Summary
Netflix offers a remarkable selection of stand-up comedy that showcases a captivating blend of comedians. Their performances transcend limits, as they fearlessly explore various subjects. No matter one's background or experiences, there are relatable comedians to be discovered on this platform.
Leslie Jones, Fred Armisen, and Pete Davidson infuse their stand-up specials with their distinctive perspectives and personal anecdotes, delivering an entertaining and relatable experience for audiences. Netflix takes the lead in offering an extensive collection of stand-up comedy specials, featuring both renowned comedy legends and hidden gems. With a diverse range of comedic styles and genres, viewers can easily find something that resonates with their own sense of humor.
Netflix offers a wide range of stand-up comedy specials, including comedy variety shows featuring multiple stand-ups performing shorter acts. However, the audience has now made its choice, and the best stand-up comedy on Netflix has been officially selected. The selection features a diverse lineup of comedians, from up-and-coming talents to seasoned veterans, who fearlessly tackle a variety of topics without any boundaries. With a mix of deadpan and aggressive styles, Netflix provides a vast selection of stand-up specials, making it a challenging task to decide on the absolute best.
One remarkable aspect of Netflix is its inclusion of female stand-up comedians, performers of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring representation for all walks of life. Almost everyone can find a comedian who speaks to their own experiences, resulting in comedy that keeps audiences entertained and laughing, whether they find themselves caught off guard or rolling on the floor with laughter. With an extensive library that caters to every type of humor imaginable, Netflix leads the way in delivering exceptional stand-up specials, showcasing comedy giants alongside hidden gems that may have gone unnoticed.
Leslie Jones: Time Machine (2020)
Fred Armisen: Standup For Drummers (2018)
Leslie Jones, a standout member of SNL during the 2010s, shares a collection of her most unforgettable experiences in a raw stand-up special, widely regarded as one of the best stand-up comedy shows available on Netflix. One of these memorable moments includes her time as a professional basketball player and her audacious attempt to seduce Prince. Jones prides herself on her candor and authenticity, and she embraces the fact that she achieved fame later in life, acknowledging that it was a blessing as she would have been much wilder if she had become famous earlier. This genuine approach to her life and career makes her a relatable and endearing figure in the entertainment industry.
Fred Armisen's comedic genius extends beyond his well-known role in the sketch show Portlandia. In his remarkable performance, Standup for Drummers, available on Netflix, Armisen not only showcases his exceptional talent for imitation, but also engages in a spirited drumming competition with renowned drummers of his time. With a witty repertoire that needles musical genres and drummer idiosyncrasies, this standup special is tailored for musicians, albeit appreciated by even the tone-deaf. Armisen's comedic prowess truly deserves recognition.
Pete Davidson: Alive From New York (2020)
Aziz Ansari: Live At The Madison Square Garden (2015)
A third SNL alum joins the ranks with Pete Davidson's debut stand-up special, which turned out to be a stellar addition to Netflix's comedy lineup. "Alive From New York" showcases Davidson's hilarious take on a wide range of subjects, including his own public image and his relationship with Ariana Grande. The SNL alum also delves into his experiences on the iconic sketch show and reflects on his upbringing in Staten Island, New York, as well as the challenges and triumphs of achieving fame in his 20s. With his laid-back yet thought-provoking observational style, Davidson fearlessly shares personal anecdotes and candid thoughts on high-profile issues.
Aziz Ansari, famous for his role as Tom in the beloved TV show Parks & Rec, has explored the world of stand-up comedy on Netflix and delivered some of the most outstanding performances. In his specials, Ansari fearlessly discusses sensitive topics such as internet bullying, misogyny, and farming. What sets Ansari apart is his remarkable attention to detail, evident in his extraordinary entrances that leave a lasting impression. Moreover, he showcases his remarkable ability to connect unrelated subjects in a truly brilliant way. Interestingly, his specials lack audience reviews, which may be attributed to the sexual misconduct scandal he addressed in his subsequent Netflix special in 2019, as reported by Vox.
Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It? (2019)
Tig Notaro: Happy To Be Here (2018)
Whitney Cummings is known for delivering some of the most exceptional stand-up comedy available on Netflix. With her quick-witted humor, she fearlessly explores a wide range of subjects, including modern femininity and the fascinating world of sex dolls. In her comedy special "Can I Touch It?", Cummings showcases her unique ability to blend crude yet clever humor, offering hilarious observations on relatable topics such as technology, relationships, and feminism. Adding to the entertainment, she even brings along a sex doll replica as a special guest, showcasing how it has surprisingly assisted in improving not only her own household but also her personal relationships.
