Traditional comedy shows have long been enjoyed by all kinds of audiences, many of which became wildly successful on streaming platforms such as Netflix. But when it comes to stand-up shows, overall people seem to be more unfamiliar than with other comedy formats such as sitcoms or movies. Whether it's a general disinterest in watching live shows from funny stand-up comedians or a judgmental attitude towards it as a form of art, stand-up shows can be a great source of entertainment to appreciate not only smart jokes but a great storyteller performing.
IMDb has selected a list of the 10 best stand-up shows currently on Netflix and these comics promise to evoke viewers' wittiest and silliest senses of humor. After all, a good laugh never hurt anyone.
Patton Oswalt: Annihilation (7.2)
In a 2017 standup special, comedian Patton Oswalt produces his best work ever. He makes a triumphant return to comedy after going through a personal tragedy and he is able to turn his show into a success by focusing on moving on after the loss of his wife, Michelle McNamara. Oswalt's off-beat humor is met with a deeply cathartic edge in a brilliant delivery. Patton's great observational skills also include jokes focused on Donald Trump's era and why his simultaneous nomination for the Republican party when Patton's partner died, was "the worst distraction from grief" he could find, as he puts it. A joy to watch and a well-deserved spot on this list.
Anthony Jeselnik: Fire In The Maternity Ward (7.2)
Anyone who knows Anthony Jeselnik knows that his humor style tends to be overly aggressive and ruthless. But sometimes that's really what it takes to get the best, smartest, and funniest joke. In his Netflix special that was recorded in New York, he goes where others won't dare to go. He clearly pulls it off due to his willingness to push the limits over and over again.
Anthony Jeselnik’s Netflix special Fire in the Maternity Ward lives in the world of "negative capability," a concept that is said to be "constantly and almost effortlessly supporting two perfectly opposite principles without ever picking a side. Jeselnik’s two conflicting truths are these: That he both is and is not a giant asshole".
Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby (7.5)
One of the most acclaimed talk-show hosts of all time (well, at least on "late-night time") is Seth Meyers - a funny, witty, and incredibly intelligent comedian. A reserved and low-key kind of a star who only shines when the spotlight is on him. On his Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby stand-up show, he hits the stage to talk about personal stories that shaped his life and, in particular, about the birth of his child. He goes on talking about how his wife gave birth so fast that the couple didn't even make it out of their apartment's lobby. Even though he has an extensive career as a TV comedian, this is his first comedy special made for the fans. And it's definitely worth the watch.
Ali Wong: Baby Cobra (7.5)
In recent years, female power has been growing strong in a standup arena that was formerly dominated by men. Audiences have seen Netflix giving space for female performers to shine bright like the diamonds they are while they amuse people endlessly - and yes! They can be just as funny as men. But these women are not only big TV names, like Ellen Degeneres. Ali Wong is a talented woman who is not afraid of putting herself out there and she absolutely nails it with the Ali Wong: Baby Cobra stand up show. The topics where she blends incredibly smart humor? Sexual adventures, hoarding, and pregnancy. Just to name a few.
Mike Birbiglia: The New One (7.7)
In an emotional and intense journey regarding parenthood, comedian Mike Birbiglia presents viewers with a hilarious show called Mike Birbiglia: The New One. While contemplating his duties as a father, he jokes and illustrates funny scenarios with a distinctive vibe onstage. Birbiglia's main topic is around the challenge of raising children in the tough times that we're living in and how this rollercoaster ride has transformed him completely. The show was added to Netflix's menu last year and it has consistently stayed as one of the top best that the streaming platform has to offer.
Neal Brennan: 3 Mics (7.9)
American comedian Neal Brennan is the star of this show and IMDb was very generous when classifying his stand-up performance from 2017. The truth is, every comedian has his own style of delivering jokes but Brennan excels in not one, not two but in three distinct styles. He's successfully been able to put together a high-caliber comedy set and surprise fans with his versatility to switch between three different microphones. People get to enjoy a good laugh while watching an expert on humor showing his best work (or his best three alter egos?).
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous At Radio City (8.0)
An outstanding 2018 special featuring one of the funniest names of SNL history, in John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous At Radio City the comedian's most hilarious work is presented. Relaying stories from Mulaney's childhood - in particular about his "boring dad" - the performer goes on to joke about the value of college, the perks of getting older, the church, and - of course - Donald Trump. His show is brilliant, creative and comes to prove that successful and talented comics like him need to be given more chances to thrive. Do you want to pack your house with laughs? Then this is a highly recommended show.
Bill Burr: Paper Tiger (8.2)
When it comes to making viewers cry out of so much laughter, Bill Burr seems to be the right guy. And that is especially true on his latest show called Bill Burr: Paper Tiger. Although the American comedian often has a reputation for coming off too strong with his witty jokes - and he has even been controversial on his SNL participation - Burr is still considered one of the best comic performers out there. He is one of those guys who will talk about just any topic (whether they are sensitive for audiences or not as he says he really doesn't care). So, on his latest show, Burr unloads on issues like male feminism, cultural appropriation, and robot sex.
Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King (8.3)
Hasan Minhaj is the comedian you didn't know you would fall in love with so quickly with just one stand up show. His unprecedented charming style mixed with wry satire while talking about the experience of growing up as an Indian-American Muslim guy is outstandingly funny. Minhaj's main themes are not surprising ones, like racism, bullying, and meeting the demanding expectations of his immigrant parents. Perhaps the fact that very few renowned artists have been able to be in his position (telling a singular personal narrative) makes him stand out from the rest.
This man's delivery is personable, intimate, miles above an average comedy special, and Minhaj's future is looking brighter than ever.
Hannah Gadbsy: Nanette (8.3)
On the top of the list comes the show made by the brilliant Australian comedian, Hannah Gadsby. Nanette has a premise around how comedy works and what its social purpose is. A 2018 Netflix show that promises to be a bundle of laughs while intelligently talking about social injustices against the LBGTQ community. Hannah Gadsby pairs punchlines with personal statements about her sexuality - like the story of the trauma of being a "gender not-normal" lesbian, as she puts it. In a masterful work of comedy, Gadsby announces she is quitting the business and she leaves the audience craving for more.