The 40+ Best Stand-Up Comedy Specials On Netflix, Right Now!

The past year has certainly given the comedy world a lot of new material, and thanks to our favorite streaming site, you can reap the benefits right from your own couch. Here are the best stand-up comedy specials that are currently running on Netflix...

Andrew Santino: Cheeseburger (2023)

Get a pint of your favorite beer and settle for a wildly funny ride with relentlessly wry comedian Andrew Santino. He's not afraid to go beyond the typical stand-up set and tackle today's most pressing issues, from global warming to politics. Whether he's talking about suffering a "sex injury" or just delivering some quick wit, his material will have you curled up in laughter all night long.

Don't be surprised if you need to take a short break in the middle; it only means he's been killing it with those punchlines! So come prepared to find your newest comedic hero, and laugh away at this master craftsman whose talent knows no bounds.

VIR DAS: LANDING (2022)

Vir Das' fourth Netflix stand-up special promises to be an uproarious dive into his childhood growing up in India and coming to terms with the unique character that shapes any person's life. In his latest endeavor, he also takes a step back to reflect on societal issues and puts his spin on navigating a world seemingly filled with outrage.

It will be interesting to see what Vir Das has to say about finding a place in this rapidly changing world -- never one to shy away from controversial issues, whatever he touches on will undoubtedly leave you laughing while making you think simultaneously.

Chelsea Handler: Revolution (2022)

Chelsea Handler's latest Netflix stand-up special, REVOLUTION, is causing an uproar and delighting fans with her fearless, witty humor. She doesn't hold back when candidly discussing the twists and turns of her own life, from her choice to remain childless, to her marathon of bad dates during the pandemic despite frequent "family invasions" in her home.

It's all there for your entertainment pleasure! And last but not least, Handler has a personal mission against fashion faux pas -- she shares her disdain over men who wear flip-flops out in public and make the rest of us cringe. While it won't change society overnight, one can only hope this spoof will start a revolution!

Trevor Noah: I Wish You Would (2022)

The world loves Trevor Noah because he is the best example of someone who lives life authentically. And his comedic takes on his experiences, which are showcased in Trevor Noah: I Wish You Would portray this too. Reflecting on the pandemic, he takes about how it took a toll on the world, his experience in learning German to impress his dad, and ordering Indian food when he was in Scotland, among other things.

His set includes his standard wit and mimicry, giving us the comfort of familiarity from The Daily Show. The standup special is a captivating show that you must not miss.

Deon Cole: Charleen's Boy (2022)

Everyone knows Deon Cole from the shows Black-ish and Grown-ish. With a slew of funny jokes that range from what women should expect from men when it comes to sex and relationships to his age and how it has affected his life. Cole dominates the stage because of his commanding presence and promptly asks people to applaud to keep the spirit of the show running.

Towards the end of the show, he talks about how his closest family has died one by one, and how it affects him. With equal parts comedy and sentiment, this is a comforting standup comedy to watch on Friday night.

Neal Brennan: Blocks (2022)

Being the co-creator of Half Baked and Chappelle’s Show means that Neal Brennan must occupy the same comedic stature as the greats in the industry. Neal Brennan: Blocks is the second special by the comedian for Netflix, and it is proof of this man’s comedic greatness.

The special highlights the areas where he is trying to be a better person. The topics highlight vulnerability on his side, which adds a new element of connection throughout the duration. You’ll be doing yourself a favor when you press Play on this show.

Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune (2022)

Fortune Feimster has a reputation for creating top-quality standup specials, and Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune has her going two-for-two at being the best. She finds a way to take the stories that go wrong in her life to a happy ending, so you know she’s authentic.

Her topics range from a marriage proposal gone wrong, and her challenges as a dog mom to how her haters attack her for her positivity. Feimster manages to stay relevant to the present comedic scene while fighting her battles in front of her audience.

Iliza Shlesinger: Hot Forever (2022)

Surviving as a woman takes serious work, and no one makes it funnier to laugh at and then think about it seriously as Iliza Shlesinger does. In her sixth Netflix special, Iliza Shlesinger: Hot Forever, she remains a true performer, making people laugh not just with her jokes but also with her accents and physical expressions.

