I wholeheartedly agree with this list! Each of these stand-up comedians brings something unique and captivating to the table, showcasing their exceptional storytelling skills and humor.
It’s not an understatement to claim that Netflix has significantly transformed stand-up comedy since its entry into the field. When Robbie Praw took on the role of VP of stand-up and comedy formats at the company in 2016, Netflix began investing heavily in stand-up comedy, offering substantial amounts to comedians. As Dave Rath, a representative for comedian Adam Ray, told Variety, “Netflix was indeed a turning point when specials became popular.” By paying millions of dollars for these specials, Netflix essentially created an economic imbalance within the marketplace, as before this, Comedy Central, HBO, and others were only offering long-form specials, but not at such high costs.
Since Praw joined Netflix, an abundance of stand-up comedy shows have been added; according to the streaming service, more than 200 comedians have debuted specials on the platform, with some returning for several sequels (Iliza Shlesinger, Jim Jefferies, and Vir Das share the record of five specials). Not all of these shows were critically acclaimed, but some were so exceptional that they won Primetime Emmy awards. However, which ones truly shine as the finest comedy specials on Netflix? Here’s our list ranking what we believe to be the top stand-up shows on Netflix, from least favorite to most outstanding.
14. Rachel Feinstein: Big Guy
Many comedians (even some on this list) have switched to a more solemn stand-up style, incorporating themes that tie their acts together or conclude with a poignant note. However, there are times when you yearn for a stand-up special that simply makes you laugh without delving into deeper, existential topics. In such cases, Rachel Feinstein’s “Big Guy” stands out. Feinstein predominantly tells jokes about her husband, a firefighter from Brooklyn, and the eccentric individuals she’s encountered through him throughout the special.
In her stand-up comedy routine, Feinstein humorously refers to herself as both “firefighter’s wife” and “badge banger”, showcasing the various labels she has adopted since marrying her firefighter husband early on. These terms are just a few examples of many inside jokes that she revisits throughout the special. Feinstein is excellent at delivering punchlines, but it’s her impressions that make “Big Guy” truly memorable. She skillfully imitates her husband’s deep, somewhat dimwitted tone, her mother’s shrill, elderly voice, and most notably, a simple-minded, religious character that greatly enhances the effectiveness of her humor.
13. Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado
In a clever twist of words, Hannibal Buress, famous for his role in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” titled his Netflix special “Comedy Camisado.” This title suggests that his stand-up performance would be a stealthy, nighttime assault of laughter, catching viewers off guard with unexpected jokes. True to form, Buress consistently conveys a laidback, improvised demeanor, even for material he’s refined or rehearsed numerous times.
There’s not really another comedian like Buress, and that’s a big part of what makes his stand-up special so, well, special. It has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics raving about everything from Buress’ delivery to the everyday subject matter of his jokes. Time magazine wrote: “You’ll laugh if: You cry-laugh at free-flowing wisecracks that elevate low-stakes slights to high-stakes drama. Buress goes long on everything from customer service injustices to the ridiculousness of deviled eggs.”
12. Anthony Jeselnik: Fire in the Maternity Ward
As a diehard fan, I must say that Anthony Jeselnik’s stand-up acts are primarily composed of brief, yet potent jokes. The structure is conventional, featuring a setup and a punchline, but it’s the content that sets him apart. Instead of following the beaten path, he cleverly innovates by crafting jokes that are as creatively disturbing as possible – hence the title of his special.
Instead of being just another comedian who makes jokes at the expense of the less fortunate, Jeselnik delves deep into the darkest aspects of human nature and brings to life thoughts that people might find shameful but make them laugh. He transforms the most terrible ideas he can think of into something absurdly clever, all while managing to make himself the target of his own jokes. As Vulture put it in its review, “You feel like you’re about to rise up in anger, but then realize that with a deftness that seems almost self-destructive, Jeselnik lands all of his most devastating blows squarely on himself.
11. Jacqueline Novak: Get on Your Knees
In her stand-up special titled “Get on Your Knees,” Jacqueline Novak openly confesses that she was once a poet before venturing into comedy. She abandoned poetry because she felt weary of perpetually being in a state of wonderment. However, traces of her poetic inclinations are evident in the special, which delves into oral sex from Novak’s perspective as a woman with an affinity for men.
In a single hour, Novak skillfully accomplishes this task, and her perceptiveness is such that you could re-watch this exceptional performance three times and still discover fresh humor on the third viewing. To top it off, her infectious enthusiasm will leave you feeling invigorated. As The Age noted in its review, “Get on Your Knees” derives its vitality from Novak’s captivating performance; she confidently strides, skips, and twirls across the stage, maintaining a tangible energy throughout her presentation as she carries the microphone cord slung over her shoulder. Meanwhile, Ready Steady Cut praised Novak’s innovative special, labeling it “the first outstanding work of art in 2024.
