Discover the Best Stand-Up Comedy Specials to Watch This Year

Right then, if you're after a good laugh and wondering what the best stand-up comedy specials are to catch this year, you've come to the right place. It feels like there are more specials out there than ever, which is great, but also a bit overwhelming, isn't it? Trying to sift through them all can be a job. So, I've had a look and pulled together a few that really stood out. Whether you're into sharp observations, personal stories, or just plain silliness, there's something here for everyone. Let's get to it, shall we?

Key Takeaways

• Bill Burr's 'Drop Dead Years' shows a personal evolution, offering surprisingly touching insights into his relationships.

• Sarah Silverman's 'PostMortem' tackles heavy themes with her signature wit, making difficult subjects approachable.

• Vir Das's 'Fool Volume' is a masterclass in directing, blending documentary footage and performance creatively.

• Marc Maron's 'Panicked' is pure fun, using personal anxieties and relatable stories to make audiences laugh.

• Beth Stelling's 'The Landlord Special' is a concise, perfectly told story about a difficult living situation during the pandemic.

1. Bill Burr, Drop Dead Years

Bill Burr's latest special, "Drop Dead Years," really feels like a step forward for him. It's still got that signature Burr energy, that no-holds-barred delivery we've come to expect, but there's a noticeable shift. He's exploring more personal territory, particularly his marriage, and it's surprisingly effective. Instead of just venting about frustrations, he's actually examining how he can improve things, which is a pretty big deal for him.

He shares these anecdotes where he consciously tries to be more agreeable with his wife, and you can feel the audience waiting for him to snap, but he doesn't. It’s a different kind of tension, more about genuine connection than just waiting for the punchline. It’s not that he’s gone soft, not at all, but he’s definitely showing a more thoughtful side.

This special is a good example of how comedians can evolve. It’s easy to stick to what works, but Burr is risking alienating some fans by being more honest about who he is now. It’s a brave move, and it pays off.

It’s a fantastic, organic, and unapologetic look at his life, and while it might be a bit tamer than some of his earlier work, it’s incredibly funny for all the right reasons. It’s a testament to his growth as a performer and a person, showing he’s still got plenty to say and is finding new ways to say it. You can catch this fantastic special on Hulu.

2. Beth Stelling, The Landlord Special

Beth Stelling's "The Landlord Special" is a masterclass in brevity and focus. Clocking in at a lean 28 minutes, it proves that a comedy special doesn't need to be an hour-long epic to make a significant impact. This special is a testament to the power of letting the story dictate the runtime, rather than the other way around.

The premise is simple: Stelling recounts her frustrating experiences with a particularly awful, intrusive landlord during the height of the pandemic. It's a relatable scenario, but Stelling's sharp writing and impeccable delivery elevate it beyond a mere anecdote. She has this knack for making carefully crafted punchlines sound like spontaneous thoughts, which is part of why her specials always feel so engaging.

What makes "The Landlord Special" stand out is its tight focus. Unlike many specials that feel like a collection of bits loosely tied together, this one is a pure snapshot of a specific, maddening period. Stelling doesn't try to make grand statements about the indignities of renting or the pandemic; instead, she offers a slice of life that is both hilarious and deeply satisfying.

Here's what makes it work so well:

• Relatable Annoyance: The landlord character is brought to life with such specific, irritating detail that you'll likely find yourself nodding along, remembering your own run-ins with difficult people.

• Subtle Storytelling: Stelling doesn't hit you over the head with revelations. The big moments land with a quiet power, making them even more effective.

• Concise Pacing: The short runtime means every moment counts. There's no filler, just a consistently funny and well-told story.

The special has an intimate, almost phone-shot feel, but don't let that fool you. Every angle, every pause, is perfectly placed to maximise the comedic effect. It’s a tightly edited piece that feels both spontaneous and polished.

If you're looking for a comedy special that's sharp, focused, and genuinely funny without overstaying its welcome, "The Landlord Special" is definitely one to watch.

