(Photo by Netflix)
The 58 Best Netflix Stand-Up Comedy Specials
Last updated: March 17, 2020
Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, or let your mind go entirely blank while you ignore the responsibilities of life and binge three seasons of a series in one weekend, Netflix has a show for that. In the past few years, the company has focused in particular on the “laugh” aspect, curating a massive collection of stand-up comedy specials from the world’s biggest comedians. Rotten Tomatoes has created our own list of the very best of those specials, coming from A-list superstars, lesser-known funny people, and many in between.
Some of the specials entered the mainstream consciousness, and four of them are even Certified Fresh at 100% on the Tomatometer (a fifth, Aziz Ansari’s latest stand-up special, Right Now, is also Certified Fresh). What you won’t find: Comedy specials that can actually be classified as variety specials, like the very funny Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, or John Mulaney and Nick Kroll’s in-character Oh Hello On Broadway, or John Leguizamo’s Tony-nominated play Latin History for Morons.
To be considered for inclusion on the list, each special must have received at least five reviews to earn a Tomatometer score. As a result some recent specials from stars like Russell Brand, Kevin James, and Trevor Noah aren’t included, nor is Tiffany Haddish’s new series spotlighting lesser-known comedians, They Ready. Cristela Alonzo and Katherine Ryan also didn’t quite make the list. And due to their current Rotten scores, some specials from A-listers like Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Ricky Gervais, Ray Romano, and Amy Schumer aren’t on it either.
We’ll update this list as new titles launch on Netflix and get scores.
#58
Adjusted Score: 13.909%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Newly engaged comic Iliza Shlesinger dives into undeniable truths about life at age 35, the insanity of the road traveled...
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#57
Adjusted Score: 18.638%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian, actor, writer, musician and SNL alum Fred Armisen brings his comedic observations, musician impressions, and drum skills to his...
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#56
Adjusted Score: 21.26%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Emmy-nominated comedian, actor and writer David Cross is taking the mic for his first stand-up comedy special for Netflix, David...
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#55
Adjusted Score: 24.897%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Marc Maron wades through a swamp of vitamin hustlers, evangelicals and grown male nerd children, culminating in a gleefully filthy...
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#54
Adjusted Score: 32.186%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: The Daily Show's Hasan Minhaj performs to a packed house at the Mondavi Center in Minhaj's hometown of Davis, CA....
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#53
Adjusted Score: 51.741%
Critics Consensus: Amy Schumer's standup matures in an hour filled with concise insights into aging and matrimony, marked with only slight Growing pains as the comedian refreshes her comedic voice.
Synopsis: Amy Schumer gives a refreshingly honest and hilarious take on marriage, pregnancy and personal growth in her new Netflix comedy...
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#52
Adjusted Score: 18.34%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian, podcaster, and "GLOW" star Marc Maron unleashes a storm of ideas on meditation, mortality, documentary films, and our weird...
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#51
Adjusted Score: 18.546%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Veteran comedian, actor, rapper and social activist Katt Williams takes on a hit list of topics in his debut Netflix...
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Directed By:
#50
Adjusted Score: 18.713%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of black history's unsung heroes in this entertaining--and educational--comedy special....
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#49
Adjusted Score: 18.713%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Forging his own comedic boundaries, Anthony Jeselnik revels in getting away with saying things others can't in this stand-up special...
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#48
Adjusted Score: 41.82%
Critics Consensus: W. Kamau Bell's affable charisma makes Private School Negro a mirthful dissection of modern America, although although seasoned fans may find the material a bit familiar.
Synopsis: Emmy Award-winning, socio-political comedian W. Kamau Bell brings his sharp observations and quick wit to his debut Netflix special, W....
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#47
Adjusted Score: 22.833%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Tracy Morgan's "Staying Alive" finds the comedy icon exploring his fresh take on life, career and mortality in the wake...
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#46
Adjusted Score: 22.833%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Though he's mostly concerned about what he'll eat after the show, Jim Gaffigan finds time to joke about kids, phones,...
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#45
Adjusted Score: 84.45%
Critics Consensus: Aziz Ansari balances sharp social commentary with just enough earnest introspection to craft a special that, while not without its baggage, shows how far the comedian has come - and how far he may still have to go.
Synopsis: In a comedy special directed by Spike Jonze, Aziz Ansari shares deep personal insights and hilarious takes on wokeness, family...
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#44
Adjusted Score: 25.751%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: On stage in San Francisco, the comedian covers topics like old people getting drugs, his worst stand-up set, gay proms...
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Directed By:
#43
Adjusted Score: 27.601%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Judd Apatow returns to stand-up comedy after 25 years, riffing on living with three women, amusing moments from his career...