This special also touches on her experiences as a new mother, and how she’s grown over the pandemic worried about her child. If you forget to stream this, there’s far too much to miss, so make sure it's added to your watch list for this week.

Nick Kroll: Little Big Boy (2022)

If one man could perfectly play out the different characters in his life, it would be Nick Kroll. In Nick Kroll: Little Big Boy, he brings onstage a 4-year-old child, his mother, his father, and impossible bizarre versions of himself. These performances pull you in and immerse you into the comedy set he has prepared, and boy, is it hilarious.

The standup special, which aired on Netflix, is filled with child-like energy, which can be infectious as you laugh throughout. While he brings back embarrassing poop experiences of his life, you’ll start to wonder how being weird is a comedic trait that cannot be trained.

Sam Morril: Same Time Tomorrow (2022)

Sam Morril had an interesting rise to the top – he made the world know his worth by streaming his stand-up specials and shows online for free, building a huge following all along. Sam Morril: Same Time Tomorrow airs on Netflix, and he blends in styles from various comedians to find his own voice and penchant for punchlines.

He isn’t afraid to take a stand on politics, and whichever side your own, you cannot help enjoying his refreshing stabs at the topic. He is a rising star in comedy, and this comedy special is a case to remember.

Tim Dillon: A Real Hero (2022)

Tim Dillon can take dark humor to an extreme, making him both a widely loved and hated comedian. But if you keep an open mind, Tim Dillon: A Real Hero’s bitter comedy strikes many a funny chord throughout the duration of the special.

His jokes choose the modern American culture, the Covid response across the country, and his family, without sparing any of them the brunt force of his dark humor. He says things that most people would keep in their minds but never say out loud. Maybe that is what makes us connect with him – the honesty.

Amy Schumer Presents: Parental Advisory (2022)

The latest of her releases, Amy Schumer Presents: Parental Advisory puts us in the room with Amy, a new mom and a happily remarried woman, and we soon come to understand why she is one of the funniest women dominating the stand-up comedy scene.

Her jokes stay within the theme of the title, and the overall tone of the show is very relatable to new parents navigating this space. The success of this show, however, lies in the collaboration between the various artists she brings on stage, which include names like Ron Funchess, Jaye McBride, Christina P and Rachel Feinstein.

Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special (2022)

Norm Macdonald was a huge loss to the standup comedy scene, and it may seem surprising to see his name come up again on our list. But Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special is a final episode left behind by the comedian, filmed in early 2020 right before he had a serious medical procedure.

Delivered through a webcam, there is a certain introspective element to the entire recording that delivers the comedy in a more effective manner. When paired with the eulogy from six of his comedian friends, the show is a tear-jerker for all the good reasons. 

Katt Williams: World War III (2022)

Katt Williams takes on a different kind of war in Katt Williams: World War III - this one is a war between the truth and lies. What’s new about this particular scene is how Williams takes a fresh look at American politics, the war, and the stigma around drug use and even at the time-tested argument of God vs science - thereby making this show one of its kind.

By joking about Biden, fentanyl, and the Biblical Garden of Eden, you find a comedy that is easy to laugh at, without having to think too much. You should consider watching this special, especially with a glass of wine to sip away.

Ronny Chieng: Speakeasy (2022)

Ronny Chieng has made quite a name for himself as an actor on The Daily Show, which portrays an angry news host. His smooth and slick style of ranting about the pressing issues surrounding us translate effortlessly in Ronny Chieng: Speakeasy, which you should definitely stream over the weekend. Ronny also speaks about a variety of topics that aren’t typically covered by other standup comedians.

This results in a style that doesn’t require a story with simple tricks but manages to keep the show upbeat throughout its duration. By using positive discrimination and his own worldview as an Asian, Ronny Chieng: Speakeasy is a light-hearted show, and we think there is more to come.

Jeff Foxworthy: The Good Old Days (2022)

Jeff Foxworthy’s comeback to the standup comedy scene was much awaited, and Jeff Foxworthy: The Good Old Days sure lived up to the hype. Jeff, during this hour-long show, talks about the time before people had their personal cellphones with a billion different features, a time when aging and sec education were difficult topics to approach.

