Netflix keeps comedy cool with a constant flow of specials

Previously, filmed comedy specials were rather hard to come by, or at least, they were a little harder for the general public to access. But with new support from Netflix, popular comedian’s specials are more accessible than ever to browse through and enjoy.

From iconic stars such as Kevin Hart and Jim Gaffigan to the lesser known comedians Michael Che and Bo Burnham, Netflix is supporting comedy by filming specials during their tours and making them available to stream. Their collection of specials seems to update on a near weekly basis, so there are always more to watch.

So with so many great comedy specials now on the market, which ones should you make the time to watch?

One of my all-time favorite comedians is Bo Burnham. He has two specials on Netflix, what. and Make Happy. He has a very original brand of comedy that includes an elaborately planned performance involving everything from his own original songs to lights and what seems almost like performance art. He pokes fun at himself with songs like “Straight White Male” and “Lower Your Expectations (If You Want Love)” which are both from Make Happy. My personal favorite song by him, also in Make Happy, is “Kill Yourself.” I would certainly recommend his specials to anyone looking for something they haven’t seen before, that’s different from the general stand-up.

Another Netflix special on my top favorites is Michael Che Matters. The Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update star took his title inspiration from the Black Lives Matter movement, and he addresses modern racism and political problems with a perfect blend of satirical comedy and truth. My favorite piece of the special centers on his title, as he explains the Black Lives Matter movement and the counter All Lives Matter movement: “That would be like if your wife came up to you and was like, do you love me? And you were like baby, I love everybody! What you talkin about?” He also touches on the unlimited power of white girls, the phrase “screwed the pooch,” and why Trump would be a great best friend but not the best president. His comedy will make you laugh, but it will also make you think, which in my opinion is what the best comedians all do.

Iliza Shlesinger is another of my favorites. She has three specials on Netflix: Confirmed Kills, Freezing Hot, and War Paint. My personal favorite show of hers is Confirmed Kills, so I would definitely recommend checking out that one first. Her style of comedy is alcohol and partying-focused, which can sometimes be a bit cliche and overused, but her material makes it new and laughter-inducing again. She often mentions her famed “Party Goblin,” a little creature that supposedly sleep in the back of your head and awaits you next encounter with alcohol. When you’re drunk, it pops out and takes the reigns, and you will never be able to get them back till the hangover kicks in. Her sound effects add a great deal of humor to her stand-up, and her accents are pro.

Lastly, for those with a more down and dirty sense of humor, Ali Wong is a must-see. A bit of a hidden gem, Ali Wong: Baby Cobra is a fantastic comedy special. Seven months pregnant at the time, Wong performs her stand-up by discussing the hardships of gold-digging in relationships, which is how she found her husband, pregnancy and the not-so encouraging stories her friends have told her, and the woes of feminism, or how women lost the ability to just stay home and chill. She doesn’t hold anything back, and her humor goes as far as a pregnant women can.

Those few specials are just touching on the huge amount of great comedians who are now available to watch on Netflix, and the numbers are ever climbing. Check out a few for yourself when you’re feeling down, and it is sure to lighten your mood and give you a few jokes to tell your friends.