10. Sheng Wang: Sweet and Juicy
Sweet and Juicy” could resonate with virtually anyone viewing, given its universally appealing nature. Sheng Wang possesses a soothing, tranquil stage demeanor that enables him to deliver smart, thoughtfully crafted humor without coming off as pretentious. His self-deprecating humor is unique due to its softness, which is seldom found in comedy. Despite frequently discussing his daily struggles, he never gives the impression of being the joke himself; instead, it’s the quirky absurdity of existing as a human being that serves as Wang’s constant source of humor.
Wang offers his unique take on life’s peculiarities and hidden pleasures, such as jumping (He laments that we often deprive ourselves of this swift and effortless means to find joy), reaching an insurance deductible (Now I’m playing with money that isn’t even mine!), and sharing a room with a noisy snorer (One must clarify to someone who was sound asleep, that in reality, they’ve been quite obnoxious for the past three hours). This comedian is the type who unapologetically expresses his authentic self, making him both endearing and funny.
9. Wanda Sykes: Not Normal
Wanda Sykes is a renowned and pioneering comedian who fearlessly advocates for equality. Being a lesbian woman of color, she doesn’t shy away from expressing her political views. This was particularly evident in her 2019 Netflix special “Not Normal,” where she criticized the Trumps. The New York Times praised her performance in this show, noting that when Sykes gets passionate about a topic, she can be forceful. Furthermore, it’s her stand-up comedy specials that set her apart as an exceptional entertainer.
Since the 1990s, Sykes has been both a writer and a performer, accumulating extensive experience over the years. Now in her 60s, she draws upon the trials and tribulations of growing older to craft fresh comedic material. In fact, aging is a central motif in “Not Normal,” as Forbes noted in its critique. Similar themes have been addressed by contemporaries like Ali Wong and Amy Schumer in their latest performances. However, Sykes’ unique, unfiltered approach to discussing aging in ‘Not Normal’ stands out distinctively.
8. Bo Burnham: Inside
In May 2021, the United States reported over 33 million cases of COVID-19, marking the peak of the pandemic. Amidst these challenging times, a fresh Netflix special from Bo Burnham was particularly appreciated. Known for his YouTube fame in the late 2000s where he showcased original comedy tunes, Burnham returned with a new production after a five-year hiatus. Following the release of “Make Happy” in 2016, Burnham took a break from live performances due to recurring stage fright-induced panic attacks.
The unique production that Burnham created during lockdown, titled “Inside,” is widely considered one of his best works to date. Filmed over a year at his Los Angeles guest house, this project truly showcases his talents. He provides side-splitting tunes similar to his popular YouTube videos, such as “FaceTime with My Mom (Tonight)” and “Sexting,” along with more somber, thought-provoking pieces like “Welcome to the Internet” and “That Funny Feeling.” For his achievements, Burnham received a record number of Emmy nominations in 2021. It’s not hard to imagine that “Inside” will be examined in history classes when future generations reflect on the pandemic.
7. Joel Kim Booster: Psychosexual
Artists and individuals from underrepresented groups are frequently pressured to act as esteemed ambassadors for their respective communities. In his Netflix stand-up special “Psychosexual”, Joel Kim Booster tackles the individuals who anticipate him to be a role model for young LGBTQIA+ and Asian people. While he doesn’t shy away from criticizing those who harbor prejudices against these communities, Booster emphasizes that he isn’t seeking to become a spokesperson; instead, his main goal is simply to entertain through laughter.
Fortunately, Booster excels at leaving audiences in stitches, and “Psychosexual” serves as a testament to this fact. Despite its recurring emphasis on the intimate aspects of Booster’s personal life, such content could otherwise become tiresome were it not for Booster’s unique comedic approach. He consistently manages to breathe fresh perspectives into familiar themes, even earning praise from veteran critic Richard Roeper. As Roeper noted in his review for the Chicago Sun-Times, “Despite its edgy content, Booster’s charming demeanor ensures that the material never comes across as cruel or condescending.
6. Ali Wong: Baby Cobra
Despite Ali Wong gaining recognition more for acting than stand-up comedy, she continues to boast four well-received stand-up specials on Netflix, each exemplifying her unique style. Among them, “Baby Cobra,” her debut from 2016, stands out as her finest work thus far. Viewing this special, one might assume that she improvised her material spontaneously, given its natural and genuine delivery.
In “Baby Cobra”, Wong manages to explore a wide range of topics, all while giving an impressive, energetic performance despite being seven months pregnant during filming. The Guardian’s review noted that the core of her act is daring and audacious, tackling subjects such as sex, race, and marriage, and further highlighted that, given her advanced pregnancy state, she stands out as a remarkably talented physical comedian. Meanwhile, The Ringer praised “Baby Cobra” for featuring one of the most skillfully executed final acts in recent times.
