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The best stand-up comedy on Netflix right now

Conan O'Brien at The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Netflix

When it comes to stand-up comedy specials, the major streamers are trailing well behind the path that Netflix has already set up. Hulu and Amazon Prime Video’s don’t seem to threaten Netflix’s dominance in the category after most of the big names in stand-up from the last few years have already had their Netflix specials.

This month, late night comedy legend Conan O’Brien is the butt of the joke as he’s roasted while accepting The Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. It’s easily the best new addition to Netflix’s stand-up lineup in May, followed by a special featuring Tim Dillon. You can find these specials and all of the rest of the best stand-up comedy on Netflix below.

Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Disney+. For Netflix fans, check out the 10 most popular shows on Netflix right now.

Conan O'Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2025)

Conan O'Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
8.4/10
86m
Genre
Comedy, TV Movie
Stars
Conan O'Brien, Robert Smigel, John Mulaney
Directed by
Marcus Raboy
Watch on Netflix

Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is somewhere between The Roast of Conan O’Brien and This is Your Life, Conan O’Brien. Old friends  from late night including Triumph the Insult Dog, Andy Richter, Steven Colbert, and even David Letterman show up to shower O’Brien with praise and commedically rip him a new one. Bill Burr, Nikki Glaser, and Kumail Nanjiani were also among the performers for this special. But O’Brien got the final word with a monologue about comedy in the modern age and the legacy of Mark Twain that might be a closer for the ages.

Tim Dillon: I'm Your Mother (2025)

Tim Dillon: I'm Your Mother
6.2/10
41m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Tim Dillon
Directed by
Tim Dillon
Watch on Netflix

The reaction to Tim Dillon’s special, I’m Your Mother, has come down to those who think it was an incredible comedy master class and those who aren’t impressed with his material. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground as Dillon goes after some familiar targets while keeping his comedic persona more grounded than usual.

Dillon’s signature rants are out in force, including his assertion that unlike some English prince and his bride who used to be an actress, he’d never give up on being a part of the royal family. But what royal family would have him?

Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy (2025)

Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy
6.6/10
101m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Gabriel Iglesias
Directed by
Manny Rodriguez
Watch on Netflix

Gabriel Iglesias is pushing 50, and he’s one of the most recognizable comedians in the world. That’s not a bad way to cap off nearly three decades in the industry. His latest special, Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy, isn’t very wild or innovative. But that wasn’t really Iglesias’ brand to begin with. He’s a natural storyteller, and that’s what he does here while sharing tales from his life when he’s not in the spotlight.

The key part of Iglesias’ act is he keeps the audience listening even when he’s not necessarily telling a joke. This isn’t Fluffy at his comedic peak, but you should already know what to expect when watching him.

Ari Shaffir: America's Sweetheart (2025)

Ari Shaffir: America's Sweetheart
7.0/10
75m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Ari Shaffir
Directed by
Eric Abrams
Watch on Netflix

Ari Shaffir is no Joe Rogan, but he is Joe Rogan adjacent. Which is to say that he’s not afraid of diving into more politically sensitive topics for comedy, like racism, terrorism, and even the ever-prevalent presence of guns in our society.

Plus, there aren’t many comedians who would dare to find the lighter side of COVID-19 or the few benefits of being a heroin addict. Of course, Shaffir doesn’t let himself entirely off the hook for being less successful than Rogan and his other famous friends. At least he can laugh about it.

Your Friend, Nate Bargatze (2024)

Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
7.2/10
63m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Nate Bargatze
Directed by
Ryan Polito
Watch on Netflix

After a brief sojourn to Amazon Prime Video for his previous comedy special, Nate Bargatze makes his return to Netflix with Your Friend, Nate Bargatze. The special’s quick rise among the most popular shows on Netflix is more proof that he still ranks among the top comedians. Bargatze’s humor does go into “dad jokes” territory, and you may have heard some of this material before in his previous specials. However, Bargatze was performing to a larger crowd in this taping, so it’s understandable why he broke out a few selections from his greatest hits.

Stories about his wife are also a big part of this special, as are a few anecdotes about his own parents. That includes a tale about his mother being too friendly with strangers. If you’re looking for a comedy special that kids and families can watch too, this is it.

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was... (2024)

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was...
5.8/10
69m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Jamie Foxx
Directed by
Hamish Hamilton
Watch on Netflix

If you’re expecting a traditional comedy set from Jamie Foxx, then you’re not going to get it here. Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is less of a special and more of a one-hour testimonial about the April 2023 health scare that nearly ended his life. For the first time, Foxx speaks openly about suffering a stroke and suffering bleeding from his brain, which left him unable to remember nearly a month of his life.