Tig Notaro, an alternative comedian, delivers an exceptional stand-up comedy performance on Netflix at the iconic Heights Theater in Houston, Texas. With a subtle and quiet approach, Notaro effortlessly captivates her audience by sharing humorous insights into the everyday moments of marriage and family life. Rarely can a comedian combine deadpan delivery with silliness, but Notaro effortlessly pulls it off, as she discusses her own public image and challenges the preconceived notions of comedy. Notaro's comedy style is understated yet truly distinctive, making her undeniable brilliance impossible to overlook.
Kevin Hart: Irresponsible (2019)
Kevin Hart wants to emphasize to both his fans and critics that being himself is more challenging than it may appear. While also briefly touching on Hollywood culture, he delivers some of the most outstanding stand-up comedy on Netflix in his special, "Irresponsible." In the past, it has been suggested that Kevin Hart's movies are funnier than his stand-up specials, but he completely dismisses this notion. Although he heavily relies on jokes about his personal life, it works wonderfully in this case as his anecdotes progressively become funnier as the show progresses. "Irresponsible" is incredibly hilarious and stands as one of Kevin Hart's finest specials. (
Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado (2016)
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Although mainly recognized for his supporting roles in comedy films, Buress showcases his prowess in stand-up comedy in Comedy Camisado, discussing topics such as comedic legends and fame. His strength lies in storytelling, setting him apart from other comedians who focus on analyzing situations. This approach endears him to both fans and critics. Buress shares amusing anecdotes about encounters with policemen seeking autographs or instances where he goes unrecognized in different locations, highlighting the quirks of his own life.
Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills (2016)
Chris Rock: Tamborine (2018)
: Nobody captures the peculiarities and amusing aspects of being a woman in the 21st century quite like comedian Iliza Shlesinger. Her special Confirmed Kills is undeniably one of the most hilarious stand-up comedy shows available on Netflix. With her use of different voices, relatable scenarios, and fearless observations, Shlesinger masterfully brings attention to the complexities of womanhood, touching on subjects such as modern dating and feminism. Bold and irreverent, this third special marks a new era for the comedian, who has also made a name for herself on TV with appearances on popular shows like The Righteous Gemstones and Spencer Confidential.
Tamborine, Chris Rock's first and only Netflix project, is widely recognized for his HBO specials. With its engaging stand-up comedy, it ranks among the best on Netflix. Rock fearlessly addresses his divorce and societal issues, earning praise for his unfiltered honesty. While occasionally risking alienation with indulgent self-praise, Rock navigates serious subjects with the utmost professionalism. Delicately approaching religious matters, he astutely highlights the perplexities of deities.
Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh (2018)
Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From The Hood To Hollywood! (2017)
One of SNL's most successful alumni, Adam Sandler, turns the tables on his critics in his special 100% Fresh, showcasing his immense talent and proving his staying power. With a perfect blend of music and hilarious characterizations, Sandler captivates audiences with stories from his own life and acknowledges the people who have supported him throughout his career. Notably, the special pays a touching tribute to the late Chris Farley. Among Sandler's vast body of work, 100% Fresh shines as an exceptional masterpiece.
Undoubtedly, Tiffany Haddish stands out as one of the most hilarious comedians in the industry. Her remarkable special, She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood!, delivers an outstanding stand-up comedy experience available on Netflix. Haddish fearlessly shares exceptionally funny yet raw narratives about her life and the journey to her fame. With her unique ability to transform tales of adversity into uproariously entertaining anecdotes, she recounts her early days in the foster care system followed by her remarkable ascent. Performing in her hometown of Los Angeles, Haddish holds nothing back, resulting in an incredibly entertaining hour of laughter.
Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle (2023)
The comedy franchise Van Wilder drew inspiration from Bert Kreischer, who is known for delivering some of the best stand-up comedy on Netflix. His latest special, Razzle Dazzle, showcases his comedic prowess once again. Embracing his trademark shirtless performance, Bert captivates the audience with his engaging storytelling. He humorously recounts personal experiences about his role as a husband and father, reflecting on how his wild partying days are a thing of the past. Razzle Dazzle serves as an excellent introduction to Kreischer's comedic style for those who are not yet familiar with him. It is remarkable how he brings a surprising touch of vulnerability to his tales, sharing anecdotes from his childhood to his present stage in life.
