As I reflect upon these intriguing tales of fame and scandal, I find myself drawn to the resilience and unapologetic spirit of Kathy Griffin. A woman who has never shied away from speaking her mind, even when it comes to the most polarizing figures of our time – presidents included.
Having a comedy special is a significant stepping stone for comedians, providing them with an excellent chance to elevate their careers. For instance, stand-up comedian Taylor Tomlinson experienced this firsthand. Her debut Netflix special, titled “Quarter Life Crisis,” gained immense popularity, leading to two follow-up specials and another one scheduled for 2025. Additionally, she was selected as the host of the late-night show “@fter Midnight.” Many renowned stand-up comedians have seen their careers skyrocket thanks to a comedy special.
Even if you’re known for being humorous, it doesn’t give you free reign to say whatever you wish. Whether it was a joke in a stand-up routine, off-stage antics, or social media posts, some entertainers have encountered the phenomenon called “cancel culture.” This movement has grown as a means for audiences to express disapproval towards comedians, celebrities, politicians, and other prominent figures whose actions they deem inappropriate, by withdrawing their support.
Occasionally, instances of backlash may occur, where individuals feel upset for a brief duration. Lately, performers such as Matt Rife, Bill Burr, and Amy Schumer have faced criticism due to their Twitter posts or stand-up material. Yet, they’ve managed to secure ongoing employment opportunities. While cancellations can sometimes result in long-lasting consequences spanning several years, it appears these comedians have remained resilient and unphased by the backlash.
10 Shane Gillis
Latest Comedy Special – Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs in 2023 on Netflix
In a time when it’s often divisive for a comedian to mock either the left or the right, Shane Gillis manages to maintain neutrality in his Netflix comedy special, titled “Beautiful Dogs“. This performance could offer valuable insights to journalists on how to remain impartial. In this comedy special, Gillis evenly criticizes both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, demonstrating a balanced approach to humor.
What Happened & What’s Next?
In 2019, Gillis was gearing up for a significant milestone in his comedy journey, securing a spot as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Following a successful audition round, SNL officially announced he would be part of their cast for the 45th season. However, it wasn’t long before a video clip from an old podcast hosted by Gillis began circulating widely. This video depicted him mocking East Asian accents and using derogatory ethnic slurs.
Following the video’s release, Gillis was let go from SNL, which initially seemed like a significant career blow. However, it might have merely been a temporary obstacle. In 2020, he transitioned his skills to the internet and gained success with the web series “Gilly and Keeves”. In 2022, he unveiled a comedy special on YouTube, marking a new upswing in his career. In 2023, he released “Beautiful Dogs” on Netflix, and in 2024, he landed the leading role in the Netflix series “Tires”. Subsequently, he returned to host SNL once more.
9 Joe Rogan
Latest Comedy Special – Burn The Boats in 2024 on Netflix
At times, it can be surprising to recall that one of the leading figures in the podcast realm once thrived as a stand-up comedian. Joe Rogan, known for his popular podcast, recently released a new comedy special titled Burn the Boats. After six years, he seemed a bit out of practice. The artistry behind podcast humor and stand-up comedy are quite distinct from each other.
But fans got exactly what they expected from a Joe Rogan. Cracking jokes about the COVID-19 pandemic, aliens, racial slurs, and of course, China. Rogan also went on comedic rants about his days hosting the reality show Fear Factor, commentating UFC fights, and his podcast. At times, it’s like watching a former high school football star at the bar reminiscing about the glory days. Entertaining, but not something you necessarily want to listen to again.
What Happened & What’s Next?
As a passionate film enthusiast, I found myself in the midst of a storm during the COVID-19 pandemic when my beloved podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” faced intense criticism. Critics claimed that I was disseminating misinformation regarding the vaccines and, sadly, using offensive language that included racial slurs. This led to a significant outcry, with health officials and organizations urging Spotify, which held exclusive rights to my podcast, to remove it from their streaming service. The situation escalated so much that iconic artists like Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen chose to withdraw their catalogs from Spotify due to their connection with me.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on how the landscape of audio entertainment has evolved. By the time the pandemic struck in 2020, “The Joe Rogan Experience” had grown so colossal that it seemed almost invincible. Spotify, its steadfast partner, chose to stand by it. However, it’s important to note that the podcast is no longer exclusive to Spotify; yet, they did sign a monumental $250 million contract, underscoring their commitment and faith in its continued success.