There are definitely comedic bits where Foxx uses his gift for impersonation. However, the backbone of this special sees Foxx wearing his emotions on his sleeve as he embraces his second chance to keep on living. He’ll also provide some laughs along the way.

Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All (2024)

Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All
7.4/10
51m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Anthony Jeselnik
Directed by
Bill Benz
Watch on Netflix
There are some dark comedians who dabble in gallows humor, but Anthony Jeselnik takes it to another level in his latest special, Bones and All. Although Jeselnik makes a point of reminding the audience that his stories are fictional, he doesn’t mind making himself the villain of his own tales. And what he loves most of all is leaving the fans guessing as to when and where his punchline is going to land.

Hasan Minhaj: Off with His Head (2024)

Hasan Minhaj: Off with His Head
6.9/10
61m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Hasan Minhaj
Directed by
Tyler Babin
Watch on Netflix

In some alternate universe, Hasan Minhaj is probably hosting The Daily Show‘s election coverage. But in our universe, Minhaj missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime after The New Yorkeras he puts it — fact-checked his stories from previous stand-up comedy specials. The resulting scandal put Minhaj’s career on its heels, but he’s back in a new special, Hasan Minhaj: Off with His Head.

Minhaj does address The New Yorker scandal during the special, but his act has also been somewhat divisive among his fans. The comedian is still making jokes about his life, race relations, and the American dream for immigrants. But some reviewers are taking issues with his delivery. You’ll have to make your own evaluation.

Tim Dillon: This Is Your Country (2024)

Tim Dillon: This Is Your Country
7.2/10
47m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Tim Dillon
Directed by
Michael Shea
Watch on Netflix
Tim Dillon is a comedian and a talk show host on YouTube, but he’s never done anything quite like this before. Tim Dillon: This Is Your Country is special, done as if it were a daytime talk show. Perhaps the only reason Dillon doesn’t go the full Jerry Springer is because the audience aren’t performers. The audience isn’t trying to be funny; that’s Dillon’s job as he brings up topics like cryptocurrency and OnlyFans. Oddly enough, this format seems to really fit Dillon, even though he says it isn’t meant to be a pilot for an actual talk show.

Ali Wong: Single Lady (2024)

Ali Wong: Single Lady
59m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Ali Wong
Directed by
Ali Wong
Watch on Netflix
We don’t normally call out Netflix’s comedy shows in advance, but for Ali Wong, we’ll make an exception. On October 8, the performer is headlining her new special, Ali Wong: Single Lady. Among the subjects she jokes about are the joys of dating much older men and navigating her personal life after her divorce. This marks Wong’s fourth stand-up special at Netflix behind Baby Cobra, Hard Knock Wife, and Don Wong.

Adam Sandler: Love You (2024)

Adam Sandler: Love You
6.8/10
74m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Adam Sandler, Dan Bulla, Rob Schneider
Directed by
Josh Safdie
Watch on Netflix
Is Adam Sandler: Love You really a comeback when Sandler has been a constant presence on Netflix? This is his second stand-up special for the streamer, and Sandler went in a more intimate direction while revisiting his comedic roots. Not every joke lands like they used to, but it’s always fun to see Sandler riff on some hilarious songs and share the occasional insight. He’s a comedy legend, and he’s still willing to try new things onstage decades after his prime.

Hannah Berner: We Ride at Dawn (2024)

Hannah Berner: We Ride at Dawn
6.0/10
50m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Hannah Berner
Watch on Netflix

Reality star Hannah Berner is going all-in on comedy in her first special, We Ride At Dawn. She goes on at length about why Beast from Beauty and the Beast is such  a catch, amid jokes about marrying a much older man. Berner is also pretty fearless when it comes to talking about sex, including some very uncomfortable moments in bed.

The title of this special comes from Berner’s rant about why we’d all be safer if only women could legally have guns, and her punch line may back up her point.

Keith Robinson: Different Strokes (2024)

Keith Robinson: Different Strokes
6.7/10
53m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Keith Robinson
Directed by
Marcus Russell Price
Watch on Netflix

Keith Robinson has been a comedian for nearly four decades, and you can really tell by the way he commands the room in Keith Robinson: Different Strokes. The name of this special is not directly related to the ’80s sitcom with a similar name. Instead, it’s a reference to Robinson’s two debilitating strokes. Those strokes may have slowed him down physically, but mentally, Robinson’s comedy is just as sharp as ever.

Robinson mines his strokes and subsequent recovery struggles for laughs, and he also mentions that Chris Rock now calls him “Strokey Robinson.” Even now, far from his peak condition, Robinson remains a master storyteller on stage.

