Netflix’s library of original programming is ever-evolving; it has made itself a force to be reckoned with in the realm of stand-up comedy. Its list of comedy specials is so extensive to the point that I believe it has revived the art of stand-up and propelled it into a new renaissance. That being said, the amount of specials on the streaming service is overwhelming, so I’ve put together a quick guide of the ones worth your time.
Hannah Gadsby: “Nanette” (2018)
Hannah Gadsby’s “Nanette” is quite possibly the most important stand-up special of the decade, if not the millennium. “Nanette” is a revelation, a devastating self-narrative about Gadsby and her relationship with her identity as a gender non-conforming lesbian. By interweaving her own stories with self-deprecating jokes, Gadsby confronts the harsh standards of stand-up and how it has affected the way she views herself. Gadsby’s stand-up special encourages the viewer to reflect on the way they view gender and sexuality. Gadsby illustrates to her audience, especially straight white men, how they have power and privilege over other marginalized groups. I watched “Nanette” for the first time with my mother and we both cried like babies — not the reaction you initially want from a comedy special but one that’s incredibly well worth it.
Ali Wong: “Baby Cobra” (2016)
“Baby Cobra” is the Netflix Original debut of Ali Wong, a writer for “Fresh Off the Boat”. This special is incredible because Wong performs her entire set while seven months pregnant. Don’t be fooled by the fact that she is starting a family because Wong is definitely not family-friendly. But this enriches the special all the more. Nothing is off limits. Wong provides her unfiltered take on sex, housewives, feminism, and her own pregnancy. It’s comedic gold. And best of all? Wong released a follow-up special, “Hard Knock Wife,” earlier this year in which she is yet again seven months pregnant, this time with her second child.
Hasan Minhaj: “Homecoming King” (2017)
Hasan Minhaj (of “The Daily Show” and “Patriot Act” fame) reinvents the storytelling style of stand-up in “Homecoming King,” filmed in his hometown of Davis, CA. The show centers around Minhaj’s childhood and teenage years growing up as part of an Indian-American Muslim family. His topics range from immigrant culture to racism by white liberals. Minhaj weaves social commentary with clever, witty jokes that are both hilarious and poignant.
Cristela Alonzo: “Lower Classy” (2017)
Like Minhaj, Cristela Alonzo offers her take on growing up in an immigrant family in the special “Lower Classy.” Her special targets everything from life as a Mexican-American to the feeble attempts of McDonald’s to promote healthy living. Alonzo’s upbeat energy radiates true passion and excitement for stand-up, and that makes her a joy to watch and laugh along with.
John Mulaney: “The Comeback Kid” (2015)
John Mulaney is fresh off of the Emmy circuit, recently taking home an award for his most recent special, “Kid Gorgeous.” I was actually lucky enough to see it in person, and it is no wonder why his writing was heavily accoladed — Mulaney is a force of nature. Mulaney’s specials are consistently hilarious and he manages to make the audience cry from laughter while still being extremely light-hearted. But the special I want to highlight is 2015’s “The Comeback Kid,” his third special overall and his first Netflix Original. Filmed in his hometown of Chicago (also my hometown — I’m a little bit biased), “The Comeback Kid” sees Mulaney at his most vulnerable after the failure of his self-titled sitcom the previous year. He tackles everything from the logistics of “Back to the Future” to the Catholic Church to his encounter with Bill Clinton. Everyone I know who has watched this special has loved it, even my grandparents. Mulaney is electric and he commands the stage in what I think is one of Netflix’s best specials to date.