His concerns are similar to anyone above the age of 40 – they would talk about similar topics as he does. There’s something to watch and enjoy for every generation in this special, and we recommend this show to your watch list for this weekend.

Taylor Tomlinson: Look at You (2022)

In an industry with few female entrants, Taylor Tomlinson shook the status quo with her first special Quarter-Life Crisis. In Taylor Tomlinson: Look At You, she scores her second home run talking about topics like mental health, grief and dating through experiences closely tied to her own personal life.

Taylor Tomlinson has a style of self-deprecating humor that will leave you laughing non-stop, but you’ll be sure to remember how she turns such heavy topics into a light-hearted comedy. She is a brilliant comedian who is on the rise to superstardom, and there is no reason why this special shouldn’t be on your list of shows to watch.

Maria Bamford: Old Baby (2017)

Maria Bamford has a well-established position in the world of comedy, with her self-inspired comedy. In Maria Bamford – Old Baby, Maria blends elements of annoyance, joy, and angst into a masterful piece of comedic genius. We’ve always found her sets to be daring in regard, to finding a manic form of comedy that is an acquired taste.

When the comedy genre is attempting to cater to a wider, inclusive audience, Maria Bamford takes the road less taken, and we think she kills every performance. Each time we think that Maria’s done her best, she comes back up again to prove us wrong.

Bill Burr: Live at Red Rocks (2022)

In Bill Burr: Live at Red Rocks, Bill comes with a different persona – he aims to find a better self of himself. He goes through topics we wouldn’t quite expect from Bill – how his 4-year-old is the anchor behind his anger management, his finding common ground with lesbians, and the like.

But Bill still maintains the core element that made him a success – approaching topics most comedians wouldn’t want to be seen within 2 miles of.

Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster (2021)

Jim Gaffigan is a master at his art- his Grammy nominations are a testament to this fact. If you’re looking for a good time watching a comedy that is well-written, you will enjoy Jim Gaffigan – Comedy Monster.

His effortless style of making punchlines as he casually strolls across the stage lands on the audience, and his political views and comedic takes on it can push you away, so we suggest you watch this with an open mind. The comedy is filled with his reflections on his life, family, and love for food, which is strongly influenced by the pandemic.

Michelle Wolf: Joke Show (2019)

While Michelle Wolf has a unique interpretation of daily life, what strikes a chord with us is her ability to deliver a message even when she’s not behind a desk. Michelle Wolf – Joke Show finds punchlines in vulgarity through some brilliant repurposing, and she toes the line well to not lose the audience.

This dangerous balancing, well-accentuated by her shrill voice pulls the audience closer, and she’s very good at what she does. We think Michelle is just getting started, and we think you should definitely stream this special.

Rob Schneider: Asian Momma, Mexican Kids (2020)

Rob Schneider comes to Netflix with his first stand-up special, and it will not disappoint. Rob takes us through his life as a father, hilariously painting a picture of potty training and raising his children.

His switches between the Asian and the Mexican accents are smooth, and the most memorable part of the show is a cute set with his daughter from his first wife. If you’re looking for a show that can have you laughing, but also leave you with a warm sense of family, watch Asian Momma, Mexican Kids.

Jim Jefferies: Intolerant (2020)

Jim Jefferies: Intolerant is yet another example of how taking comedy to the edge can really pay off. Jim Jefferies, in his usual style, blends in funny stories about his family, a dinner date where his lactose intolerance acts up, and jokes at his younger self.

The show also puts forward some lessons to think about, for example, the story of his father's progressive awakening in his seventies (we won't spoil it, don't worry). All in all, a show that you definitely shouldn't miss!

Tom Segura: Ball Hog (2020)

A comedy that plays around on the edge of what’s safe to say and what’s not as developed in an interesting way over the last couple of years. Tom Segura’s Ball Hog is a prime example of nailing that sweet balance. The Ball Hog is a masterful play of dark jokes and imagery (not for children!).