The Roast of Tom Brady (2024)

The Roast of Tom Brady
7.4/10
179m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Jeff Ross
Directed by
Beth McCarthy-Miller
Watch on Netflix

Tom Brady is one of the greatest football players of all time. But a comedian, he is not. The Roast of Tom Brady puts the former quarterback in the hot seat as a killer lineup of comedians, celebrities, and sports stars line up to take shots at him.

Not everybody brings their A-game, as Ben Affleck fans will discover. However, Nikki Glaser absolutely scorches Brady, fellow comedian Kevin Hart (Lift), and anyone in the vicinity of those two. Some of the other comedian guests include Tony Hinchcliffe, Sam Jay, Bert Kreischer, Jeff Ross, Tom Segura, and Andrew Schulz.

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Neal Brennan: Crazy Good (2024)

Neal Brennan: Crazy Good
7.3/10
53m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Neal Brennan
Directed by
Neal Brennan
Watch on Netflix

Former Daily Show contributor Neal Brennan has complete control over his format in Crazy Good. This works to great effect when he reframes his jokes through the screen of a smartphone. He also comes up with religious attack ads in the style of every political attack ad that you’ll see between now and November. Brennan also raises an interesting point about fans holding up comedians as moral paragons, only to be upset when their opinions aren’t politically correct. Comedians are almost always going to offend someone, but that doesn’t mean Brennan and other prominent comedians on Netflix are immune from self-inflicted wounds when saying something dumb.

Demetri Martin: Demetri Deconstructed (2024)

Demetri Martin: Demetri Deconstructed
7.5/10
51m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Demetri Martin, MK Paulsen, Ron Lynch
Directed by
Demetri Martin
Watch on Netflix

It’s been over half a decade since Demetri Martin filmed a comedy special, and his newest one, Demetri Deconstructed, is certainly unique. It was shot mostly in black and white with the conceit that Martin is undergoing medical procedures that have placed him in a comedy simulation that lets him comment on his own routine before and after he delivers it.

The stark contrast of the colorless visuals does keep the focus locked on Martin, who also introduces some props and visual gags to keep things from getting stale. There’s even a hook for Martin’s next stand-up special, which will probably not take another five years to arrive.

Steve Treviño: Simple Man (2024)

Steve Treviño: Simple Man
6.3/10
56m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Steve Trevino
Watch on Netflix
According to Steve Trevino, he’s just a simple man who reports back on the funny things that his family is doing. Hence the name of his latest standup special, Steve Trevino: Simple Man. Trevino’s wife, Renae Trevino, directed the special, and a lot of the jokes are about her, but always in a loving way. The same goes for their kids, as Trevino offers up humorous episodes about their lives together. It’s about as heartwarming as a TV-MA comedy special can get.

Brian Simpson: Live from the Mothership (2024)

Brian Simpson: Live from the Mothership
7.5/10
70m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Brian Simpson
Directed by
Baron Vaughn
Watch on Netflix
Brian Simpson sees the tropes of masculinity as a self-imposed prison for men, and he’s trying to break those rules in his first Netflix special. That’s what the vast majority of his jokes are about as Simpson speaks about the preconceived notions of what men can or can’t do in modern society without being labeled as being less manly than their fellow males. Simpson also touches upon his service in the Marines two decades ago, which led to some awkward situations.

Chappelle's Home Team - Donnell Rawlings: A New Day (2024)

Chappelle's Home Team - Donnell Rawlings: A New Day
5.8/10
40m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Donnell Rawlings
Directed by
Stan Lathan
Watch on Netflix
Dave Chappelle’s longtime collaborator, Donnell Rawlings, headlines the Chappelle’s Home Team special, Donnell Rawlings: A New Day. For this special, Rawlings opens up about dating women much younger than he is and pretending to be Idris Elba to pick up women while spending time in New Zealand. However, the most personal moments come when Rawlings talks about being a co-parent, where his words blur the line between confessional and comedy.

Mike Epps: Ready to Sell Out (2024)

Mike Epps: Ready to Sell Out
5.5/10
61m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Mike Epps
Directed by
Royale Watkins
Watch on Netflix

It’s easy to forgive Mike Epps for his role in Madame Web, because it’s not a very big part and it’s not the kind of selling out that’s referenced in the title of his fourth Netflix special, Mike Epps: Ready To Sell Out. To explain the meaning of the title here would be stepping on one of Epps’ funnier moments in the special.

At times, it’s unclear how much of what Epps is saying about his drug habit is real and how much is exaggerated for comedic effect. Among other revelations, Epps contends that his addiction cost him all of the money that he’s earned from his movie career. A key part of this special is Epps talking about his therapy and exploring why he’s so paranoid about his romantic partners cheating on him, especially when he’s willing to admit that he’s done some cheating himself.

Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All (2024)

Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All
7.2/10
66m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Taylor Tomlinson
Directed by
Kristian Mercado Figueroa
Watch on Netflix

Since her last Netflix special, Taylor Tomlinson has gone on to host CBS’ After Midnight, and achieved even greater stardom. However, Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All is not a victory lap for the comedian. Instead, she openly wonders whether it’s truly possible to have it all and if people root against each other for achieving both personal and professional happiness.

Tomlinson’s comedy here veers between self-assurance and anxiety, especially in romantic relationships. Because as much as Tomlinson has now, she doesn’t feel like she has to have it all.

Jack Whitehall: Settle Down (2024)

Jack Whitehall: Settle Down
6.8/10
r
65m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Jack Whitehall
Directed by
Chris Howe
Watch on Netflix

Jack Whitehall is back on Netflix with his special, Jack Whitehall: Settle Down, and it’s like he never left at all. Whitehall’s hair may be longer, and he may be more domesticated, but he’s still largely the same guy at heart. He’s also somewhat miffed that he’s not quite famous enough to be touted by his former school and yet somehow famous enough to be linked to someone truly heinous.

Much of the material focuses on Whitehall’s family life, including getting a dog, having a kid, and realizing that he can never watch a Leonardo DiCaprio film (like Killers of the Flower Moon) again.

Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)

Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer
7.0/10
r
57m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Dave Chappelle
Directed by
Stan Lathan
Watch on Netflix
Dave Chappelle is arguably the biggest stand up comedian in the world, and he can still pack in the huge crowds as he does for Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer. There are very long stretches of self-indulgent stories in this special that are punctuated with a truly hilarious encounter with Jim Carrey and Chappelle’s reaction to the Chris Rock and Will Smith Oscar slap controversy. But Chappelle always seems to go back to the well with trans jokes way too many times. Chappelle even says in the special that he loves punching down, and he’s not lying.

Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023)

Ricky Gervais: Armageddon
7.0/10
r
63m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Ricky Gervais
Directed by
John L. Spencer
Watch on Netflix

As the former star of the original U.K. version of The Office and a stand up legend in his own right, Ricky Gervais’ comedy legacy is largely secure. But Ricky Gervais: Armageddon is far from the comedian’s best material. There’s so much grievance comedy, especially against LGBT people, that it seems like Gervais should go on the road with Dave Chappelle.

This special only really comes to life when Gervais actually addresses Armageddon and shares his belief about how the world will end. That’s the stuff worth watching the special for, and the rest is hit or miss as Gervais fails to realize that he’s a bigger snowflake than the people he’s ridiculing.

Trevor Noah: Where Was I (2023)

Trevor Noah: Where Was I
6.6/10
pg-13
68m
Genre
Comedy, Documentary
Stars
Trevor Noah
Directed by
David Paul Meyer
Watch on Netflix
As is wont, Trevor Noah takes a worldly view of the United States in his stand-up special that arrived towards the end of 2023. Noah is insightful as always, leaning on learnings from Europe to inform his takes, which are always nuanced and honest. There’s also a phenomenal payoff at the end of the special for patient fans of the South African comedian.

Chris Rock: Selective Outrage (2023)

Chris Rock: Selective Outrage
6.8/10
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Chris Rock
Watch on Netflix
There’s not much to say about Selective Outrage after its premiere. Why? It was the Chris Rock experience at its purest. It was Netflix’s first global live-streaming event. Unsurprisingly, he tackled his feelings about Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith in his first major event since last year’s Oscars, when Smith infamously hit the comedian across the face on national television. The special, filmed in Baltimore, follows Rock’s previous popular Netflix special, Tamborine.

Chelsea Handler: Revolution (2022)

Chelsea Handler: Revolution
6.0/10
77m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Chelsea Handler
Directed by
Jo Koy
Watch on Netflix
After dropping Evolution on HBO in 2020, Chelsea Handler took things a step further with Revolution. Directed by comedian Jo Koy, Handler’s special dives into personal topics like dating during the pandemic and choosing not to bring a child into the world. She also hops on her soapbox regarding an important topic: why men shouldn’t wear flip-flops. Handler has a long history with Netflix, including a talk show for the streaming service.

Nick Kroll: Little Big Boy (2022)

Nick Kroll: Little Big Boy
6.7/10
60m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Nick Kroll
Directed by
Bill Benz
Watch on Netflix
Nick Kroll took just enough time off from making uproarious Big Mouth episodes to film a stand-up special for Netflix. In Little Big Boy — a title that also describes the essence of his animated show — Kroll touches on heartbreak, hypnosis, and getting his start in comedy. This is Kroll’s first special for Netflix and his first stand-up special in more than a decade.

Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special (2022)

Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special
7.5/10
86m
Genre
Comedy, Documentary
Stars
Norm Macdonald, Adam Sandler, Conan O'Brien
Watch on Netflix
Norm Macdonald tragically passed in September 2021, but he had one more gift for his fans. Nothing Special, released posthumously, shows the comic performing a set by himself in his living room during the height of the pandemic. Self-taped, the special hits on the same smart witticisms Macdonald became known for during his career. The special also includes a featurette of comedians paying tribute to Macdonald and his legacy. Participants include Adam Sandler, Conan O’Brien, and David Letterman.

Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster (2021)

Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster
6.9/10
70m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Jim Gaffigan
Directed by
Jim Gaffigan
Watch on Netflix
Jim Gaffigan’s trademark style is back on the stage in Comedy Monster. This was the comedian’s first stand-up special of 2021 and the ninth of his prolific career. His observational style is also unique in that he avoids cursing in most of his storytelling. This special covered the year that was, as well as the seemingly never-ending appetite for billionaires to launch themselves into space. Gaffigan has scored numerous Grammy nominations for his comedy albums en route to becoming one of the more popular comedians of his generation.

Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby (2019)

Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby
7.5/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Seth Meyers
Watch on Netflix
The former Weekend Update host and late-night talking head emerges from behind his desk to tell stories about his life, such as the time his wife had a baby in a lobby (as everyone does at one point in life). Meyers is on his A-game when talking about current events and politics, the bread-and-butter of his television stints. But Lobby Baby demonstrates another side of the comedian, one that is flawed and human and family-oriented, things that are tougher to see in his day-to-day gigs. Obviously, there’s still plenty of talk about politics, and this came out in 2019 when Donald Trump was president, but there’s a pretty clever way to skip ahead if you’re not interested in that part of the special.
Seth Meyers Netflix Standup Special Trailer - Lobby Baby - Fake Toy

James Acaster: Repertoire (2018)

James Acaster: Repertoire
8.5/10
tv-14
Genre
Comedy
Stars
James Acaster
Watch on Netflix
James Acaster’s four-part collection of stand-up routines was released to Netflix back in 2018. Since then, it has drawn comparisons with Bo Burnham’s nominal special, Inside. In Repertoire, the audience isn’t always in on the joke. Acaster seems to be speaking in traditional stand-up prose for the most part, but he is doing it in all sorts of unconventional ways, beginning the first show on his knees with no explanation for several minutes. His act can feel emotional at times and cerebral at others, simultaneously keeping audiences at a distance and inviting them deep into a psyche. Put simply, it’s a different type of stand-up, one that is becoming more mainstream.
James Acaster: Repertoire | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)

Bo Burnham: Inside
98%
8.7/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Bo Burnham
Watch on Netflix
It’s tough to find anything to which you can compare Bo Burnham: Inside. Burnham recorded the special in his home during the COVID-19 pandemic — without a crew or an audience — over the course of a year. Along with hilarious sketches about things like reaction videos and video game streaming, Inside is filled with Burnham’s original songs. At first, songs of pure comedy like FaceTime with My Mom (Tonight) are interspersed with more biting satires like How the World Works, but as the year and special progress — and Burnham goes from slightly shaggy to full-on mountain-man — things get increasingly darker until the comedian will sing something like “it’ll be over soon,” and you’re not sure if he’s talking about the pandemic, the world, or both.

Pete Davidson: Alive from New York (2020)

Pete Davidson: Alive from New York
52%
6.1/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Pete Davidson
Watch on Netflix
Pete Davidson has drawn more scrutiny and interest than most Saturday Night Live cast members. In Alive from New York, Davidson dishes on some of the hot gossip around his life, beginning the stand-up set by explaining his public feud with disgraced comedian Louis C.K. Part jokes, part real-life introspection, Davidson’s special doesn’t shy away from the controversies he’s been swept up in. The comedian stirs the pot around jokes he made on SNL about figures such as Congressman Dan Crenshaw and pop superstar Ariana Grande, with whom Davidson formerly shared a much-publicized relationship. It’s relatively brief at 49 minutes, suggesting Davidson is only scratching the surface as a comic.
Pete Davidson: Alive From New York | Official Trailer | Netflix Standup Comedy Special

John Mulaney: New in Town (2012)

John Mulaney: New in Town
8.3/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
John Mulaney
Watch on Netflix
John Mulaney is now accepted as one of the greatest stand-up comics of a generation. Before then, however, he was just New in Town — well, not really. Mulaney’s first true stand-up special was filmed in 2012 when he was still perfecting his idiosyncratic style. This special doesn’t quite hit the same highs as future specials, but there are still jokes that hold up perfectly upon each rewatch, well after the special first aired. Two particular gems in this special involve Ice-T’s memorable turn on Law & Order: SVU as well as a pitch-perfect delivery about a homeless person Mulaney once ran into on the streets of New York City.

