Bad days hit us all, and sometimes we just need a good laugh to feel better. Stand-up comedy has grown into a $2 billion industry in the US alone, making people smile for decades. We picked the top 10 comedy specials that will turn your frown upside down.
These funny shows pack smart jokes, great stories, and perfect timing to make you laugh out loud.
Bill Burr: "I'm Sorry You Feel That Way"
First on our list of laugh-out-loud comedy specials is Bill Burr’s “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way”. This TV-MA rated special runs for 1 hour and 20 minutes of pure comedy gold. Burr takes the stage solo and brings his raw humor to topics like overpopulation, fast food, and even gorilla sign language.
The comedy special has earned an impressive 8.2 rating on IMDb from 9.3K viewers. Burr’s performance shows his talent for making tough subjects funny. His style mixes bold jokes with smart takes on daily life.
The black and white film style adds a classic touch to this modern comedy gem.
Dive into Bill Burr’s unapologetic and honest humor as he tackles life’s absurdities in his own unique style.
Bill Burr brings raw humor to life in his 2014 special “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way.” Shot in Atlanta, this black-and-white show packs a punch with blunt delivery and candid storytelling.
His famous helicopter story stands out as a perfect example of his comedic genius.
I’m not sorry about what I said. I’m sorry you feel that way. – Bill Burr
Burr’s special takes a simple approach to filming but hits hard with social commentary. His unfiltered honesty shines through as he talks about life’s daily struggles. The show mixes personal stories with sharp takes on society.
His bold style and strong language create a powerful mix of laughs and truth-telling that fans love.
Eddie Murphy: "Delirious"
Moving from Bill Burr’s raw comedy style, Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious” stands as a true comedy classic. This 1983 special runs for 1 hour and 9 minutes of non-stop laughs. Murphy fills the stage with amazing energy and charm as he talks about sex, family life, and funny stories about relationships.
His perfect comedic timing makes every joke hit hard.
The special holds strong with fans, scoring 8.3 out of 10 from 2,200 ratings. Murphy’s raunchy jokes and wild stage moves made him a big star in comedy. His uncensored style and fun stories still make people laugh today.
Each joke stays fresh and funny, proving why “Delirious” remains one of stand-up comedy’s best shows ever made.
Experience the classic stand-up that made Eddie Murphy a comedy legend, full of unforgettable routines and laugh-out-loud moments.
Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious” stands as a timeless comedy special from 1983. The 22-year-old Murphy packed this 69-minute show with raw energy and bold jokes. His classic performance earned a strong 8.1 rating from 19,000 fans who loved his sidesplitting humor.
Bruce Gowers directed this iconic special that made Murphy a legendary comedian. The young star talked about daily life, sex, and women in ways that kept crowds laughing non-stop. His unforgettable routines created laugh-out-loud moments that still make people smile today.
Dave Chappelle brings his own style of wit in our next must-watch comedy special.
Dave Chappelle: "Killin’ Them Softly"
Dave Chappelle’s “Killin’ Them Softly” stands as a classic comedy special from 2000. Director Stan Lathan brings out the best in Chappelle’s sharp wit during this 57-minute show. The special earned an amazing 8.7 rating on IMDb from 11,000 votes.
Chappelle talks about race, famous people, and being a dad in his own bold style. His jokes hit hard and make people think while they laugh. The special shows off his smart humor and quick mind.
His stories flow smooth and keep viewers glued to their seats. His frank talk and smart jokes make this show a must-see for anyone who loves good comedy.
Enjoy Dave Chappelle’s brilliant observations on society and culture, delivered with his signature wit.
Killin’ Them Softly” stands as a brilliant comedy special from 2000. Sharp wit and social commentary fill this 57-minute performance. Stan Lathan directed this highly-rated show, which earned an 8.7 rating from 11,000 viewers.
The special tackles big topics like politics and race relations with clever humor. Chappelle’s unique take on police and drugs makes people think while they laugh. His smart observations about society create a perfect mix of fun and insight.
Each joke lands with perfect timing and cultural awareness.
Hannah Gadsby: "Nanette"
Hannah Gadsby brings a fresh take on comedy in her special “Nanette.” This 69-minute show mixes laughs with deep personal stories about gender and sexuality. The special earned an 8.1 rating on IMDb from 14,000 viewers.