Joe Rogan sums up his “cancelation” best in Burn the Boats. Saying:
I’m skilled at chatting, sometimes my words hold meaning, often they do not. It’s on you to discern the difference.
8 Ellen DeGeneres
Latest Comedy Special – Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval in 2024 on Netflix
In 2024, this comedy special might have been the most eagerly awaited one. Ellen DeGeneres steps onto the stage for what appears to be her swan song in show business. For Your Approval delves into what Ellen has been doing since the last episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired in 2022. A heads up, she hasn’t been up to much, but Ellen doesn’t need much to get an audience giggling.
As a film critic with a soft spot for comedy, let me share my take on this latest special: It’s an unhurried, humorous reflection on how her show met its end. While there’s a grain of truth to that assessment, what sets it apart is the dose of amusing, therapeutic laughter it serves up. True enough, we expected her to poke fun at her cancellation, but the way she handled it made me laugh out loud!
What Happened & What’s Next?
Ellen DeGeneres was criticized for having a harsh work environment in 2020. Former employees of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” claimed she ignored sexual harassment, wrongfully fired employees taking sick or bereavement leave, and more. However, they shared these allegations with BuzzFeed instead of a reputable news outlet, which delayed action. Later, an investigation by Warner Brothers Entertainment confirmed that the show did indeed have a toxic work culture.
Following the probe in 2021, Ellen declared that she wouldn’t resume her show once her contract expired in 2022. Subsequently, on May 26th, 2022, after 19 seasons, she bid a fond farewell to the show. Ellen mentioned that she intended to complete existing commitments, which could imply Ellen DeGeneres may have retired from show business with For Your Approval as her final stage appearance.
While some comedy fans say the special is just an insincere goodbye rant, it doesn’t erase everything Ellen accomplished in her career. Ellen inspired millions of people across the world to be comfortable with their sexuality after coming out on her self-titled sitcom Ellen. In Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, she made kids laugh and remember to just keep swimming. For over 40 years, Ellen has been making people smile and laugh. It’s a bitter-sweet goodbye.
7 Kevin Hart
Latest Comedy Special – Kevin Hart: Reality Check in 2023 on Peacock
Many contemporary comedy performances seem to follow a pre-set list of topics, such as politics, religion, the media, sexuality, race, and countries that the U.S. is currently at odds with. However, in his eighth comedy special titled Borderlands, comedian Kevin Hart emphasizes the essence of a great comedian: sincerity. The special Kevin Hart: Reality Check maintains this authenticity through its tone, comic delivery, and anecdotes.
In one moment, Kevin Hart criticizes LeBron James for supposedly fibbing about his hairline during “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” The next instant, he switches to a heartwarming tribute to his father who passed away just ten days before the recording of the special. This mix of humor and emotion makes it one of the most relatable comedy moments in recent years.
What Happened & What’s Next?
As stated by Kevin Hart, he has experienced being “cancelled” about three to four times. The latest instance occurred in 2018 when he was set to host the Oscars. It was then that someone delved into Hart’s old Twitter posts. They discovered a number of tweets containing offensive language towards the LGBTQ+ community, using derogatory slurs and making insensitive jokes, including one where he referred to someone as a “gay billboard for AIDS.
Following the reappearance of his old tweets, Kevin Hart chose to relinquish his role as the host for the Oscars. However, this was essentially the only impact it had on him. Since 2019, Hart has been involved in a total of 11 films, including “Jumanji: The Next Level” and “The Secret Life of Pets 2”, made numerous guest appearances on TV shows, and released three comedy specials.
It’s important to note that Hart openly acknowledged learning about the reasons his actions were not right, as clearly stated in his conversation with The Wall Street Journal.
Occasionally, it’s alright to retreat and learn more… I received an intense lesson, which was both vital and overdue.