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#42
Adjusted Score: 28.163%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster, Bill Burr, delivers a scathing review on the state of the world in his new...
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Directed By:
#41
Adjusted Score: 36.725%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian and actor Rory Scovel performs for a packed house at the Relapse Theater in Atlanta, GA, for his debut...
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#40
Adjusted Score: 83.455%
Critics Consensus: An energetic Sandler jumps back into the spotlight with fresh songs, stories, and spoofs in Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh, a wonderful return to form for a beloved comedian.
Synopsis: Adam Sandler takes his comical musical musings back out on the road, from comedy clubs to concert halls to one...
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Directed By:
#39
Adjusted Score: 92.302%
Critics Consensus: Humorously human and poignantly hilarious, Douglas is an expertly constructed hour of comedy that further affirms Hannah Gadsby's mastery of her craft.
Synopsis: Emmy and Peabody award winning comedian Hannah Gadsby stopped the comedy world in its tracks with her genre bending show,...
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Directed By:
#38
Adjusted Score: 55.451%
Critics Consensus: Seasoned pro Ellen DeGeneres finally returns to the comedy stage in her most on-brand form - genuinely goofy and undeniably good.
Synopsis: Ellen DeGeneres is "Relatable" in her debut Netflix original comedy special premiering December 18. Filmed at Seattle's Benaroya Hall, Relatable...
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Adjusted Score: 78.188%
Critics Consensus: Chappelle is back and better than ever in the honest, provocative, and insightful Dave Chappelle: Collection 1 which offers moments for both laughter and contemplation.
Synopsis: The specials are from Chappelle's personal vault: Dave Chappelle: The Age of Spin, was filmed at The Palladium in Los...
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Starring:
#36
Adjusted Score: 82.757%
Critics Consensus: Jerry Before Seinfeld finds its star revisiting his earliest material on his hometown stage, offering appropriately familiar - yet still abundant - laughs along the way.
Synopsis: Jerry Before Seinfeld: Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip for an intimate stand-up set at the club that...
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#35
Adjusted Score: 87.113%
Critics Consensus: Though he switches up his attire for a more polished look, Louis C.K. remains controversial, addressing hot topics head on in this edgy and daring special.
Synopsis: Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, editor and six-time Emmy Award-winner, Louis C.K. brings his brash, entertaining and outlandish stand-up filmed...
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#34
Adjusted Score: 21.165%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Filmed at the historic Fillmore Theatre in San Francisco, Anthony Jeselnik's latest special delivers an all-new hour of hilarious, laugh-out-loud...
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#33
Adjusted Score: 22.022%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: If you've ever wondered how to survive a zombie apocalypse, let Bill Burr enlighten you....
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#32
Adjusted Score: 22.924%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: The "Daily Show" host ponders the perils of naming countries, how traffic lights turn New Yorkers invincible and why you...
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#31
Adjusted Score: 23.182%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comic Tom Segura takes no prisoners in his return with his second Netflix Original Stand-up comedy special, "Tom Segura: Disgraceful."...
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#30
Adjusted Score: 25.953%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: On this painfully honest but hilarious journey, Birbiglia struggles to find reason in an area where it may be impossible...
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#29
Adjusted Score: 25.953%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Aziz Ansari focuses his unique viewpoint on pending adulthood, babies, marriage and love in the modern era....
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#28
Adjusted Score: 25.665%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Combining his trademark wit and self-deprecating humor with original music, Bo Burnham offers up his unique twist on life in...
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#27
Adjusted Score: 23.391%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia brings his award-winning Broadway show, Mike Birbiglia: The New One, to a global audience for...
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#26
Adjusted Score: 27.509%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: In this new stand-up special, Norm Macdonald delivers sly, deadpan observations from an older -- and perhaps even wiser --...
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#25
Adjusted Score: 37.426%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian Michelle Wolf, wants to fight for women's equality...but not in like that annoying way. In her upcoming Netflix comedy...
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#24
Adjusted Score: 28.069%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Kevin Hart brings his sold-out comedy tour, Kevin Hart: Irresponsible, to a global audience for his first original Netflix stand-up...
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#23
Adjusted Score: 29.631%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: In his latest Netflix original standup special, Live At Madison Square Garden, Ansari headlines the iconic Madison Square Garden and...
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#22
Adjusted Score: 30.056%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: From trying to seduce Prince to battling sleep apnea, Leslie Jones traces her evolution as an adult in a joyfully...
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#21
Adjusted Score: 32.094%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Wicked one-liners and soul-baring converge in this uniquely intimate stand-up special from "Chappelle's Show" co-creator Neal Brennan....
