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8 Best Netflix Stand-Up Comedy Specials [2023]
Looking for a good laugh? Check out our list of the top 7 Netflix stand-up comedy specials.
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Netflix has become a popular platform for watching stand-up comedy. It has given recognition to numerous comedians, from veterans to rising stars. But finding stuff to watch on Netflix is becoming harder and harder – there’s just so much choice!
Whether you look for observational comedy, political satire, dark comedy, or humour, Netflix has it all. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these comedians will have you in stitches.
From the clever wit of Hasan Minhaj to the irreverent humour of John Mulaney, these specials will keep you entertained for hours. Don’t miss out on these must-watch performances!”
We have listed some top Netflix stand-up comedy specials you shouldn’t miss if you want a good laugh.
Top 8 Netflix Stand-Up Comedy Specials
1. Anthony Jeselnik: Fire in the Maternity Ward
Released in 2019, Fire in the Maternity Ward is Anthony Jeselnik’s second Netflix stand-up comedy show. He jokes about various topics, from politics to relationships, his grandmother’s dementia, dropping babies, and many more.
Anthony Jeselnik is known for his controversial and dark comedy; hence, he has said things others cannot joke about in Fire in the Maternity Ward. It is directed by Marcus Raboy and shot in New York. This show is a must-watch for dark comedy fans and anyone looking for a unique and irrelevant stand-up comedy experience.
- IMDB Ratings: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 80%
2. Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah
This show was released on 3rd December 2019 and has gained popularity since then. The show was released in two parts and was produced and performed by actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish.
It was Tiffany Haddish’s first stand-up comedy special on Netflix, and she proudly stated that she is Jewish in this stand-up special. She also told the audience about her connection to Eritrean culture.
The show goes around singing, dancing, and her journey from childhood to adulthood, how she grew up under foster care, and her early struggles of being a comedian. She jokes about stardom, physical appearance, and peeing in an Uber.
Black Mitzvah is an enjoyable and humorous show. The viewers have praised the sharp humor and wittiness of Tiffany Haddish, her honesty, and her relatable and funny personal stories.
- MDB Ratings:6.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 7/10
3. Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
Homecoming King, written by comedian and actor, Hasan Minhaj, was released on Netflix in 2017. This show was his first solo stand-up comedy special on Netflix. Hasan Minhaj has shared and made fun of his experience as an Indian-American Muslim, how he faced an identity crisis in the US, and his experience with racism and discrimination as well.
He shares how he feels being the first in his family to live and experience the American Dream. Hasan Minhaj’s personal anecdotes and his fun ability to address serious issues in a comedy way are liked by many viewers. He is also renowned for his work as a senior correspondent on “The Daily Show” and host of “Patriot Act” on Netflix.
His comedy often revolves around political and social commentary with observational humour. He has also addressed many serious issues, such as racism, humorously and acceptably, without offending anyone.
- IMDB Ratings: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 78%
4. James Acaster: Repertoire
Released in 2018, this James Acaster Netflix stand-up comedy special is divided into four parts. Each of these four parts is based on different themes and is very fun to watch.
Each part goes around different stages of James Axaster’s career. ‘Reset,’ the first part is based on his early comedian years where he makes fun of his love and relationships. The second part, ‘Represent’ discusses his mid-career years, family, and upbringing.
‘Recognize’ goes around his experiences from travel and his reflections on life. In ‘Resolve,’ he shares his breakdowns in his career.
Overall, his observational comedy and storytelling style have gained the audience’s interest. He has a unique style of jokes and masters his story with brilliant anecdotes. This show was also nominated for the Best Comedy Show the 2018 Edinburg Comedy Awards.
- IMDB Ratings: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 4.6/5
5. Bo Burnham: What
Through his Netflix stand-up comedy special, ‘What,’ Bo Burman performed a set of observational and introspective humorous jokes.
This show was released on Netflix in 2018 and has received positive reviews from viewers. It was his first comedy special show on Netflix, and he directed it himself. He has joked about many topics from his early growing life, fame, social media, and the nature of art.
Burman is known for his specialisation in clever wordplay and self-deprecating jokes. He has also put in music in this special stand-up comedy show.
This show won Burman Emmy Award for “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.” ‘What’ very beautifully showcases Bo Burman’s ability to tackle serious issues in a humorous way.
This show is a must-watch for a comedy fan looking for a good stand-up comedy on Netflix.
- IMDB Ratings: 8.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 5/5
6. Dave Chappelle: Equanimity & Bird Revelation
‘Equanimity’ and ‘Bird Revelation’ are stand-up comedy episodes released in 2017. Both these episodes go around Dave Chappelle performing his observational and politically challenged wit.
‘Equanimity’ follows jokes on current affairs of the world, America, racism, and the Me Too movement.
The viewers have admired Chappelle for this episode because of how carefully and humorously he has managed such sensitive topics. ‘Bird Revelation,’ on the other hand, is a little different from the first episode. It focuses more on Dave Chappelle’s life, how he became a famous comedian and other social and political issues.
Both these episodes are highly rated and have a perfect blend of irony and positivity in the comedy. Both are must-watch if you are a fan of Dave Chappelle, Equanimity and Bird Revelation.
- IMDB Ratings:7.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 69%
7. John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City
Excerpts from this Netflix special comedy show have become an important part of pop culture. These excerpts like, “street smarts,” and “there’s a horse in a hospital” are highly relatable for the new generations, and they use them frequently.
The show was released in 2018 and received an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.” The show was filmed at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. John Mulaney jokes about his life while growing up, personal anecdotes, and current affairs.
He has a sharp writing style and a brilliant delivery of jokes. He can connect with a lot of the audience just with his words and viewers find that very engaging.
Overall, this Netflix stand-up comedy show is a must-watch if you are looking for a good laugh.
- IMDB Ratings:7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 5/5
8. Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill
Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill is the latest addition to Netflix stand-up specials released on 6 June 2023. The comedy show by Bill is a part of Netflix is a Joke: The Festival, which concluded on 8 May 2022. It is directed by Ryan Polito and hosted by the writer and comedian Bill Burr.
However, apart from Bill Burr, 10 other stand-up comedians are part of the show and introduced as either his friends or talents he discovered through social media videos. Bill Burr starts the show with a 10-minute set before he showcases his friends and colleagues.
Subsequently, Michelle Wolf, Jimmy Carr, Steph Tolev, Jeff Ross and Dave Attell, Ian Edwards, Joe Bartnick, Jessica Kirson, Josh Adam Meyers and Shang-Chi star Ronny Chieng perform their sets. The show includes jokes about the pandemic, guns, white women, various one-liners and paedophile jokes.
It is tagged as raunchy by Netflix and is streaming on Netflix.
- IMDb: 4.6/10
Wrapping Up
The Best Netflix Stand-up comedy depends on your taste and can vary greatly from person to person. You can choose your favourite from the above list as per your liking. Netflix has something for everyone.
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