Stand-up comedy specials are my favorite genre to watch after a hard week of school. It allows me to unwind and get my mind of off things by laughing uncontrollably at the comedians. I’ve narrowed down my very favorite stand-up specials to the following list
Cristela’s first Netflix stand-up special was just released this year, but it’s one that I’ve needed my whole life. Her topics range from being a first generation immigrant to the struggles of buying organic food and of course, Donald Trump (she doesn’t talk about him too long if you’re looking to take a break from politics!) If you need more Cristela after watching her stand-up, check out her show that’s on Netflix, Cristela!
Aziz Ansari
It’s hard to choose if I like Aziz Ansari better as playing Tom Haverford in Parks and Rec or being himself as a stand-up comedian. Either way, go ahead and treat yo’ self by watching Aziz perform. His shows are always extremely relevant to Millennials. He tells stories about his first dates and dating, struggling going to the gym and dealing with homophobic and racist peers. Check out his specials, Dangerously Delicious, his Madison Square Garden show and Buried Alive. If you’re looking for more Aziz, (which seriously who isn’t), check out his show Master of None.
Gabriel Iglesias
Gabriel Iglesias, or “Fluffy,” has been killing the comedy scene for as long as I can remember. You know that with each routine you’re guaranteed to be laughing until you’re basically crying. He’s always one to make fun of himself before going for anyone else. My personal favorite is Hot and Fluffy, but he also has I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hungry posted on Netflix.
Ali Wong is proof that pregnant women are fierce warriors. She struts around her stage doing her thang while she’s 7 months pregnant (#goals). Her routine is brutally honest about so many aspects of her life. One of my favorite quotes is when she’s talking about how she ended up with such an amazing husband. She says, “Alright Ali. You need to make this dude believe your body is a secret garden when really it’s a public park.” I can’t wait to see what her next special is like!
Trevor Noah has slowly become one of my favorite people on this planet (along with my mom and Ellen DeGeneres). I started watching his stand-up after seeing him host The Daily Show. He’s very involved in politics but tries to report the serious things that are going on in our nation while cracking a joke. I watch him nightly for a comic relief for what’s happening in our country. His stand-up special is one that I can watch over and over and still find hilarious. If you want to learn more about Trevor Noah, check out his documentary You Laugh but it’s True and his book Born a Crime.
Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin’?
Okay to be honest, I didn’t like Jen’s first special on Netflix. I personally thought it was pretty dry and barely laughed (sorry Jen!). But I believe in second chances and Jen definitely delivered! It is probably my favorite special at the moment. I believe that this should be shown to the men in your life that really don’t understand the struggles of women. If you want to check out her first special and disagree with me, here’s a link to it!
John Mulaney, born and raised in Wisconsin, is a light and airy comedian who just tells it like it is. He wrote for SNL when it was in its prime, so he’s basically a comedic angel. New in Town is about his everyday observances that are so funny, mostly because they’re so true.
Stand-up routines are highly subjective since everyone has a varying idea of amusement, but I hope you find your next favorite special from this list!