Aziz Ansari began the first of two shows at Madison Square Garden on Thursday in front of a giant video of a rising sun set to spaghetti-western music.

While this arresting opening suggested a rapid-fire action movie, what followed was more like a ruminative, socially conscious solo play. Mr. Ansari, the fast-rising, prolific comic who appears on “Parks and Recreation,” jokingly mused on family, technology, factory farming and love, closing with a sweeping and sentimental set piece tracking a relationship from first blush to near death. His jittery energy has settled into a calmer, humbler tone, and in another departure, he frequently interacted with the crowd.

The show, “Aziz Ansari Live!” is his most ambitious work — and least funny.

Playing Madison Square Garden has become the ultimate status symbol for a certain class of comedians. If you’re popular enough to fill an arena, it’s very difficult to bomb. At the same time, it’s even more of a challenge to give a great performance in a home for professional sports and pop spectacle.

The gold standard for arena comedy right now is Kevin Hart, whose commanding turn at the Garden last year was exciting from start to finish. His most impressive special effect was a forceful energy and theatrical charisma that made his small frame seem to grow right before your eyes.