Buddy Young Jr., a once-famous stand-up comedian, reflects on his life as he navigates through the late stages of his career. He reminisces about his rise to fame from performing in the Catskills to becoming a big television star. Buddy's biting humor and sharp wit earned him a loyal audience but also created rifts in his personal relationships. His brother and manager, Stan, supports him through thick and thin, despite Buddy's often ungrateful and egotistical behavior. Buddy struggles with the changing entertainment landscape and looks back nostalgically on the golden years of his career, yearning for the adulation he once commanded.

As Buddy grapples with his waning fame, he tries to revive his career but faces numerous challenges. He encounters younger comedians who do not understand or appreciate his old-school style. Despite this, Buddy remains determined to stay relevant, often alienating those around him with his abrasive personality and relentless pursuit of success. His relationship with his family deteriorates, and his refusal to adapt only serves to deepen his professional and personal struggles. The story is a poignant examination of ambition, the fleeting nature of fame, and the cost it exacts on personal relationships.