4 Must-See Comedy Specials By Female Comedians!

If you consider yourself a stand-up fan, or just a fan of funny media in general, you’ve probably spent at least a little time scrolling through the ever-growing list of stand-up comedy specials on Netflix. It can be overwhelming at times, as there are now over 100 different specials on Netflix alone. One thing that becomes quite obvious the more you scroll through is that the majority of these specials all feature male comedians. Female comedians are strongly underrepresented in the world of stand-up, especially full-length specials on major streaming platforms. So to make sure these talented women don’t get overlooked, here are four different female comedians who have specials that you need to watch now!

Now, I describe these specials as “across the spectrum” because comedy is subjective. Different people enjoy different topics and styles of performance. For this reason, I have chosen specials that feature different subject matters and styles in order to showcase the diversity of female comedians. The specials are sorted by two characteristics: The first has to do with content, with the two options being “Fun” and “Sharp”. If the special is described as “Fun”, it means that the subject matter has to do with more stories and day-to-day relatable experiences that are fun to listen to. This means it could have to do with relationships, embarrassing dates, stories about sex, and other casual, entertaining, funny topics. If the special is described as “Sharp”, this means it digs into deeper topics, such as mental health, racism, or politics. Now, all the specials are hilarious, and one category isn't better or worse than the other, but it does help sort the style of content and can help you decide which one you personally would prefer to watch!

The second characteristic is the style of performance. The two options will be “Energetic” and “Relaxed”. As with above, one style is not better or funnier than the other, it is just two different ways to deliver comedy. These are more self-explanatory, but "Energetic" means the comedian is usually loud and incorporates lots of act-outs and movement into their act. "Relaxed" is the opposite, where the comedian is more deadpan and less “in-your-face”. This shows the difference in comedic style of the legendary female comics represented on this list. So now that we've established the ground rules, let’s get into the specials!

1. Wanda Sykes: “I’m An Entertainer”

ENERGETIC and SHARP

Wanda Sykes came ripping into 2023 with several big comedy moves, including a stop by Comedy Central to guest host “The Daily Show” for a week at the end of January, followed by the release of her second Netflix special “I’m An Entertainer” at the end of May. In this special, Sykes spends the hour discussing her family life, her experiences with being both a Black woman and being lesbian, and the political division and conflict in our country today. She maintains her amazing style of lovable anger throughout and uses her timing, wit, and passion to tackle hot-button issues in an incredibly funny way. She’ll not only have you laughing, but she also makes you think. Wanda Sykes is a comedy legend, and this special will show you why.

2. Sarah Silverman: “Someone You Love”

RELAXED and FUN

Similar to our first comedian, Sarah Silverman has also had quite a year, one that also began behind the desk at “The Daily Show”. After hosting an incredible week on the show, Silverman also went on to drop her newest special “Someone You Love” on HBO Max. Silverman is more of a relaxed performer, but her words and stories are shocking enough that you’ll always be hooked in and entertained. Silverman opened her last special, "Speck of Dust", with an apology for the increased security measures… ”But I tweeted something and now a lot of people say they want to kill me.” Despite her innocent looks, Silverman is not afraid to dig into any topic, whether it’s political, controversial, or wildly sexual. Her charm and wit jumps off the screen, her collection of stories and opinions is oh-so fun, and her new special is CERTAINLY worth borrowing someone’s Max password.

3. Hannah Gadsby: “Nanette”

RELAXED and SHARP

Hannah Gadsby burst onto the comedy scene with the release of her incredible special “Nanette” in 2018 and has since had two more Netflix specials released -- “Douglas” in 2020 and “Something Special” in 2023. Gadsby uses these specials to describe some pretty heavy stuff, from her struggles with growing up as a lesbian woman in Australia to dealing with toxic relationships. But Gadsby’s nonchalant attitude, timing, and deadpan delivery turn what could be a therapy session into an hour of unforgettable fun. The way she can take something horrible and turn it on its head is masterful, and watching it unfold is like seeing an artist at work. Gadsby is a genius, and all 3 of her specials are definitely worth your time. 

4. Michelle Buteau: “Welcome To Buteaupia”

ENERGETIC and FUN

Utopia indeed! Michelle Buteau not only puts on a show but invites the viewer to a party in her first Netflix special “Welcome to Buteaupia”. Whether it’s the theater, which is designed to look like a nightclub with disco balls, colorful lights, and crazy artwork adorning the stage, or Buteau’s outfit -- a glittering black dress that’s fit for the Grammys afterparty -- Buteau is here to play, and play she does. Throughout the special, she takes us on a journey through her life, mainly the parts about men and her pet peeves. Butueau’s energy is palpable as she uses her charisma to act out, yell, and perform her way through her struggles, and it is a hell of a time to be a part of. Her performance is incredible, and even if you don’t get bothered by the same things as her, you can’t help but laugh at the masterful way she describes her day-to-day life. This is an incredible debut for Buteau, and we are all hoping she releases more soon... if her husband doesn’t kill her first (watch the special it will all make sense!).