5 Must-Watch Comedy Specials to Stream on Netflix!

(Warning: some clips NSFW!)

"Comedians of the World"

I love this special because it’s a mixed bag of humor. As the title suggests, it’s a series of comedians from all walks of life doing their own 30-minute set. You can choose by country like you would do a season, and then inside that category is about four different comedians. My favorite thing to do is choose a place I would want to visit and then hear what these comedians have to say. My favorite episode is by Joel Creasey, a sassy gay Australian man who recounts some dating horror stories. I nearly peed myself! 

"Iliza Shlesinger: Elder Millennial"

Iliza Shlesinger has a few comedy specials on Netflix, and this is one that stands out to me. Her humor is very educational, picking fun at men and teaching them more about women. But ladies don’t also get out of her jokes without being picked at. In this special, she discusses living in her mid-thirties, what it’s like to be a woman, and merely trying to navigate through life. It’s a lot of feminist humor, and I am here for it!

"Donald Glover: Weirdo"

Donald Glover is a man with many hats. He is an actor, a comedian, and a musician. You might know him as the voice of Simba in the new The Lion King, or as the widely successful Childish Gambino. This special is from 2012, but it is still relevant and funny today. It’s full of jokes about race, sex, and poop. Honestly, it makes you fall in love with him more. 

"Hannah Gadsby: Nanette"

Hannah Gadsby first caught my attention when I watched her on the Australian show "Please Like Me" (also highly recommend). Her Netflix special is interesting because it isn’t just all about detached jokes and humor -- she interlaces them with her reflections on life. Gadsby's special chronicles her hardships as a queer woman, growing up, and how sexuality and comedy are part of the same coin. She doesn’t hold anything back in this special, and it completely changes the way you will think about comedy. 

"Bo Burnham: Make Happy"

I remember listening to Bo Burnham’s comedy songs back in the day, and my favorite always being “I’m Bo Yo”. In his special, he brings together his musical magic and comedy talent while pulling out all the stops. He picks fun at rap artists, the country genre, "Lip Sync Battle", and even himself. He delivers quick one-liners that can be a little dark, but still, he remains humorous. He can also get a bit serious on topics. It’s refreshing, and I promise you will be smiling and laughing by the end of it all.