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Are you ready for a good laugh? What about, like, A LOT of them? Because these are the 10 stand-up comedy specials on Netflix that will leave you gasping for breath with tears in your eyes. But you know, in a good way.
Netflix is proving to be the go-to platform for comedians who have a hilarious hour of comedy they want to share with the world, and we’re reaping all the benefits. You know those studies that say laughing is a great form of exercise? Well, get ready to have 6-pack abs after you tear through this list.
From pink sweaters to pregnancies to prayers, these comedians aren’t afraid of crossing the line. In fact, they’ll run right by the line, with no plans of ever returning. Spending an hour with each of these comedians feels like hanging out with a close friend…only they’re funnier than even your funniest friend. They can make the mundane amusing, and transform serious topics into serious laughs.
These are the 10 most necessary Netflix stand-up specials:
'Sebastian Maniscalco: Aren’t You Embarrassed?'
The best stand-up comedy special currently on Netflix is is Sebastian Maniscalco’s Aren’t You Embarrassed? and it’s going to require someone really hilarious to take that title away from him. From Vegas tourists to cable companies, Maniscalco makes some of life’s most unsavory moments funnier than ever before. The jokes are more like truth bombs, impeccably delivered for maximum LOLs. He’s kind of like an Italian Larry David, and there will be no curbing of your enthusiasm for this brilliant hour of comedy. You will be embarrassed if you don’t get your eyes on this one ASAP.
'Ali Wong: Baby Cobra'
A solid hour of stand-up comedy is hard. Walking around at 7 and a half months pregnant is also hard. But doing both at the same time? Well, it appears to be a breeze, if Ali Wong: Baby Cobra is any indication. She flings jokes about dating and motherhood while pacing the stage with her protruding fetus as if it is a regular occurrence for her. It’s as impressive as it is funny, and you’ll want to immediately join whatever mommy group she’s a part of now.
'Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado'
Hannibal Buress is your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian, and for good reason. His unique style will leave you hanging on every word about his LASIK surgery, telling someone their fly is down, and his recent troubles stemming from losing his ID. This is his latest stand-up special, but any of his other ones available on Netflix are always a safe bet.
'John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid'
John Mulaney is one of the smartest and wittiest comedians in the world today and 2015’s The Comeback Kid perfectly displays that. You know those people that make big adult moves like getting married and buying a house and make it sound all great? Yeah, John’s not that guy. He keeps it real (and real funny) on everything from mortgages to Back to the Future.
'Chelsea Peretti: One of the Greats'
You might just think it, but Chelsea Peretti will say it out loud. Repeatedly. She’s consistently the funniest person in any room that you’ll instantly want to be best friends with…even if you are a little bit scared of her. Her 2014 special is unique and weird and worth not just one, but two viewings. She blends silly quips with subtle moments that guarantee you’ll catch something new (and even funnier) with every watch.
'Trevor Noah: African American'
By now we all know and love Trevor Noah as the host of The Daily Show, but if you haven’t seen his first American comedy special, stop what you’re doing and press play on it right now. His outsider perspective on out country and our culture is sharp, silly, and so, so true. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt when he flashes those adorable dimples throughout the hour either.
'Brent Morin: I'm Brent Morin'
Watching I’m Brent Morin will feel like grabbing a beer with your best bro from college: you know it will be a good time with a lot of laughs. The Undateable star brings a hilarious perspective to sex, high school, and even magicians in his signature nerdy frat boy style.
'Anjelah Johnson: Not Fancy'
Anjelah is one of the most exciting and watchable comedians out there. She makes being Not Fancy sound exactly the opposite. She recaps her European vacation, fills us in on her marriage, and makes us want to schedule a brunch date with her, all while wearing an enviable pair of black leather pants.
'Anthony Jeselnik: Thoughts and Prayers'
Anthony Jeselnik is the master of turning your gasps into laughs. His shocking, inappropriate, and yet totally accurate musings will make you giggle, while looking around to see if it’s ok to laugh at that thing he just said. It is. It’s more than ok. In fact, Jeselnik has that rare talent of turning the least funny moments you can imagine, into chuckles. You’ll think twice before using the phrase “thoughts and prayers” again, and that’s a good thing. But thoughts and prayers are with anyone who dares not to watch this one.
'Gary Gulman: It's About Time'
Gary Gulman is able to make the most boring topics like state abbreviations and OJ pulp and grocery shopping seem exciting in It’s About Time. Plus, if you aren’t sure how to pronounce “quinoa” you’ll learn something in between your giggles while watching this one.