Patton Oswalt: Annihilation (2017)
Patton Oswalt is widely recognized for his roles in King of Queens and his successful career in voiceover work. However, since 1996, he has also been headlining comedy clubs, and now, audiences can enjoy his exceptional stand-up comedy in Annihilation, available on Netflix. Oswalt's expertise lies in delivering a perfect tonal shift, effortlessly blending humor with profound subjects such as the untimely death of his wife, Michelle McNamara. He fearlessly tackles sensitive matters like comedy in the Trump era and the overwhelming experience of grief. Through his incredible storytelling abilities, Oswalt exposes his vulnerability, all the while maintaining his trademark sharp wit. This unfiltered and emotionally charged special will undoubtedly evoke both laughter and tears from viewers.
Michelle Wolf: The Joke Show (2019)
Ali Wong: Hard Knock Wife (2018)
Michelle Wolf, the former correspondent of The Daily Show, fearlessly takes on cancel culture, feminism, motherhood, and more in her groundbreaking stand-up special on Netflix. Aptly titled The Joke Show, Wolf effortlessly delivers an onslaught of hilarious punchlines that will leave you in stitches. Despite it being her debut, she exhibits none of the usual signs of a novice, such as jitters, pauses, or overemphasizing. By focusing solely on her jokes, Wolf gives critics something concrete to judge her by, refusing to rely on gimmicks or special introductions. She fearlessly dives right into the heart of the material, emerging triumphant.
Wong's second-ever special is a comedic masterpiece, showcasing her hilarious insights on marriage and motherhood. With some of the finest stand-up comedy on Netflix, Wong captivates audiences with her signature style – a deliberate pause after nearly every word. Her decision to stick to what worked in her first special pays off as she flawlessly delivers punchlines and wins over critics once again. By focusing on these two topics, Wong is able to extract the essence and humor from them, resulting in a collection of truly unique jokes about sex, babies, and marriage. While the jokes are rooted in Wong’s personal experiences, her honest storytelling and expert delivery shed light on subjects that are often deemed taboo.
Trevor Noah: Afraid Of The Dark (2017)
Trevor Noah, acclaimed as one of the most exceptional contemporary talk show hosts, confidently showcases his linguistic finesse from jesting about the driving habits of New Yorkers to exploring the drinking customs of the Scottish, delivering an exceptional stand-up comedy experience on Netflix. "Afraid Of The Dark" serves as Noah's eighth brilliant standup special, where he effortlessly employs his unparalleled talent for impersonations. The multitude of accents adopted by the talk show host would undoubtedly captivate even the most discerning of critics. Moreover, he fearlessly expresses his contrarian views on various facets of pop culture, including his reservations about Idris Elba assuming the iconic role of James Bond.
Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)
Taylor Tomlinson is a rising star in the comedy world, delivering top-notch stand-up comedy in her debut Netflix special, Quarter-Life Crisis. In this hilarious and relatable performance, Tomlinson, a 25-year-old herself, tackles the universally relatable challenges of growing up. From navigating therapy for the first time to the complexities of dating and the essence of our human experience, she fearlessly explores raw truths. Balancing the desire for fun with the looming responsibilities of adulthood, Tomlinson forges a deep connection with her audience, skillfully capturing the absurdities of life with both humor and painful accuracy.
John Mulaney: Baby J (2023)
Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America! (2019)
John Mulaney's transformation is evident in his latest special, Baby J, where he fearlessly delves into his battle with addiction. Those familiar with Mulaney's previous three specials will immediately notice a shift in his performance style, and Mulaney doesn't shy away from acknowledging the reasons behind this change. With raw honesty, he recounts the most harrowing moments of his struggles, even reciting a GQ interview word-for-word that he has no memory of, yet manages to evoke uproarious laughter from the audience. Baby J is a captivating blend of self-deprecation and redemption as Mulaney fearlessly puts his life's challenges on display for the world to witness.
Ronny Chieng, known for his roles in movies such as Crazy Rich Asians, showcases his incredible comedic talent in his stand-up special Asian Comedian Destroys America! available on Netflix. In this special, Chieng impressively covers a multitude of topics with wit and precision, fearlessly delving into sensitive issues like racism and politics while maintaining his unique and irreverent humor. As a former correspondent on The Daily Show, Chieng seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes with insightful commentary, effortlessly transitioning from humorous tales of New Yorkers navigating the city's ruthless subway system to thought-provoking discussions on race relations and Asian history.