6 Roseanne Barr
Latest Comedy Special – Roseanne Barr: Cancel This! in 2023 on Fox Nation
Title rephrased: “Roseanne Barr’s Comeback: Not the Triumphant Return Expected
As for humor, it seems like she’s brainstorming on the spot, testing if her quips will tickle the audience’s funny bone, and boy, does it feel like this performance is backed by Fox News! She fearlessly navigates sensitive subjects, making it crystal clear that we’re in a zone of open discourse.
What Happened and What’s Next?
2018 saw Roseanne Barr on the brink of a grand return following years in the shadows, thanks to the highly successful revival of her sitcom Roseanne. ABC even chose to extend it for another season, its 11th. However, her Twitter account told a different tale. In a tweet criticizing Valarie Jarrett, then an advisor to the president, Roseanne’s comment was seen as deeply racist. Despite multiple attempts, Roseanne tried to justify her tweet by claiming she believed Jarret was white and that she had sent it while under the influence of Ambien.
keeping the show alive, with a twist – they might continue telling stories centered around the Connor family, giving more focus to Dan Connor, played by John Goodman.
In just under a month, ABC unveiled their strategy to revamp the show, now titled “The Connors“, which has since garnered immense popularity within the network. The influence of late-night television is evident here. Roseanne’s character met her end in this new version, and it appears that her podcasting career isn’t generating much interest in Tinseltown at present.
5 Dave Chappelle
Latest Comedy Special – The Dreamer in 2023 on Netflix
In Dave Chappelle’s current phase of his comedy career, viewers familiar with him were anticipating something distinctive when “The Dreamer” premiered on Netflix. However, some fans might express dissatisfaction due to the perceived predictability of his routine. Once more, Chappelle addresses transgender individuals and the LGBTQ+ community, yet he also satirizes himself and delves into the cultural phenomenon of 2022, the globally renowned slap incident.
What Happened & What’s Next?
On previous occasions, Dave Chappelle has made jokes about the transgender community. His 2021 comedy special, titled The Closer, contained humor that some perceived as transphobic. The response was so negative that it led to a walkout by Netflix employees, who were urging the streaming service to remove the special from their platform.
As a devoted fan, I could say that Netflix, similar to Spotify with Joe Rogan, has found a strong partnership with Dave Chappelle. Though some members of the LGBTQA+ community might not be his biggest fans, it hasn’t hindered Chappelle’s comedic momentum in the least bit.
4 Ricky Gervais
Latest Comedy Special – Ricky Gervais: Armageddon in 2023 on Netflix
I must admit, “Armageddon” isn’t Ricky Gervais at his peak performance, but it’s undeniably not his most disappointing work either. With a renowned comedian like Gervais, just going through the motions can seem underwhelming to fans who expect more from him. Many viewers felt that during this show, Gervais was overreaching in his attempts to be offensive and overstaying his welcome with certain jokes. However, there are still chuckles to be found, particularly when he delves into the topic of how parents and teachers should educate children about pedophiles.
What Happened & What’s Next?
In this situation, certain humor from Gervais in the movie “Armageddon” was not well-received by a broad audience, especially his jokes about unsuitable behavior at a child’s funeral and those seeking asylum. However, the moment that caused the most outrage was probably when he made light of terminally ill children, using terms like “baldy.” Additionally, he stated that he advises kids through the Make-A-Wish Foundation to focus on getting better instead of meeting him. (It’s quite surprising, isn’t it?)
By now, it’s become standard fare in Gervais’ stand-up acts to incorporate shocking humor. Both his supporters and critics have grown accustomed to this aspect of his performances. Despite encountering criticism for his recent special, Gervais ultimately emerged victorious, earning a Golden Globe for Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance on Television. Interestingly enough, the title of his upcoming comedy act is “Mortality.
3 Louis C.K.
Latest Comedy Special – Louis C.K. at The Dolby in 2023 on louisck.com
Louis C.K. opted to bypass streaming platforms and exclusively offer a pair of comedy specials on his personal website instead. Titled “At The Dolby“, this production is typical of Louis C.K.’s humor. Occasionally, it seems as if he’s just going through the motions, and overall it may not be particularly remarkable, but in the end, it will satisfy long-time enthusiasts.
What Happened & What’s Next?
