Top 20 Hilarious Stand Up Comedy Specials

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John Mulaney's "Baby J" is a painfully honest and hilarious exploration of his drug problems and rehab stint, proving he's still one of the funniest comedians today.

Norm MacDonald's "Nothing Special" is an extraordinary and touching special, recorded in the solitude of his home, devoid of an audience. It showcases his comedic brilliance, resulting in three Emmy nominations.

Paula Poundstone's "Cats, Cops, And Stuff" exhibits her impeccable command over interacting with the crowd and captivating storytelling skills. It solidifies her status as a standup icon and brings immense delight to those fortunate enough to witness it.

Some of the greatest stand-up comedy specials of all time showcase the true artistry of stand-up comedy and the incredible talents within the industry. Determining the ultimate stand-up special has always been a subject of intense debate among seasoned audiences. Many of these iconic specials hail from the '70s, which is often regarded as comedy's Golden Age, ruled by legends like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Andy Kaufman, Richard Lewis, and Lenny Bruce.

While numerous top-notch stand-up comedy specials debuted several decades ago, a number of these legends continue to captivate audiences today, even in the face of a new wave of contenders in the 21st century. Even with the continuous expansion of comedy offerings on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, striving to accommodate a growing roster of comedians, the demand for exceptional comedy remains insatiable. Nevertheless, a select few specials stand above the rest as the unrivaled best in stand-up comedy history.

20. John Mulaney: Baby J (2023)

Stream On Netflix

John Mulaney's latest Netflix special is his most personal yet. While he had previously touched on his wild past with humor, his standup material was known for being clean, giving him a certain public image. However, that image crumbled when news broke of Mulaney entering rehab for drug problems. In his special, "Baby J," Mulaney candidly and hilariously shares his entire journey, from the desperate measures he took to obtain drugs to the star-studded intervention he experienced, even receiving a call from Pete Davidson while in rehab. Mulaney also acknowledges the drastic change in his image, but the special proves that he is still one of the funniest comedians in the industry today.

19. Norm MacDonald: Nothing Special (2022)

Stream On Netflix

The comedy community was stunned by the news of Norm MacDonald's death, as the beloved comedian had kept his cancer diagnosis a secret from the public and many of his colleagues. Despite his declining health and the COVID restrictions preventing him from performing in clubs, MacDonald left a lasting tribute for his fans in the form of the standup special, Nothing Special. This unique performance was recorded from his home, without an audience, making it one of the most distinctive standup specials ever created. Although MacDonald does not directly address his own health, the themes explored in the special demonstrate his ability to confront it with laughter, as expected. Notably, this special received three Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Variety Special.

18. Paula Poundstone: Cats, Cops, And Stuff (1990)

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17. Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983)

Paula Poundstone's special Cats, Cops, and Stuff clearly showcases why she is considered a standup legend, despite not being a mainstream household name. Poundstone's ability to effortlessly connect with her audience is truly impressive. As a master storyteller, she captivates with her personal and uproarious tales, often diverting from her prepared material to engage in exceptional crowd work, only to seamlessly return to her original set. Her commanding stage presence, exuding confidence and physicality, makes watching Poundstone an absolute delight.

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It is difficult to fully grasp the enormity of Eddie Murphy's status as a standup superstar during the 1980s. Although he was on the rise as a movie star with hits like Beverly Hills Cop and 48 Hrs, he also had the ability to pack stadiums for his standup shows, which felt more like electrifying rock concerts. Within his iconic Raw special, there are indeed remarkable moments, but Delirious truly showcases Murphy at the pinnacle of his fame and achieving heights that may be unmatched by any other comedian before or since. The energetic and uproarious ice cream truck bit alone serves as a reminder that, despite his success in movies and TV, Murphy's true brilliance is found on the stand-up stage. Notably, Delirious won the esteemed title of Best Comedy Album during the 1984 Grammys.

16. Jerry Seinfeld: I'm Telling You For The Last Time (1998)

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Jerry Seinfeld, the renowned sitcom star, has always been rooted in comedy and promptly made his return to the stage after the conclusion of Seinfeld. "I'm Telling You For the Last Time" stands out as a distinctive standup special that delves into Seinfeld's original approach to the entertainment industry. Having curated his finest jokes into the perfect set over the years, this exceptional performance showcases him delivering those jokes for the final time, bidding farewell to his prized material before embarking on a new creative journey. With his remarkable talent for observational humor, Seinfeld skillfully dissects the Olympics, MacDonalds, and Halloween. In recognition of his brilliance, Seinfeld earned a nomination for the prestigious 1999 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Comedy Album.

15. John Mulaney: New In Town (2012)

Stream On Netflix

John Mulaney's initial Netflix comedy special, titled New In Town, marked the emergence of his distinct and uproarious comedic style. Through a series of anecdotes, Mulaney humorously navigated various aspects of his life, ranging from childhood fears like quicksand to his adult quest for anxiety medication during a doctor's visit, and even his frantic efforts to catch a Delta Airlines flight. His insights and relatability resonate deeply with audiences, regardless of personal experiences, exemplifying his genuine talent as a comedian. Additionally, Mulaney's exceptional contributions to SNL have garnered him a Peabody Award and multiple Emmy wins.