Marc Maron: End Times Fun (2020)

Marc Maron: End Times Fun
6.8/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Marc Maron
Watch on Netflix
Everybody’s favorite podcasting middle-aged cynic, Marc Maron, takes his trademark bleak attitude toward everything to Netflix in this suitably titled special. Maron discusses vitamin hustlers, evangelicals, grown male nerd children, and many more harbingers of the end times as he weaves his way toward a truly climactic secret apocalyptic fantasy.
Marc Maron: End Times Fun | Official Trailer | Netflix Stand-Up Comedy Special

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018)

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette
8.2/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Hannah Gadsby
Watch on Netflix
Widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking, unique, and powerful stand-up specials of a generation, Australian comic Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette deconstructs the very nature of stand-up comedy and the human experience. Originally planned as Gadsby’s final stand-up show (although the comedian ended up launching Douglas in 2019 after Nanette’s wild success), Nanette is as hysterically funny as it is emotionally raw. The special debuted on Netflix in June 2018 to critical acclaim and almost immediately inspired countless think pieces celebrating Gadsby’s surprisingly layered exploration of LGBTQ issues, gender, mental health, and even art history. The brilliance of Nanette is best understood when you go into it without knowing too much about how the special unfolds, so we’ll leave it at that and hope to see you on the other side.
Hannah Gadsby: Nanette | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado (2016)

Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado
6.6/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Hannibal Buress
Watch on Netflix
Hannibal Buress was already relatively famous when the Bill Cosby scandal broke. When it came out that Buress had already called Cosby out for sweeping his sexual assault allegations under the rug in a previous comedy special, his popularity exploded. In Comedy Camisado, Buress addresses the fallout from his Cosby routine in his customarily sly, dry way. He also delves into zipper etiquette and the legacy of steroids — important topics for everyone to consider.

Eric Andre: Legalize Everything (2020)

Eric Andre: Legalize Everything
6.2/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Eric André
Watch on Netflix
Eric Andre is well-known for pushing the envelope in ways both provocative and inane. When he takes the stage in New Orleans in this comedy special, Andre brings his textbook energy and shamelessness to new heights. Tackling everything from flawed fast-food icons to the bizarre choice of the Cops theme song, Andre takes a more political note, striking at commercialism and a broken society in Legalize Everything.
Eric Andre: Legalize Everything | Official Trailer | Netflix

Bill Burr: Paper Tiger (2019)

Bill Burr: Paper Tiger
8.2/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Bill Burr
Watch on Netflix
Bill Burr has never been called “subtle,” and it’s extremely clear why in this Netflix special filmed in front of a full house at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In this raucous, scathing special, Burr complains about Michelle Obama’s book tour, takes on male feminists, explores his hang-ups on taking baths, and explains why his personality may very well destroy his marriage.
Bill Burr: Paper Tiger | Official Trailer | Netflix

Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)

Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis
7.4/10
tv-14
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Taylor Tomlinson
Watch on Netflix
Taylor Tomlinson followed up her Netflix debut on The Comedy Lineup Part 1 with her first dedicated Netflix special just two years later. By this point of her career, Tomlinson had accomplished much more than many other comedians, and she learned many, many lessons in that quarter decade — most notably that the 20s are far from “the best years of your life” like everybody keeps telling her they are. Tomlinson talks about working on herself, realistic relationship goals, and all those other millennial buzz topics with a caustic wit that shows her to be one of the great voices of reason in comedy.
Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis | Netflix Standup Comedy Special | Trailer

Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah (2019)

Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah
6.2/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Tiffany Haddish
Watch on Netflix
Tiffany Haddish has become such a full-fledged movie star at this point that it’s easy to forget that she cut her teeth in stand-up for more than a decade before hitting the big time. In her first Netflix comedy special, which, again, is crazy considering how long she’s been doing this, she shows why her star took off so suddenly once she finally got the recognition she deserved. Exploring the eccentricities of being a Black Jewish woman and her uncomfortable relationship with fame, Haddish is delightful, relatable, and, of course, hilarious in this special.
Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah | Official Trailer | Netflix

Iliza Shlesinger: Elder Millennial (2018)

Iliza Shlesinger: Elder Millennial
7.2/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Iliza Shlesinger
Watch on Netflix
Iliza Shlesinger has long been a Netflix stand-up stalwart, with numerous specials (Freezing Hot, War Paint, Confirmed Kills, etc.) and a sketch show, but Elder Millennial is her masterpiece. Taking aim at her own generation as well as every other one, Elder Millennial feels strangely like listening to your grandmother on her annual Thanksgiving tirade. Yet Shlesinger is infinitely more charming than your grandmother — no offense. Nailing everything from dating, sex, and the double standards and hypocrisy that pervade our society’s every interaction and government’s operation, Shlesinger walks a tightrope of wisdom and purposeful naivete. She’s an elder millennial with much to learn but she also knows how to tell it how she sees it.
Iliza: Elder Millennial | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones (2019)

Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones
8.5/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Dave Chappelle
Watch on Netflix
Dave Chappelle’s long-awaited return to stand-up specials did not disappoint in the slightest. With his characteristically caustic wit and self-referential humor, Chappelle struts into the special like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, an action hero who returned to glory after a self-imposed hiatus. The guy left on top, he’s returning on top. Of course, times have changed since the final episode of Chappelle’s Show aired in 2006, and Chappelle’s famous impressions of people of different races and unfiltered opinions on race relations in the U.S. (the Jussie Smollett incident, for one) haven’t aged well for all. That’s likely why critics widely panned the special. Audiences and die-hard Chappelle fans, however, loved it because Chappelle has refused to change with the times, even if that means living a few steps over the line. If you like Chappelle, you’ll love Sticks & Stones.
Dave Chappelle Netflix Standup Comedy Special Trailer | Sticks & Stones

Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America! (2019)

Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!
7.4/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Ronny Chieng
Watch on Netflix
Capitalizing on American hysteria over … well, everything, and Americans’ exceptionalist attitude toward … well, everything, Chieng has some good-natured fun with cultural differences between people. Chieng worked as a Daily Show correspondent who was born in Malaysia, was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, and Singapore, and attended the University of Melbourne. He has been around, seen the world, and actively engaged with it, and it shows in his stand-up.
Ronny Chieng Netflix Standup Comedy Special | Asian Comedian Destroys America! Trailer

Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It? (2019)

Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It?
6.5/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Whitney Cummings
Watch on Netflix
By her own admission, Whitney Cummings has evolved. “Generalizing about men and women paid for my house,” Cummings notes, referring to her sitcoms, 2 Broke Girls, which she produced, and her short-lived starring vehicle Whitney. That was the old Cummings. While Can I Touch It? tackles similar material, it does so with more nuance and self-reflection than Cummings’ past work. Not that the comedian has lost her ability to shock, of course. The part of Can I Touch It? that everyone will be talking about comes in its second half, when Cummings brings out a custom-built sex robot that looks exactly like her before launching into an extended bit about how man-on-robot relations might pave the way for the next feminist revolution. Is it uncomfortable? That depends on how you feel about sleeping with an automaton. Is it raunchy, funny, and weird? You bet.
Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It? | Official Trailer | Netflix

John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons (2018)

John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons
7.5/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
John Leguizamo, Rubén Blades, Oskar Eustis
Watch on Netflix
John Leguizamo premiered his one-man stage show Latin History for Morons in 2017, and the performance went on to earn a Tony Award for its exploration of the influence and importance of Latin Americans throughout U.S. history. Netflix brought the show to subscribers in November 2018, offering a chance for everyone who couldn’t make it to Broadway (or afford tickets) to experience the fascinating, kinetic history lesson taught by Leguizamo across 90 minutes of energetic explanation — complete with chalkboard and assorted props. While it’s not traditional stand-up comedy, the show’s one-man format and nonstop humor make it stand out from the crowd as both educational and entertaining.
John Leguizamo's Latin History For Morons | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Jerry Seinfeld: Jerry Before Seinfeld (2017)

Jerry Seinfeld: Jerry Before Seinfeld
74%
7.0/10
tv-14
Genre
Comedy, Documentary
Stars
Jerry Seinfeld, Johnny Carson, Mark Schiff
Watch on Netflix
So, what is the deal with airplane food? Netflix threw a reported $100 million at Jerry Seinfeld for streaming rights to his Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee series and two stand-up specials, and the comedian’s first effort was a return to his comedy roots. Jerry Before Seinfeld explores the comedian’s early stand-up career before he became an icon with his titular sitcom in the 1990s. The special is part documentary, part stand-up, and all hilarious confirmation that Seinfeld’s brand of humor is timeless. If you’re a die-hard Seinfeld fan who can stand laughing for nearly an hour, Jerry Before Seinfeld needs to be in your queue.
Jerry Before Seinfeld | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust (2017)

Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust
6.8/10
tv-ma
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Sarah Silverman, Michael Sheen
Watch on Netflix
While Sarah Silverman hasn’t completely abandoned the shock-value jokes that put her on the map — and let’s be real, she probably never will — A Speck of Dust sees the comedian slowing her roll a bit, mixing some charm and sincerity into the acid vat. Silverman’s offering touches on a litany of personal subjects, including the death of a beloved pet, and imbues some of her routines with a biting sense of self-awareness that effectively serves new material while deconstructing the old. If you’re here for the gross-out punchlines, they’re still around, but it no longer feels like the focus of her comedy, and we appreciate it.
Sarah Silverman: A Speck Of Dust | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert
8.1/10
78m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Richard Pryor, Jennifer Lee Pryor
Directed by
Jeff Margolis
Watch on Netflix
Pryor’s no-holds-barred, profanity-laced comedic style influenced an entire generation of actors and stand-up comedians, as did the legendary stand-up film Live in Concert. Pryor’s physical, high-energy brand of comedy brings his jokes to life, as the troubled comic all but jumps off the screen. Live in Concert plays far better on a screen than it does through a set of speakers, as Pryor’s hyper-dramatized facial expressions truly bring his jokes to life. His manic mimicry is at its best when he’s joking about his own life, from snorting cocaine in front of grandma to stepping in the ring with Muhammad Ali. Pryor’s classic set holds up decades later.
Movie images and data from:
Blair Marnell
Blair Marnell has been an entertainment journalist for over 15 years. His bylines have appeared in Wizard Magazine, Geek…
Everything leaving Netflix in May 2025
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum in The Lost City.

Unfortunately, Netflix tends to wait until the middle of the month to announce what's leaving on the 1st of the following month. Many of the titles departing Netflix on May 1 are great films, including Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Friday, Queen & Slim, and more. There isn't much time to catch those movies, but there's still a whole month to make sure you can watch any of your favorite shows or films before they head out the door.
The Lost City, The Peanut Butter Falcon, A Simple Favor, and The Sum of All Fears are all leaving Netflix this month. But if you love superheroes, catch the animated Justice League and Justice League Unlimited series. Both of those shows have some incredible superhero stories with great writing and voice acting. The live-action films have yet to be able to recapture the spirit of the comic books that these shows pulled off over two decades ago.
Our roundup of everything leaving Netflix in May 2025 is below. Our picks for the month are in bold.

Trying to fit in some great movies or shows before they're gone from other streaming services at the end of the month? Check our monthly roundup of everything leaving Hulu. You can find even more recommendations in our lists of the best new shows to stream, the best movies on Netflix, and the best shows on Netflix.
Our top pick for May 2025

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What’s new on Apple TV+ this month (May 2025)
A man and two women stand in front of the pyramids.

Apple TV+'s ambitious model of leaning almost exclusively on original content has paid off in a big way, as the streamer now has multiple Emmy and Oscar wins to its name. (Including one of TV's best shows, Severance.) Every month, Apple TV+ showcases a practical embarrassment of riches when it comes to star talent, and this month is no exception. Although the new content is a little sparse compared to other months, it's still worth a look.
This month, John Krasinski and Natalie Portman team up for the action-adventure film Fountain of Youth, while Alexander Skarsgård takes center stage as a conflicted, murderous cyborg in the new series Murderbot.
Looking for more content? Check out our guides on the best new shows to stream, the best movies on Apple TV+, the best shows on Apple TV+, the best shows on Netflix, and the best shows on Hulu.

Need more suggestions?

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The 50 best shows on Netflix in May 2025
Tom Segura in Bad Thoughts.

There's a lot to watch on Netflix this week, especially if you're into true crime and documentaries.
American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden is currently No. 1 on the most popular shows on Netflix, and it's easy to understand why given the impact of the 9/11 attacks that still resonate decades later. But if you need something to laugh at, Tom Segura's new comedy anthology series, Bad Thoughts, is a hit out of the gate. Animation lovers may be happy to see that the sci-fi anthology series, Love, Death & Robots is back for fourth season as well.
You can find these series and more among the best shows on Netflix. We update this list every Friday to give you the best streaming options for your weekend viewing.
We’ve also rounded up all the best new shows to stream this week, the best movies on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime, and the best shows on Disney+ because we take our streaming seriously. Watching while traveling abroad? Use a Netflix VPN to access your country's catalog from anywhere in the world.
New this week
Bad Thoughts

Bad Thoughts is an unusual kind of show for Netflix part because comedian Tom Segura came up with it, filmed a pilot episode and funded it himself before selling it to Netflix. It's not too far from comedy anthology shows we've seen in the past, including Key & Peele, but the material is a lot darker. In one sketch, Segura plays a meticulous assassin who inexplicably begins fumbling his own hit. Another sketch finds Segura playing rich country singer who abducts his fans so he can hear their stories of woe and turn them into hit songs.
Segura's supporting cast in these skits always changes, but one of the familiar faces is The Sopranos' Robert Iler, who broke his self-imposed exile from acting to appear in this show.
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Tom Segura, Dan Stevens, Daniella Pineda, Robert Iler, Bobby Lee
Seasons: 1

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