Directors Jon Olb and Madeleine Parry helped create this powerful performance.
Gadsby breaks away from typical comedy rules in this thought-provoking show. She shares raw, honest stories that make people laugh and think at the same time. Her unique style changes how we see stand-up comedy.
The special stands out for its bold approach to serious topics through humor.
Join Hannah Gadsby as she brilliantly deconstructs standard comedy in a narrative that’s both hilarious and profoundly moving.
Nanette” stands as a game-changing comedy special filmed at the Sydney Opera House. This brilliant show earned an impressive 8.1 rating from 14,000 viewers since its 2018 release. The 69-minute performance breaks all comedy rules in the best way possible.
Gadsby creates a fresh take on standup through personal stories and smart humor. She mixes laughs with deep thoughts about life, art, and society. Her nontraditional approach turns typical comedy ideas upside down.
The show proves funny stories can make people think while they laugh. Next up, Ali Wong brings her own bold style to comedy in “Baby Cobra.
Ali Wong: "Baby Cobra"
Ali Wong brings raw humor to life in her hit special “Baby Cobra.” The one-hour TV-MA show earned a solid 7.5 IMDb rating from 8.2K viewers. Director Jaime Eliezer Karas captures Wong’s bold take on pregnancy, hoarding, and feminist topics.
This stand-up special stands out for its fresh storytelling style. Wong talks straight about real-life stuff in ways that make people laugh hard. She mixes funny stories with smart jokes about being pregnant and daily life.
Her special proves why she belongs on the list of top comedy shows.
Ali Wong’s breakout special offers a bold, raunchy, and sidesplitting take on marriage, motherhood, and more.
Baby Cobra” stands as a bold comedy special from 2016. The one-hour show earned an amazing 8.3 rating from 17,000 viewers. Wong breaks new ground by doing the entire show while seven months pregnant.
Her sharp jokes about marriage and motherhood keep viewers laughing hard.
The special mixes raw humor with smart takes on gender roles and cultural norms. Wong talks freely about her life as a wife and soon-to-be mom. Her honest stories and bold style make this show both funny and fresh.
Next up, Trevor Noah brings his own special brand of humor in “Afraid of the Dark.
Trevor Noah: "Afraid of the Dark"
Moving from Ali Wong’s raw take on motherhood, Trevor Noah brings his own fresh style to the stage. His special “Afraid of the Dark” takes viewers through funny stories about growing up in South Africa.
Noah shares jokes about culture shock and life as an immigrant in America. His sharp wit shines as he talks about language mix-ups and daily life.
Director David Paul Meyer helps Noah bring his tales to life in this special. Noah mixes laughs with smart views on social issues and politics. His stories make people think while they laugh.
Fans love this show, giving it a strong 7.9 rating. Noah proves he can make any topic funny, from his childhood to big world issues.
Laugh along with Trevor Noah as he shares his experiences and unique perspectives on American culture and navigating New York City.
Trevor Noah brings his sharp wit to life in his 2017 comedy special “Afraid of the Dark.” He shares funny stories about living in South Africa and America. His jokes about racism hit home while making people laugh.
The special shows how laughter can help us deal with tough topics.
Noah takes us through his daily life in New York City with fresh eyes and clever jokes. His stories mix his South African roots with American culture in fun ways. He points out things most Americans miss and turns them into great comedy.
Next up, we’ll explore John Mulaney’s perfect timing in “Kid Gorgeous at Radio City.
John Mulaney: "Kid Gorgeous at Radio City"
Moving from Trevor Noah’s global views, John Mulaney brings his own brand of humor to Radio City Music Hall. His TV-MA special runs for one hour and five minutes of non-stop laughs.
Mulaney talks about marriage, childhood, and funny meetings with famous people in his own special way.
The special got a strong 7.9 rating on IMDb from almost 10,000 fans. Director Rhys Thomas helps bring out Mulaney’s best jokes and stories on stage. His clever humor and smart way of telling stories make this show stand out.
The whole act proves why Mulaney is one of the best comics today.
With his trademark style, John Mulaney reflects on his personal life and societal observations, making everything hilariously relatable.
John Mulaney brings his sharp wit to “Kid Gorgeous at Radio City,” a hit comedy special from 2018. His funny stories about life make people laugh for 64 minutes straight. The show got great reviews, scoring 7.9 out of 10 from 9,400 fans.