3. Ralph Barbosa, Planet Bosa

Ralph Barbosa’s latest special, Planet Bosa, sees him tackling new territory, both personally and comedically. Having previously explored themes like trying to drink less and navigating relationships in his Cowabunga special, Barbosa is now single and focusing on his temper. He brings a sharp, observational style to everyday annoyances, often with a Texas twist. He’s not afraid to push boundaries, making you laugh while also making you think about your own reactions.

Barbosa’s humour often stems from discomfort, whether it’s his own or the audience’s. He talks about feeling uneasy when a child approaches him, leading to a punchline about living in Texas where even a child might be armed. This sets up a recurring theme of power dynamics and societal norms. He also touches on dating and finances, with jokes about seeking out partners who are less likely to demand expensive holidays, leading to some controversial but undeniably funny observations.

One of the standout moments involves a story about losing a fight, where his narration of the escalating chaos is a masterclass in comedic timing. It’s these detailed, almost cinematic retellings of mundane events that really showcase his skill.

The special plays with our expectations, using provocative statements to draw us in, only to subvert them with clever twists. It’s this ability to make us question our initial judgments that makes his comedy so engaging.

Key themes explored:

• Anger management and personal frustration

• Observations on dating and relationships

• Social commentary with a Texas perspective

• The nature of power and discomfort

4. Marc Maron, Panicked

Marc Maron's special, Panicked, really hits home with its raw honesty about the anxieties of our current times. He kicks things off by listing all the things that are getting under his skin, and let's just say it's a pretty extensive list, touching on everything from political figures to the general state of the world. It’s in these moments of shared frustration that Maron truly shines, making the overwhelming feel a bit more manageable.

One of the standout bits involves a rather chaotic evacuation during the L.A. wildfires. Maron recounts his attempts to get his three cats into a hotel, a story that escalates with all the frantic energy of a farce, culminating in a rather messy revelation. It’s a brilliant example of how he takes a stressful situation and turns it into something genuinely funny, showing that comedy can be a way to process difficult experiences.

Maron has a knack for finding the humour in the mundane and the terrifying alike. His ability to connect with the audience on a personal level, even when discussing heavy topics, is what makes his specials so compelling.

He manages to weave personal anecdotes with broader societal observations, creating a show that feels both specific and universal. It’s a testament to his skill that he can make you laugh even when the subject matter is, well, panic-inducing. If you're looking for some sharp, relatable comedy that doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable, Panicked is definitely worth a watch. You can catch this excellent exploration of current anxieties on HBO.

5. Sarah Silverman, PostMortem

Sarah Silverman's 'PostMortem' is a bit of a departure from her usual style, and honestly, it's quite something. Instead of the sharp, often biting observations we've come to expect, this special leans into something much more personal and, dare I say, tender. It's a heartfelt look back at her late parents, presented with a surprising amount of warmth.

Silverman navigates the tricky territory of grief and memory with a delicate touch. She shares anecdotes that feel like flipping through an old family photo album, filled with shared moments and inside jokes. It’s not packed with the kind of punchlines that leave you gasping, but there’s a quiet humour in the everyday details she recalls. You get a real sense of who her parents were and the impact they had on her life. It’s a reminder that even in loss, laughter can be a way to keep their memory alive.

This special feels like a conversation with an old friend, sharing stories that are both funny and deeply touching. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the way we remember those we’ve lost.

While it might not be her most overtly hilarious work, 'PostMortem' offers a different kind of connection. It’s a chance to see a more reflective side of Silverman, and it’s a genuinely moving experience. If you're looking for something that balances gentle humour with genuine emotion, this is definitely worth a watch. It’s a beautiful tribute to her parents and a reminder of the comfort found in shared memories.

6. Vir Das, Fool Volume

Vir Das really outdid himself with "Fool Volume". It’s not just a stand-up special; it’s a whole experience. He managed to turn a personal crisis – losing his voice just weeks before filming – into a genuinely compelling narrative.