5. John Mulaney: Baby J
John Mulaney, a former writer for “Saturday Night Live” who has since become a stand-up comedian, boasts several outstanding specials on Netflix, and I must say, they are all truly exceptional. His latest special, titled “Baby J,” stands out as his best to date in my opinion. Mulaney’s material seems to grow more refined with age, and this new special beautifully blends the polished humor of his later work with the raw, sometimes awkwardly honest style he exhibited earlier in his career.
What you might not know about Mulaney is that he workshopped and toured “Baby J” following a stint in rehab, so this special leans on darker premises and a more cynical presentation of himself. He reveals that he was the subject of “a star-studded intervention” in the show, one that included fellow comedians Seth Meyers, Nick Kroll, and Fred Armisen. “No one will let me go to the bathroom to freshen up, and the funniest people in the world are staring at me, refusing to do jokes,” Mulaney reveals in the show. “It was maddening! Fred Armisen was serious. Do you know how off-putting that is?”
4. Tig Notaro: Happy to Be Here
Tig Notaro is widely regarded as one of the sharpest comedic minds active in the entertainment industry today. While she may not be immediately familiar to many, her dedicated followers recognize and value her significantly as a stand-up comedian. What sets Notaro apart is her unique ability to veer from what audiences typically expect. As she humorously puts it in her Netflix special “Happy to Be Here,” “You came for jokes, but I’ve been doing stand-up for 20 years and in order to make you smile, I have to make myself happy first. So, I have to share a lengthy, perhaps uneventful anecdote that ultimately leads to, ‘It was a really tough period.’
As a gamer, I can’t always guess the punchline or lack thereof in a joke. Sometimes, it seems like the person telling the joke doesn’t care about explaining their thought process, especially when it contradicts their aim of making us laugh. Notaro, in her special “Happy to Be Here,” pulls off an amazing fifteen-minute bit where she leads the audience to believe, then disbelieve, then believe again (and so on) that her favorite band, Indigo Girls, was waiting backstage ready to perform. Right up until the end, it’s hard to tell if Notaro is telling the truth; luckily for us watching the special, she did manage to get Indigo Girls to show up.
3. Trevor Noah: Afraid of the Dark
Trevor Noah’s comedy, which brought him recognition in South Africa and later landed him a job as a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” is undeniably his most shining platform, even surpassing his other accomplishments. Known for keeping his departure from “The Daily Show” under wraps, Noah has released numerous stand-up specials throughout the years, yet “Afraid of the Dark” stands out as his finest performance. This Netflix show is packed with hilarious jokes, and his exceptional accent work serves as the perfect finishing touch.
Noah skillfully demonstrates numerous accents in this piece, ranging from American and British to Indian, Australian, Russian, and even Scottish. He presents philosophy with his unique, casual style. Some standout moments in “Afraid of the Dark” are a depiction of what Noah envisions as the first dialogue between a British soldier and an Indian resident, and a clever segment where Nelson Mandela teaches Barack Obama how to speak with authority.
2. Mike Birbiglia: The New One
Comic storytelling in stand-up performances is uncommon, featuring artists who skillfully intertwine a coherent narrative throughout their act, making it feel more like a one-person play than traditional stand-up comedy. Notable examples include Seth Meyers and Hasan Minhaj, but the true master of this craft is Mike Birbiglia. Although he may not be as well-known as Minhaj or Meyers, Birbiglia stands out as an exceptionally talented comedian, particularly in his Netflix special “The New One.
This collection narrates Tig Notaro’s pathway to parenthood, which he embarked upon with initial reluctance and eventually for his wife’s joy. From the outset, his narrative captivates. He skillfully discusses various aspects, such as his reasons for not wanting children (“I’m not exactly passing on top-tier genes here,” he quips at one point) and the challenges of adapting to fatherhood while observing his wife gracefully transition into motherhood. Without giving away “The New One’s” conclusion, we can assure you that Tig Notaro is considerate enough to leave his audience with a sense of optimism at the end.
1. Taylor Tomlinson: Look at You
In her stand-up special titled “Look at You,” Taylor Tomlinson introduces her material as a clearance sale, stating that everything is up for grabs. This reflects her unique method of creating a set amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Tomlinson openly shares in “Look at You,” which is quite remarkable given her generally private nature. She delves into how her upbringing in a strictly religious household and community left lasting emotional scars, and how these experiences failed to equip her for the complex mental health issues she encountered as an adult.
Tomlinson, who has delivered three Netflix stand-up specials and is the host of her own late-night comedy show on CBS, is a master of metaphor. She always finds a way to make sure that everyone in her audience can understand what she’s saying, whether she’s comparing antidepressants to arm floaties, or likening her father’s brisk remarriage following the death of her mother to Indiana Jones trying to quickly trade an idol for a bag of dirt (“I think he was hoping to switch them out fast enough that we wouldn’t notice”). “Look at You” is a truly flawless special, which is why it tops our list. It’s one of several hilarious stand-up comedy specials you may not have seen that are streaming right now.
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2024-11-18 18:31