Director Alex Timbers helps Mulaney share jokes about college life and daily stuff we all face. His smart humor pokes fun at social issues in ways that make sense to everyone. Mulaney’s personal stories and cultural jokes mix together to create pure entertainment.
His standup comedy style feels like talking to a funny friend who sees the world in a special way.
Chris Rock: "Bring the Pain"
Chris Rock’s “Bring the Pain” stands as a top comedy special from 1996. This 58-minute show earned an amazing 8.6 rating on IMDb from 12,300 viewers. Rock talks about life issues in a bold and funny way that makes people think and laugh at the same time.
The special shows Rock at his best with smart jokes about society and culture. His sharp wit and clear views on daily life made this show very popular. Rock’s style mixes funny stories with deep thoughts about real problems.
His unique way of talking about tough topics helps people see things in a new light.
This pivotal comedy special showcases Chris Rock’s sharp and relentless humor, addressing issues of race, relationships, and politics.
Bring the Pain” stands as a game-changing comedy special from 1996. Rock talks about tough topics like racism and politics with raw honesty. His sharp jokes hit hard and make people think while they laugh.
The special earned perfect 10/10 scores from many reviewers. Rock speaks his mind without holding back on social issues. His bold takes on race and relationships sparked many talks.
The special mixes funny stories with smart social comments that still matter today.
Louis C. K. : "Hilarious"
Louis C.K. makes you laugh with his raw take on daily life in this hit special. His mix of dark humor and honest stories about being a dad will keep you hooked from start to finish.
K. discusses various topics with his characteristic blend of self-deprecation and existential humor.
Louis C.K.: Hilarious” stands as a raw and honest comedy special from 2010. The 82-minute show takes a deep look at life after 40 through dark humor and personal stories. His self-aware jokes hit hard with fans, earning an 8.3 rating from 13,000 voters.
The special brings sharp observations about daily life mixed with satirical storytelling. C.K. directs and stars in this performance, using his trademark style to make people laugh at life’s tough moments.
His mix of dark jokes and personal tales creates a perfect blend of funny and thoughtful comedy.
Robin Williams: "Live on Broadway"
Moving from self-deprecating humor to pure comedic genius, Robin Williams brings his unique energy to the stage. His special “Live on Broadway” stands as a perfect example of raw talent mixed with quick wit.
The 2002 release runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes under Marty Callner’s direction. Williams fills every minute with sharp observations about life, politics, and society.
The special earned an impressive 8.4 rating on IMDb from 6.4K viewers. His fast-paced jokes and wild stage presence make this show a must-watch comedy gem. Williams turns everyday topics into laugh-out-loud moments through his amazing skill and perfect timing.
His brilliant mix of social commentary and pure fun creates an unforgettable comedy experience.
Witness the manic energy and incredible improvisation skills of Robin Williams in this unforgettable live performance.
Robin Williams brings pure magic to the stage in “Live on Broadway.” His standup comedy special from 2002 shows off his amazing talent for making people laugh. The show runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes of non-stop fun and wild energy.
His quick wit and crazy characters keep the crowd laughing from start to finish.
This impressive live show earned five Primetime Emmy nominations for good reason. Williams jumps from one joke to the next with perfect timing and skill. His manic comedic energy fills every minute on stage.
The special got a high rating of 8.4 from 6,400 fans who loved his unpredictable humor. Director Marty Callner caught all the best moments of this entertaining live show on film. Williams proves he truly is a comedy genius with his perfect mix of planned jokes and smart comebacks.
Bottom line
These comedy specials are more than just entertainment—they’re a powerful way to connect through laughter. Whether you prefer dry sarcasm, witty observations, or slapstick humor, there’s something in this list for everyone to enjoy.
Laughter brings people together through these amazing comedy specials. Each show offers something special, from Bill Burr’s honest takes to Hannah Gadsby’s smart humor. Famous names like Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle share their unique views on life, society, and culture.
These shows mix different styles of comedy that make everyone laugh.
These ten specials create strong bonds between people who watch them. The mix of classic acts like Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious” and newer shows like Ali Wong’s “Baby Cobra” shows how comedy keeps growing.
Every comic brings their own style to make people smile and think. The shows tackle big topics but keep things fun and easy to understand.
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