Ranking Tom Segura’s Netflix Comedy Specials: Which is #1?

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Tom Segura embarked on his stand-up career soon after completing studies at Lenoir-Rhyne University, performing in local clubs and small venues to hone his skills. Today, he is a well-known stand-up comedian, boasting numerous specials, podcasts, and a book that showcase his longstanding involvement in the medium. Known for his deadpan style and frank humor, he has established himself as a regular on Netflix, producing several comedy specials for the streaming service. He also co-hosts popular podcasts “Your Mom’s House” with fellow comedian Christina Pazsitzky and “2 Bears, 1 Cave” with Bert Kreisher.

It’s debatable that Tom Segura shines brightest in his podcasts, particularly when he ribs Bert, but his specials have earned a loyal fanbase. In addition, Segura has put out two album specials (remember those?), such as 2010’s “Thrilled” and 2012’s “White Girls With Cornrows.” The American stand-up comedian has also made appearances on long-running comedy shows like “Live at Gotham” and “Comedy Central Presents,” including an early attempt alongside other comics, as well as a relatively less impactful 21-minute stand-up special. For this discussion, let’s concentrate on his Netflix streaming comedy specials, which are all available to watch.

5
Ball Hog (2020)

In contrast to most of Segura’s stand-up performances that revolve around storytelling and sharing relatable anecdotes, the special “Ball Hog” stands out as being more filled with shock humor. Although some viewers appreciated this raw, uncensored approach with its crude jokes, others found it to be less original and less relatable compared to his other specials.

Focusing on Shock Value over Quality

In this stand-up performance, some highlights that diehard fans might enjoy include Segura’s story about a friend attempting to bed the Wu-Tang clan and his analysis of the practicality and probability of this happening with all nine members of the renowned hip hop group. However, it should be noted that while existing fans may find entertainment in this special, critics have been rather harsh, labeling it as ‘lazy’ and ‘uninspired.’ This could make for a less enticing introduction for newcomers to Segura’s comedy.

4
Mostly Stories (2016)

Mostly Stories is frequently viewed as a ‘mid-tier’ special by followers of comedian Segura. Although it retains many of the wit and observational humor that are characteristic of his style, some viewers feel that the material does not measure up to other specials he has produced. Additionally, the timing of the jokes is criticized for feeling too hurried, not fully capturing the rhythm and punchlines that fans have come to expect from Segura’s finest work.

Great Moments, but Issues with Pacing

In that piece, there are some fantastic sections that delve into various topics, including navigating uncomfortable social situations and small talk, as well as self-loathing over unimportant comments like mentioning the weather. The standout part is Segura’s generational observations. One particularly striking passage, where he explains how he can identify an elderly man who hasn’t hugged his children by simply listening to his voice, leaves a lasting impression in Mostly Stories.

3
Disgraceful (2018)

Under the provocative title “Unrefined“, viewers anticipated that Segura might deliver some contentious humor. However, this performance landed him in controversy due to his employment of a derogatory term and a sketch targeting Cajuns. This will undoubtedly create a rift between those who advocate for unrestricted comedy and those who find “punching down” inappropriate. Simultaneously, the special seems remarkably relevant given that discussions about such issues were gaining momentum at the time. Paradoxically, this gives the special a slightly outdated feel despite being barely a decade old; however, it still showcases some of his finest work.

Sparking Controversy but Still Delivering Comedy

Leaving the debated aspects aside, Segura himself has labeled it as ‘absurd,’ but this special contains some of his funniest anecdotes, even those poking fun at himself. His weight loss journey and its impact on his public persona, along with comments from others, are amusingly relatable. His segment on Foreign Language Syndrome (a real condition) showcases him at his most entertainingly absurd. While “Disgraceful” is an excellent comedy special, it’s not his absolute best.

2
Sledgehammer (2023)

This special might not be considered his finest by everyone, as it may seem less impressive to first-time viewers. However, longtime followers of Segura, especially those who have enjoyed his work outside of stand-up, like his online activities and podcasts such as “Your Mom House,” will likely find it quite engaging. For newcomers, it might not be the ideal starting point, but for a diehard Segura fan, it’s one of his best.

A Gift to the Fans

Newcomers might not find TikTok popularity amusing, but Segura’s story of encountering a famous neighbor is already relatable due to its presence on social media. However, his tales about parenthood and his father-son relationship give the humor a personal angle, making sure that even new fans won’t miss out on the jokes entirely.

1
Completely Normal (2014)

In a sense, Tom Segura’s special “Completely Normal” seems like the culmination of years of refining his comedic skills on stage, resulting in an incredibly powerful performance. This special truly showcases Segura at his finest, with his transitions from rapid-fire jokes to lengthier stories almost flawless. Additionally, “Completely Normal” offers a glimpse into Segura’s everyday life as a comedian, providing viewers with a unique perspective on his inner comedic processes. For those new to Segura and Netflix, “Completely Normal” appears meticulously designed and executed to engage the streaming platform’s audience.

An Explosive and Memorable Debut on Netflix

Emphasizing the more personal and reflective humor are segments such as Segura’s experiences with his weight challenges, like the time he visited a doctor who not only mentioned his weight but also mistakenly assumed him to be gay, leading to an awkward conversation. Segura’s openness makes this special particularly compelling; it serves as an ideal starting point, setting the stage for much of his current achievements.

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2025-02-02 03:38