14. Maria Bamford: Old Baby (2017)

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Actor and experienced comedian Maria Bamford, who also lends her voice to two characters in the Human Resources cast, showcases her eccentric talents in a captivating manner in Old Baby. Seamlessly, Bamford dives into scenes with multiple characters, delivering hilarious explanations of deeply dark subjects, and ultimately offering poignant insights on family and everyday life. In addition to Bamford's unique style, Old Baby takes place in various settings - from within and outside of Bamford's own home, to a bookstore, bowling alley, and ultimately a proper stage. Old Baby is a must-see for comedy enthusiasts who crave genuine alternative comedy. Recognizing her unconventional approach, the Just for Laughs festival honored Bamford with the prestigious title of 2016's Breakout Comedy Star of the Year.

13. Robin Williams: An Evening At The Met (1986)

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Due to the immense success of Robin Williams' movies, younger generations may not be aware of his background in stand-up comedy. In his special, "An Evening at the Met," Williams starts off by poking fun at Imelda Marcos, the wife of the notorious Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos, before delving into topics such as the second coming of Jesus, President Reagan's time in office, the effects of marijuana, pregnancy, and childbirth. Williams' distinctive rapid-fire delivery adds an exhilarating touch to the laughter-inducing moments. "An Evening at the Met" was honored with the Grammy Award for "Best Comedy Performance Single or Album, Spoken or Musical" in 1988.

12. Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)

Stream on Netflix: Quarter-Life Crisis

Taylor Tomlinson, one of the youngest comics, has delivered a standout stand-up comedy special that rivals the best in the industry. As the leading voice of the youngest female Millennial comics, Tomlinson dives into the challenges of growing up in a strict Catholic household, her own experiences in romantic relationships, and her personal battles with mental health. Throughout her routine, she cleverly weaves in pop culture references and social commentary. Despite its initial appearance of immaturity, Taylor Tomlinson's Netflix special, Quarter-Life Crisis, provides a profound and captivating exploration of her life. Additionally, Tomlinson was recognized as the Breakout Comedy Star of the Year by Just for Laughs in 2022.

11. Eddie Izzard: Dress To Kill (1999)

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10. Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted (2015)

Dress to Kill, recorded in San Francisco, primarily delved into themes of religion and history. Izzard skillfully recounted the entirety of British history, commencing from Stonehenge and culminating in the Reformation. Additionally, she skillfully imitated French and Italian accents while discussing the pope and the Church Of England. Furthermore, Izzard bravely confronted the challenges faced as a transgender individual, ultimately leading to the abandonment of her military aspirations. In 1999, Dress to Kill received two distinguished Emmy Awards for its exceptional performance and writing.

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9. Bill Hicks: Relentless (1992)

– Tig Notaro: The Queen of Deadpan Comedy

Tig Notaro, known for her roles as Jett Reno in Star Trek: Discovery and Peters in Army of the Dead, is leading the charge in keeping deadpan comedy popular with mainstream audiences. However, it is in her Emmy and Grammy-nominated special, Boyish Girl Interrupted, where Notaro truly shines. She skillfully incorporates her well-known running jokes about her double mastectomy, while also sharing uproariously funny family secrets like her bargain shopping for burial plots. Boyish Girl Interrupted catapulted Notaro's career to new heights and received well-deserved acclaim.

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Relentless, Hicks's final special before his unfortunate battle with pancreatic cancer, took place at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as part of the renowned Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. The defining feature of this performance was Hicks's trademark extensive pauses that preceded his punchlines. Renowned for his daring and controversial comedy during the 90s, Hicks fearlessly addressed right-wing religious institutions and vehemently criticized America's involvement in the Gulf War. The enduring legacy of Hicks is evident in Richard Linklater's plans to create a film about him, a testament to the impact he made in the comedy world, highlighted by his Critics' Award win at the Edinburgh Festival and his recognition as Rolling Stone's "Hot Standup Comic" in 1993.

8. Trevor Noah: Lost In Translation (2015)

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Shortly before releasing his award-winning autobiography Born A Crime, Trevor Noah, the comedian and former host of the Daily Show, shared his experiences in Lost in Translation. In this book, Noah delved into the defining factors that have shaped his comedic style — acute socio-political observations and witty cultural criticisms. Alongside his remarkable talent for accents, Noah's incisive commentary on racism and Reaganomics reveals how little America has truly evolved since the Golden Age of Comedy. Renowned for his tenure on The Daily Show, Trevor Noah is frequently cited in discussions about the greatest stand-up comedy specials of all time.