The hour-long special is filled with intertwined set-ups that will smack you out of nowhere. It is impossible not to laugh throughout the special. A line to look out for is “ride or die, bitch” So if you are looking for a show that can literally have you rolling on the floor, put the Ball Hog on.

Dave Chappelle: The Closer (2021)

Love him or hate him, you have to admit that Dave Chappelle occupies real estate in your mind. Considered the greatest stand-up comedian of our times, The Closer is the final (supposedly) of Chappelle’s series of standup specials with Netflix.

Chappelle takes us on a hilarious journey to understand how minorities argue against each other instead of wanting the best for everyone. While some of the topics he touches on are no laughing matter, Chappelle reminds us once again that we shouldn’t take at face value what the world impresses upon us.

Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American (2021)

That's right. He's back... again. And once you hear what he's got to say for himself? You'll be very happy he is. In The Greatest Average American, our favorite storyteller returns to the stand-up stage to talk about "Zoom comedy shows, losing his phone, hotel breakfast fails, animal caddies, new math, and much more," as Netflix promised.

But the truth is that Nate Bargatze's 2nd stand-up special is so much more than that. From reflecting on this past year's Covid outbreak to the relatable family struggles it called for, the raw "pandemic special is just what the doctor ordered," as one Rotten Tomatoes critic put it.

Norm Macdonald: Hitler’s Dog, Gossip & Trickery (2017)

We might be making a controversial statement here, but if you don’t enjoy Norm Macdonald’s material, we think you’re not going to rank well on the smartness meter. In Norm Macdonald – Hitler’s Dog, Gossip and Trickery, he has us confused with his seemingly confusing self-interruptions and old-fashioned jokes, until you realize that the greatest trick the comedian ever pulled was convincing his audience that his entire set seemed unplanned.

His style of observational comedy and tickle humor is an absolute gem, and the punchlines are meant to settle after the special ends. Macdonald hit the bull’s eye with this special, we can’t think of any other way to describe it.

Plastic Cup Boyz: Laughing My Mask Off! (2021)

Sound like a sign of the times? That's because it is. In Laughing My Mask Off! get ready to, well, laugh your mask off as our favorite comedy trio returns to the stage to recap the past year - every Zoom call, Covid scare, and toilet paper run-in between.

And while, of course, the global pandemic is no laughing matter, the Plastic Cup Boyz have managed to turn their personal experiences into one unforgettable special. So what are you waiting for? Kick back on the couch with your loved ones as Kevin Hart's prodigies remind us exactly what he first saw in them. Just please, 6 feet apart.

James Acaster: Repertoire (2018)

Who knew comedy could look so... weird? In Repertoire, get ready for a fresh take on stand-up as this oddball comedian "covers the strange, mundane and everything in between," as Netflix perfectly put it. But don't let his bluntness scare you off.

As a matter of fact, James Acaster's stand-up special is so good, the Netflix gods gave him 4 1-hour shows to get the job done. Safe to say, each segment - "Recognise," "Represent," "Reset," and "Recap" - has a little something for everyone. And even if you don't find yourself agreeing with his offbeat opinions? There's a pretty good chance you'll be too busy laughing to even notice...

Sam Jay: 3 In the Morning (2020)

When you're dealing with someone who once penned SNL, you know you're in for a good time. Safe to say, that's exactly what you can expect from Sam Jay's 3 In the Morning. "I didn't want to do one just to do one. I wanted to be ready to do it," the funny lady confessed nailing her very own Netflix special.

Sure enough, Sam Jay was more than ready to take on that Netflix stage. From her brutally honest commentary to the meticulous planning it called for, 3 In the Morning brings a whole new meaning to late-night chats. So what are you waiting for? Pop on over to the link (above) and get ready for some light-hearted fun.

Mike Birbiglia: The New One (2019)

If you caught his 2017 special, Thank God For Jokes, you already know you're in for a treat here. But if by some chance you haven't? Allow us to help you out here: Mike Birbiglia's return to our Netflix screens takes storytime to the next level. And by storytime, we mean self-deprecating tales about his journey to parenthood, of course.