Louis C.K. faced issues with power misuse and exploitation. Whispers about his private life began circulating since 2015. In 2017, The New York Times reported on accusations from five women who alleged that C.K. exposed himself or made such offers to them. Later, C.K. acknowledged the veracity of the report and admitted his guilt following two years of denying these allegations.
Following his confession, Louis C.K.’s self-named show, Louie, was cancelled by FX. Additionally, Netflix and HBO severed ties with the comedian. It’s alleged that this decision cost him approximately $35 million in lost earnings. In an effort to regain favor with comedy enthusiasts, Louis C.K. has been gradually working his way back into good standing over the past five years. He wrote and directed a movie titled Fourth of July, embarked on stand-up tours, and released specials on his own website. Opinion about Louis C.K. remains divided, even among fellow comedians, regarding his gradual comeback.
During an interview with The New York Times, Amy Schumer expressed that she found much of the “Sincerely” Louis C.K. comedy special amusing.
“But it’s hard to not think of what he has done, what he has and hasn’t learned, but I definitely laughed.”
2 Aziz Ansari
Latest Comedy Special – Aziz Ansari: Night Club Comedian in 2022 on Netflix
Aziz Ansari was the one who kick-started Netflix’s dominance in comedy special distribution back in 2013 with his first release, “Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive.” In his recent special, “Nightclub Comedian,” Ansari serves up a hilarious routine that keeps fans coming back for more. Although he touches on contemporary topics like COVID-19 and vaccinations, the standout moments are when he discusses how quickly the world has evolved, using flip phones as an illustration. However, he also gets quite personal at times, making light of family matters in a tasteful manner.
What Happened & What’s Next?
In contrast to many instances where a comedian’s career is terminated due to clear-cut reasons, Aziz Ansari’s case falls into a less discussed gray area following the #MeToo Movement. In 2018, a woman accused Ansari of inappropriate sexual behavior. The original account stated that she expressed discomfort during the encounter, and Ansari apologized, claiming it was consensual. Though some argue this incident is less severe compared to others, at that point in time, it resulted in the suspension of Ansari’s role on Parks and Recreation.
Prior to the allegations, Aziz Ansari was thriving, with his popular series, Master of None, winning three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. However, following the allegations, Netflix has not made any decisions regarding future plans for the show. Since then, Ansari has primarily focused on stand-up performances and the occasional special release.
Many fans, fellow comedians, and experts have weighed in on Ansari’s case. NPR weighed in on the issue with an article titled, The Fine Line Between A Bad Date And Sexual Assault. The New York Times also published a story on the issue, with a provocative title, Aziz Ansari Is Guilty: Of Not Being a Mind Reader.
1 Kathy Griffin
Last Comedy Special – Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story in 2019 by Fathom Events
In contrast to Shane Gillis, Kathy Griffin openly chooses a side when it comes to former president Donald Trump. However, A Hell of a Story is not just Griffin criticizing the former president; rather, it involves other criticisms as well. Griffin targets various politicians and even the Kardashians. Moreover, the show incorporates documentary-style elements to portray how conservative America has treated Griffin throughout her career.
What Happened & What’s Next?
Back in 2017, the star of “My Life on the D-List” took a photo with a mask resembling the decapitated head of then-President Trump. It’s not rocket science to understand that such an image would lead to Griffin facing cancellation in today’s context.
Few people were willing to associate with Kathy Griffin following her controversial photo post, and this trend extended when she announced her project A Hell of a Story. In fact, no major television network or streaming platform was interested in airing it. As a result, Griffin had to showcase her comedy concert special at the South by Southwest film festival for its premiere. After its initial screening, it received a one-day theatrical run and is now accessible on free streaming services like Tubi and the Roku Channel.
Apart from encountering problems with air travel across the nation, it’s worth noting that Griffin claims to have been added to the Interpol watchlist and was held at every airport during her tours.
Following Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Griffin resurrected the controversial severed head portrait. In 2022, her Twitter account was temporarily banned for mimicking Elon Musk, though it has been reinstated since then. Despite this, Griffin continues to be a guest on talk shows and has secured minor roles in TV series such as “Search Party” and “Futurama”. It’s clear that Griffin seems unapologetic about her past actions and is embracing her perceived cancellation.
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2024-10-11 08:03