7. Chris Rock: Bring The Pain (1996)

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Chris Rock reached the pinnacle of his career with the release of this 1996 HBO special. Although Rock had already established himself in movies, it was Bring The Pain that catapulted him to superstardom. Rock fearlessly tackled various topics in this special, including the controversial Mayor Marion Barry of Washington D.C. and the infamous O.J. Simpson murder case. He also delved into the subjects of dating and marriage, which he often finds compelling, and provided insights into the diverse experiences of Black individuals. While Chris Rock's latest Netflix special gained considerable attention, it was Bring the Pain that solidified his status as one of the industry's all-time greats.

6. Ali Wong: Baby Cobra (2016)

Stream Ali Wong's stand-up comedy specials on Netflix. During her last months of pregnancy, Wong captivates audiences with her hilarious anecdotes about marriage and her unique perspective as an Asian American. Her performance in Baby Cobra is particularly memorable as she reflects on the significance of maternity leave and advocates for women's rights in the workplace. What sets Wong apart is her irreverent energy, reminiscent of the legendary Sam Kinison.

5. Bo Burnham: what. (2013)

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Prior to the widespread popularity of Netflix's Bo Burnham: Inside and Make Happy, there existed what. What sets what. apart from other exceptional Bo Burnham comedy specials is its unprecedented showcase of Burnham's unique, high-speed, and multimedia approach to comedy. Incorporating stage lighting, projections, prerecorded audio and video, diverse musical instruments and props, and occasionally engaging with the audience, Burnham truly unveiled his talent to the world with what., making it an outstanding choice for viewers seeking a refreshingly distinct stand-up comedy experience.

4. Michelle Wolf: Joke Show (2019)

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While most stand-up specials start with an introduction or a long preamble about the comedian, giving hints about what the audience can anticipate, Joke Show takes a different approach. True to its name, Joke Show dives right into the hilarious and potentially offensive territory within the first minute, courtesy of SNL-alum Michelle Wolf. This special offers an uncensored glimpse into the twisted and comedic musings of one of the era's most talented comedy writers. Wolf's sharp social commentary is skillfully intertwined with clever rants about the modern age of social media.

3. George Carlin... It's Bad For Ya! (2008)

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Considered by many as the greatest stand-up comedian ever, George Carlin's wittiest jokes and thought-provoking political insights reached their peak and came to an end with his 19th and final comedy special, "It's Bad for Ya." Just four months later, he passed away at the age of 71 due to heart failure. The stage itself was a unique representation of a luxurious living room. Interestingly, Carlin also touched upon the topic of what people tend to say when someone dies. This HBO special received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special," while the accompanying comedy album was posthumously awarded a Grammy for "Best Comedy Album."

2. Ms. Pat: Y’all Wanna Hear Something Crazy? (2022)

Stream On Netflix

Prior to The Ms. Pat Show's groundbreaking Emmy nomination, Ms. Pat had already established herself as an esteemed figure in the world of stand-up comedy, renowned for her exceptional storytelling abilities. Just like the thought-provoking narratives portrayed in The Ms. Pat Show, Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy delves into Ms. Pat's upbringing and adolescence, unraveling her most outrageous tales. Through a blend of humor and candid accounts involving topics such as exploited women, gun violence, and the complexities of her own experiences, Ms. Pat unapologetically exposes the comedic yet damning aspects of white America in Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy.

1. Richard Pryor: Live In Concert (1979)

Streaming on Netflix

Considered by many to be one of the greatest comics of all time, Richard Pryor shares the same spotlight as George Carlin. Both Comedy Central and Rolling Stone have ranked Pryor at the top of their lists in the world of stand-up comedy. Pryor received several prestigious awards, including an Emmy Award in 1973 and five Grammy Awards, for his memorable comedy specials released during the '70s. Richard Pryor: Live in Concert showcases his mastery in traditional stand-up, as he effortlessly mimics various subjects, from dogs to even himself experiencing a heart attack. Alongside his ingenious humor, Pryor fearlessly addresses racially-motivated police violence, delivering some of the most side-splitting and thought-provoking critiques. The highly anticipated Richard Pryor biopic, currently in development by MGM, pays tribute to his enduring influence on the comedy scene.

Editor's P/S

Stand-up comedy has always been a great source of entertainment for me, and this list of the top 20 specials is a testament to the incredible talent and diversity of the comedians in this field. From the iconic legends like Richard Pryor and Robin Williams to the rising stars like John Mulaney and Taylor Tomlinson, each of these specials brings something unique and hilarious to the table.

One of my personal favorites is John Mulaney's "Baby J," which is a painfully honest and hilarious exploration of his drug problems and rehab stint. Mulaney's ability to find humor in his own struggles is truly remarkable, and his storytelling skills are second to none. Another special that I highly recommend is Norm MacDonald's "Nothing Special," which is an extraordinary and touching performance recorded in the solitude of his home, devoid of an audience. MacDonald's comedic brilliance shines through in this special, and his ability to confront his own mortality with laughter is both inspiring and heartbreaking.