"I'm not exactly handing off A+ genes here," the comedian joked during his time on stage. But while his peculiar medical conditions might not sit well with his little ones, they certainly make for hilarious stories. And we've got a feeling you'll agree with us on that one. Check out The New One here and get ready to laugh (and cringe) like never before.

Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill (2020)

If there's anyone who can make Poptarts and iPhones funny, it's this guy. Jerry Seinfeld's 23 Hours to Kill is exactly as outrageous as you'd expect it to be. But that's also why we can't get enough of it. From restaurant reviews to texting mishaps, nothing is off-limits when it comes to Seinfeld's latest special.

But that's not the only reason you'll want to catch this one: as Roger Ebert perfectly put it, Jerry's latest time on our stage is as comforting as it is hilarious - "like catching up with an old friend, something all of us wish we could do in person in 2020 more than we can."

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018)

Planned initially as Hannah Gadsby's final stand-up show, Nanette was a roaring success that propelled the hilarious Australian native into the spotlight. The comedy special is widely regarded as funny yet socially relevant. The comedian has received wide critical acclaim ever since debuting the comedy specials on Netflix, as her stand-up focused on many talked-about topics.

From talking about queer issues to the comedian's non-binary conformation, raising LGBTQ+ and gender awareness were some of the main goals, but with a whole lot of humor of course. Still, the way she did it was very unexpected. Apparently, Nanette is best understood if you watch it without knowing too much, so we won't spoil it any further.

Rhys Nicholson: Live at the Athenaeum (2020)

You can bet that Rhys Nicholson is the perfect go-to for a giggle. And that's exactly what you'll get while watching Live at the Athenaeum. The stand-up show involved a lot of self-deprecating humor about the comedian, making it practically impossible not to laugh. Like saying that the only way he'll ever attend a house party is if someone there will be so "wrong" that they'll make him feel better about himself.

Rhys Nicholson managed to cover countless unrelated topics, from horse tranquilizers and angry letters from viewers to more serious subjects like his mental health and gender struggles. But don't fret; He did it in his signature style which made it, according to his fans, totally hilarious. But don't take our word for it, go see for yourselves.

Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given (2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic managed to take its toll on the best of us, even Kevin Hart. Well, at least that's how he described it in his Netflix Special, Zero F**ks Given. The stand-up show was also appropriately recorded in his own home, with the funnyman in his jammies. He went on to talk about family life, but it didn't stop there.

Hart also opened up about how his "fall from fame" affected him and how he coped with it in his everyday life. The comedian then told many stories ranging from his short boxing career to eating pizza with Jerry Seinfeld. For anyone planning to watch this special, rest assured, Kevin Hart will never disappoint you.

Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)

Ready for a hilarious one-man show? Because that is quite literally what Inside has to offer. Burnham filmed his latest special while quarantining during the pandemic and did so without a crew or an audience. The whole thing was written, directed, filmed, and edited by the comedian. If you're not impressed yet, just watch the clip below because this is definitely one of the best comedy specials on Netflix.

That's right. Inside isn't just any special; it is a musical comedy. The talented icon wrote up some hilariously relatable songs that touch on everything about daily life during the pandemic, from FaceTiming with his mom to deteriorating mental health. This is one show you don't want to miss.

Bill Burr: Paper Tiger (2019)

Bill Burr may be a household name in the world of unfiltered comedy, and his 2019 Netflix special Paper Tiger highlighted it much more. The stand-up show, filmed in front of a packed house at the Royal Albert Hall in London, had some heavy satire, in the Bill Burr style we know and love.

The savage comedian made jokes that featured satire on anything from "Michelle Obama's book tour" to "male feminists." The funnyman also explained to the crowd why his personality might very well destroy his marriage, but we won't spoil it. For anyone wanting some good satirical fun, then Paper Tiger is a safe bet..

Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah (2019)

Tiffany Haddish graced her first-ever Netflix special Black Mitzvah at the end of 2019 after a decade-long career in comedy. And boy did she make her audience laugh! The funny-gal has an Emmy nomination and Grammy for Best Comedy Album to prove it. The stand-up show stayed true to its name as it explored Haddish's newly discovered Jewish Heritage.

