyone else notice the Stiller & Meara legacy shining through Ben Stillers work? Cant wait to see his heartfelt documentary on Jerry Stiller. Will it bring back memories of laughter or show a different side?
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Ive always admired the Stiller familys comedic talent. Ben Stiller honoring his father Jerry with a documentary – now thats something special. Cant wait to delve into the Stiller & Meara legacy. Who else is excited for this journey into comedy history?
Remember when Jerry Stiller made us all belly laugh with his comedic genius? Ben Stillers documentary on Apple TV+ is a heartwarming tribute to the Stiller & Meara legacy. Whos ready to dive into their world on Oct. 24?