Instead of just powering through, Das incorporated documentary-style footage and multiple performance timelines. You see snippets of him struggling with his voice, using a kazoo, and even visiting a doctor. It’s not just filler; it makes you feel the pressure he was under. Then there are the different shows, filmed in England and India, which focus on the audience's power, contrasted with a performance at the Comedy Cellar where he recounts the whole ordeal. It’s a clever way to keep things fresh and engaging, making it feel much more than just a standard gig recording.

While some might find the sheer number of visual ideas a bit much, and perhaps the joke writing doesn't always hit the same heights as the production, it’s refreshing to see a comedian with so many ideas. It’s available in different plans, with the Basic option costing $3.99/month for 720p Vir Das, Fool Volume.

The special builds a strong argument about the world's impending doom, packed with sharp observations. It’s a testament to Das’s directorial vision that he could salvage and elevate a challenging situation into something so unique and watchable.

7. Dana Gould, Perfectly Normal

Dana Gould's "Perfectly Normal" is a bit of a throwback, but in the best way possible. It reminds you of that era of comedy where things felt a bit more... alternative. You know, before everything got so polished and predictable. Gould, who's been around the block a few times (he even worked on The Simpsons, which is pretty cool), still has that sharp wit. He delivers these perfectly crafted jokes with this laid-back, almost sardonic tone that just works.

He doesn't shy away from getting a bit personal, either. There's a bit about his dad that's really something else. His dad was apparently hilarious when he'd had a drink, and Gould explains how he'd sing Christmas carols all year round, but with completely new lyrics about his miserable life. It's a bit like a mini-sketch within the stand-up, and it’s genuinely funny.

Gould manages to take the familiar and make it feel fresh. He’s not afraid to poke fun at current trends, like those podcasts all about the 'alpha male' resurgence, which feels like a nice nod to the '90s comedy scene that many of us grew up with.

Here's a taste of his style:

• His father-in-law is an airline pilot. Do you know the difference between an airline pilot and God? God doesn’t walk around like a fucking airline pilot.

• A bit about his dad singing altered Christmas carols, like "Jingle Bells" turned into a lament about finances and family issues.

• Observations on obscure pop culture, like the film "Blacula," used to mock modern trends.

It’s a solid hour that feels both familiar and new, a real treat for anyone who appreciates smart, observational humour with a bit of an edge.

8. Brent Weinbach, Popular Culture

Brent Weinbach’s "Popular Culture" is a bit of a curveball in the stand-up landscape. Forget your typical observational humour or personal anecdotes; Weinbach is all about the conceptual. He crafts impressions not of people, but of abstract ideas and peculiar archetypes. Think "an impression of a face that doesn’t match what the person’s saying, but it actually does match after all." It’s definitely a different way of looking at comedy.

While many of the bits are quite out there, there’s one that really stands out. Weinbach makes the case that Michael Jackson secretly embedded the F-word into all his songs, and he spends a good chunk of time proving it. It’s a simple idea, but it goes on for ages and is surprisingly funny. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and some might even argue it’s not really stand-up. But if you’re tired of the same old thing and fancy something a bit more experimental, Weinbach’s "Popular Culture" is worth a look.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes it unique:

• Conceptual Impressions: Moving beyond celebrity impressions to explore abstract concepts.

• Absurdist Humour: Finding comedy in the unexpected and the downright strange.

• Unique Structures: Weinbach plays with the format of stand-up, offering something fresh.

This special feels like it’s made for people who enjoy thinking about comedy as much as they enjoy laughing at it. It’s a bit of a deep cut, but that’s often where the most interesting stuff hides.

9. Sam Jay, Live in London

Sam Jay’s Live in London isn't your typical stand-up special. It’s more of a documentary, clocking in at around 37 minutes, with about 85% of that being pure stand-up. It really feels like a cohesive piece, showing Jay's writing process as conversations off-stage turn into material on stage. It also captures her processing events in the US just before the 2024 election, which she correctly predicted would see Trump win.