After finding out her dad is of Jewish ancestry, the comedian decided it was time to reclaim her roots and have a Bat Mitzvah. Hilariously having dubbed it as "Black Mitzvah," Haddish talked about finding herself, her relationship with fame, and how the comedy special was long overdue. Oh, and did we mention that she sang Hava Nagila in it too?

Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)

Taylor Tomlinson finally gave her fans what they wanted after she debuted her talent on Netflix's The Comedy Lineup Part 1, a full-fledged comedy special. Meet Quarter-Life Crisis; Celebrating her 25th year on this planet, Taylor opened up about the problems that arose, having reached the first quarter of her life. And yes, she does it in her signature Tomlinson fashion.

Tomlinson's act centers around her 20s not being the "best years in life," and she might be onto something. Additionally, she dished out jokes about realistic relationship goals. She also joked about self-improvement and other millennial problems that likely made the act more relatable to younger generations. With that being said, this new face in comedy seems to be doing quite a lot at age 25.

Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones (2019)

Many Dave Chappelle fans can agree that he's had a long hiatus. That's probably why the comedian strutted on the stage looking like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, giving viewers an unforgettable experience. His Netflix comedy special Sticks & Stones reintroduced Chappelle's famous impressions of people and races, all while talking about politics (and much more).

2006 was the last time Chappelle formally showcased his comedic skills on his self-titled show. Thankfully, his Netflix special showed no signs of rust. The audience and critics alike seemed to have realized that as well, with quite a few people commenting on how Chapelle "did not change with the times." But you can be the judge of that.

Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King (2017)

Now, the world of stand-up comedy has never exactly been kind to the easily offended. But Hasan took inappropriate humor to a whole new level with his first stand-up comedy special, Homecoming King. Consider yourselves warned... if you prefer comedians with a filter, then we're afraid Minhaj might not be your guy. But if you can take a joke without writing an angry Twitter rant shortly after, then you've come to the right place.

The Netflix stand-up features Hasan using heartbreaking and hilarious anecdotes to tell his life story. Growing up as an Indian-American-Muslim, the comedian had to develop quite a sense of humor as a subject to bullying, racism, and of course, meeting the demanding expectations of his immigrant parents. With a whopping 8.3 rating on IMDb, you can set your expectations pretty high.

Nick Kroll and John Mulaney: Oh, Hello on Broadway (2017)

When John Mulaney said, "theater is the hot new thing," well, he wasn't wrong. In Oh, Hello on Broadway, the Hollywood funny guy and fellow comedian Nick Kroll star in a play within a play. But forget the ones you may have seen before - their quirky special - something they've dubbed "a memoir for the stage" - is like nothing we've ever seen.

From their time playing senior citizens living in the Big Apple to their hilarious misadventures, it calls for, go and grab that hearing aid and tune in to this Netflix gem.

Aziz Ansari: Right Now (2019)

Right Now has gotta be one of Netflix's best stand-up comedy specials to date. With the hilarious Aziz Ansari sharing his two cents on everything including his relationship with granny and grandpa, to his opinion on the alleged sexual misconduct of R.Kelly and MJ (too soon?), you can bet that this comedy special will get a giggle out of you... or perhaps a lawsuit?

Filmed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Aziz and his brutal honesty filled the room with some real talk on the hypocrisy of modern culture. And although shots were fired, Ansari revealed that he ultimately hopes everybody, including himself, aspires to be a better person... As for the rest of us? Well according to Aziz, “We’re all sh*tty people.” Can we get an amen?

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)

This hilarious stand-up special was directed by Jeff Margolis, which marked a moment to remember in comedy history. Richard Pryor: Live in Concert is still as good as it was back in the 70s, and even earned Pryor a 5th place nomination for the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor. And we're not the only ones who think its good. Funny guy Eddie Murphy once called it "the single greatest stand-up performance ever captured on film." Intrigued? We bet.

Richard's classic covered every topic worth discussing, from race to the police, all the way to his favorite target: which just so happens to be himself. Dubbed as a classic, this special was also the very first full-length, feature movie consisting of only stand-up comedy. So what are you waiting for? Go back in time with Richard Pryor and enjoy the late legend's best work.