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#20
Adjusted Score: 32.455%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Crackling with energy and fueled by honesty, Todd Glass holds forth on "House Hunters," his heart attack and how he...
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#19
Adjusted Score: 32.455%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian and actor Hari Kondabolu cleverly blends personal and political humor in his debut Netflix Original stand-up comedy special, Hari...
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Adjusted Score: 48.182%
Synopsis: Netflix is serving up another round of non-stop laughs with the second season of the hit Original comedy special series,...
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Adjusted Score: 48.182%
Synopsis: Comedians Natashan Leggero and Moshe Kasher discuss family and relationships in a series of stand-up performances....
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#16
Adjusted Score: 29.943%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: In a special packed with stealthy humor, Hannibal Buress tackles zipper etiquette, the legacy of steroids and the fallout from...
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#15
Adjusted Score: 35.235%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star Chelsea Peretti showcases her diverse talents in this dark yet silly reimagining of the comedy special....
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#14
Adjusted Score: 33.864%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: In his new stand-up special John Mulaney regales a sold out audience at the Chicago Theater with stories about his...
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#13
Adjusted Score: 33.864%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Jen Kirkman delivers some sharp, hilarious truths about divorce, kids, sex and turning 40 in this Netflix original comedy special....
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#12
Adjusted Score: 36.679%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian Mike Birbiglia takes the stage in Brooklyn and hits on hard truths about puppets, late people and the very...
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#11
Adjusted Score: 37.091%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Comedian Tig Notaro brings her signature deadpan silliness in Tig Notaro Happy To Be Here, available only on Netflix starting...
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#10
Adjusted Score: 38.498%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Ali Wong's stand up special delves into her sexual adventures, hoarding, the rocky road to pregnancy, and why feminism is...
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#9
Adjusted Score: 45.849%
Critics Consensus: Led by a natural, effortless and extremely funny performance, Sarah Silverman delivers a special full of excellent jokes.
Synopsis: Comedian Sarah Silverman takes the stage to discuss laser hair removal, getting a new dog and her sisters....
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#8
Adjusted Score: 59.603%
Critics Consensus: A disarmingly perceptive exploration of loss, Patton Oswalt: Annihilation finds the comic deftly balancing his off-beat humor with an profoundly cathartic edge.
Synopsis: Comedian Patton Oswalt returns to Netflix with "Patton Oswalt: Annihilation." The deeply personal and powerful stand-up special dives into the...
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Adjusted Score: 64.243%
Synopsis: A showcase for comedians on the rise....
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#6
Adjusted Score: 64.188%
Critics Consensus: Maria Bamford delights with her distinct style and impressive onstage confidence, solidifying her status as a contemporary master of comedy.
Synopsis: In her first special since her hit show Lady Dynamite, Maria Bamford is back and ready to make things awkward...
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#5
Adjusted Score: 65.495%
Critics Consensus: Jenny Slate leans into her Stage Fright in a special that's raw, honest, and as overwhelmingly delightful as the comedian herself.
Synopsis: Comedian and actress Jenny Slate's first Netflix original comedy special Stage Fright gives the audience an inside look at the...
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#4
Adjusted Score: 92.728%
Critics Consensus: John Mulaney incisively describes his own befuddlement with the modern world in this uproariously funny deconstruction of manners, relationships, and religion.
Synopsis: John Mulaney relays stories from his childhood and "SNL," eviscerates the value of college and laments getting older in this...
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#3
Adjusted Score: 92.728%
Critics Consensus: Ali Wong emerges a mother still perturbed in Hard Knock Wife, a hilariously honest hour of comedy that highlights the joys and oh boys of motherhood with fearless energy and just the right amount of squirmy detail.
Synopsis: Two years after giving birth to her daughter, a very pregnant Ali Wong returns to Netflix in her second original...
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#2
Adjusted Score: 100.066%
Critics Consensus: Chris Rock reasserts his credentials as one of comedy's preeminent figures in Tamborine, an introspective standup act delivered with fresh sensitivity and trademark exuberance.
Synopsis: Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian Chris Rock, who redefined stand-up comedy with his hilarious and brilliant takes on relationships, race...
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#1
Adjusted Score: 101.225%
Critics Consensus: Hannah Gadsby: Nanette brilliantly moves modern comedy into nakedly honest new territory, pivoting from dry humor to raw, powerful storytelling.
Synopsis: In her hilarious debut Netflix Original stand-up special, Hannah Gadsby: Nanette, comedian Hannah Gadsby gets up close and personal about...
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