It’s quite something to watch Jay really dig into a topic, searching for the right joke. There’s a moment where she talks about people supporting Trump, and it doesn't really bother her because she never had much faith in America to begin with. Her reasoning? "I'm Black. I never have." The audience is quiet, a bit unsure, until she lands the punchline: "The real reason is I just don't want to go back to taking dick." There's a raw energy to jokes told when the subject is still fresh, and Jay absolutely nails that.

Here's a look at what makes it stand out:

• Unique Format: Blends stand-up with glimpses into the comedian's thought process.

• Timely Material: Tackles current events with a sharp, unfiltered perspective.

• Authentic Voice: Jay's delivery is direct and unapologetic.

The special offers a compelling look at how a comedian works through material in real-time, making the audience feel like they're part of the discovery process. It’s this blend of personal reflection and sharp social commentary that makes Live in London a must-watch.

10. Earthquake, Joke Telling Business

Earthquake's special, 'Joke Telling Business', is a masterclass in efficient comedy. He's not one for grand gestures or running around the stage; instead, he delivers jokes with the steady, relentless pace of an unstoppable force. Think of him as the Terminator of stand-up, marching forward with one laugh line after another. His writing is lean, meaning each special, even the shorter ones, feels packed with content. He gets straight to the point, setting up a premise with a single sentence, adding his perspective, and then hitting you with a rapid-fire series of punchlines before moving on. It’s a style that keeps you engaged without any wasted moments.

What really sets Earthquake apart is his comfort on stage. He doesn't need to boast or try to convince you he's good; he just is. This self-assuredness shines through, especially in his material about getting older. While younger comics might have a certain bravado, Earthquake brings a grounded, honest perspective to topics like aging and intimacy, even incorporating physical bits that highlight the realities of it all. He's open about his own flaws, but it's never self-deprecating. He knows his worth, and you feel it too.

Here's a look at his approach:

• Lean Joke Structure: Short setups, quick angles, rapid punchlines.

• Steady Pacing: Moves through topics efficiently, no long drawn-out bits.

• Onstage Comfort: Projects confidence through presence, not bravado.

• Honest Material: Addresses personal experiences and aging with realism.

Earthquake's special demonstrates that true comedic power often comes from precision and a deep sense of self, rather than just volume or energy. It’s a testament to the craft of joke writing and performance.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Right then, that’s a good few laughs to get stuck into. Whether you fancy something sharp and observational, a bit more out there, or just a good old-fashioned story, there’s loads to choose from. It’s a great time to be a comedy fan, honestly. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and enjoy the show. You’ve earned it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a stand-up comedy special worth watching?

A good stand-up special is funny, of course! But it can also be special if the comedian is really ambitious with their ideas, if it makes you feel something, or even if it's so bad it makes you think about why it's bad. It's all about offering something unique and memorable.

Are there different lengths of comedy specials?

Yes, absolutely! Some specials are short, like 20 or 30 minutes, which are great if you're short on time. Others are longer, around an hour or more, giving you a deeper dive into the comedian's material. It really depends on the comedian's style and the stories they want to tell.

Where can I find these comedy specials?

Most of these specials are available on popular streaming services like Netflix and HBO. Many comedians also release their specials on platforms like YouTube, sometimes for free or as part of a channel subscription. It's worth checking which platform hosts your favourite.

Is it better to watch a whole special or just clips online?

While clips online are fun and a good way to discover new comedians, watching a full special lets you really get into the comedian's world. You experience the build-up of their jokes and the flow of their performance, which is a much richer experience.

What's the difference between older and newer comedy specials?

In the past, TV channels often released shorter, half-hour specials. Nowadays, comedians often release full hour-long specials, and many can even make their own. This means there's a lot more variety out there, from polished performances to more experimental styles.

Do comedians talk about personal stuff in their specials?

Many comedians use their specials to share personal stories and thoughts. They might talk about relationships, life experiences, or even difficult times. This often makes their comedy more relatable and can be quite moving, even when it's hilarious.