Lots Of Critics Are Saying Similar Things About Joe Rogan’s New Netflix Special, And For Once, The Audience Seems To Agree

Lots Of Critics Are Saying Similar Things About Joe Rogan's New Netflix Special, And For Once, The Audience Seems To Agree

As a long-time follower of Joe Rogan, I must admit that his latest comedy special, “Burn the Boats,” left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Coming from someone who has enjoyed his podcast for years, I was expecting a unique and engaging performance – but instead, I found myself listening to an hour-long diatribe that felt more like an extended episode of his show without any guests.


Joe Rogan, known for his hosting of popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” and as a commentator for UFC, is both widely acclaimed and fiercely debated. His discussions on topics like cancel culture often stir controversy. With his recent Netflix special, “Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats,” it’s no surprise that some find his humor off-putting. Interestingly, both critics and those seeking top movies on Netflix appear to share similar sentiments about the comedian’s work.

In the spirit of “Burn the Boats,” Joe Rogan abandoned his cozy recording studio to perform live for an hour in San Antonio, Texas. The comedy special aired live on August 3 (and is now available with a Netflix subscription). However, both critics and viewers seem unimpressed with the show, labeling it as “outdated” and “awful.” Let’s delve into the critic’s reviews. Matthew Creith from The Wrap contends that Rogan overly depends on tired jokes about COVID and gay men. Creith notes:

Without any reservations, Joe Rogan confidently took to a stage to express thoughts he’s longed to share with a large audience since COVID-19 became prevalent. The crowd in San Antonio eagerly absorbed every joke and opinion that Rogan shared for more than an hour, although viewers on Netflix might have different feelings. If you’re familiar with Rogan, you know exactly what to expect from this special…even if the title of the special may need a bit of explanation for those unfamiliar with the idiom it uses.

As a gamer, I can’t help but agree with Daniel D’Addario of Variety. He aptly described some online personalities as “decades too late” because it’s not their unique perspectives that draw attention, but rather the issues they discuss.

A significant portion of Joe Rogan’s comedy in this instance appears quite rudimentary, bordering on caricature-like. He made derisive remarks about certain trans individuals, labeling them as ‘crazy,’ and comparing some to the antagonist in Silence of the Lambs, a comparison that not only shows prejudice but also lacks sophistication. A subsequent joke about feeling uncomfortable around gay men due to his perception of male instincts felt outdated and worn-out. For viewers who might disagree with him, it was a relief when the topic of COVID emerged in Rogan’s monologue – a subject that hasn’t been overly explored by popular culture yet, offering a refreshing change from the well-trodden topics.

Jacques Berlinerblu, speaking on MSNBC, comments that Joe Rogan’s Netflix special is more filled with “bro complaints” than humor, and predicts that fans of Rogan are already familiar with this style. He also suggests that even those who criticize Rogan won’t be swayed by the special, titled Burn the Boats. Berlinerblu further adds that the criticisms expressed in the special are not likely to change the opinions of his detractors.

As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of podcasting and media, I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges that come with pushing boundaries and navigating sensitive topics. In the case of Joe Rogan, his latest show left me feeling a bit divided.

It’s not uncommon for regular viewers to be more lenient in their judgement of a project compared to professional critics. However, when it comes to the standup special “Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats,” it appears that many Netflix viewers share the negative sentiments expressed by critics. The special has a below-average audience score of 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, and even fans of Rogan and his podcast are voicing their disappointment on Twitter with comments like:

As a gamer and comedy enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated Joe Rogan’s podcast, but let me be candid about his latest stand-up special: It wasn’t up to par. Instead of the insightful and thought-provoking content we usually enjoy, it felt like an unusual attempt at a 21st century Sam Kinison impression. I believe honesty is crucial, so I hope this feedback reaches him.

Another couple of fans say they didn’t get very far in before jumping ship, with one tweeting:

As a gaming enthusiast, let me share my experience: I’m a big fan of Joe Rogan’s podcasts, so I was looking forward to his Burn the Boats comedy special on Netflix. I watched it with my roommate, and we both gave it our best shot. However, by the 10-minute mark, he had already called it quits. For me, I pressed play until the 19th minute, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations. It was a major letdown.

Another viewer’s thoughts align with the critics, as they find Joe Rogan’s content appears rather dated.

The Joe Rogan comedy special available on Netflix seems quite disappointing. Continuing to joke about COVID-19 in 2024, while under the influence of a significant amount of stimulants, doesn’t strike me as humorous. Moreover, it appears that he’s reusing old material. Perhaps it would be better for him to focus on his podcast instead.

Yet another podcast fan finds that platform more appropriate than the standup stage, writing:

In simpler terms, “Burn the Boats” refers to an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast where Joe speaks alone for an extended period without a guest, essentially shouting rather than conversing as he usually does. This episode is widely criticized due to its poor quality and repetitive nature, making it uncomfortable to listen to, even for his fans. However, I still admire Joe Rogan, despite my dislike of this particular episode.

If you’re a fan of Joe Rogan and his renowned podcast, you can currently stream “Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats” on Netflix – one of the top-tier streaming platforms available. Don’t forget to explore some other excellent series that are perfect for binge-watching on Netflix as well.

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2024-08-07 00:07