10 Underrated Stand-Up Specials On Netflix You Need to Watch ASAP

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For a comic, the epitome of success used to be landing an HBO special. But that has since changed as Netflix has become the Mecca for comedy. As a self-proclaimed comedy nerd, it’s tough to keep up with all the content Netflix is adding to their comedy section. Sadly, there are not enough female comedians on this list. It’s shameful. Most of these comics are lesser known who deserve more notoriety. Some are just personal favorites and couldn’t exclude them. In no particular order, here are some of my favorites.

THE STAND UPS

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1EPLNJBfQU]
I love this series because it’s a great way to discover new comics, some of them more notable than others. Currently, there are two seasons available on Netflix with six half-hour episodes per season. Personally, I found 3 specials between both seasons worth binging.

Season 1, Episode 1 Nate Bargatze: This show was my first introduction to his comedy. He was my favorite from the first season. Bargatze’s matter of fact delivery and casual demeanor is easily the best part of his act.

Season 2 Episode 4-Rachel Feinstein: She made several appearances on Inside Amy Schumer and Pete Holmes’ HBO show, Crashing. She performs the NYC comedy circuit often. The female comedy community is pathetically small, but Feinstein is a powerful addition.

Season 2 Episode 5- Brent Morin: I first discovered from his first Netflix special, I am Brent Morin. He also appeared on Undateable with his friend Chris D’Elia. His “shitty Prince” bit is my favorite part of his act.

I Am Brent Morin

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HWTZSyM93k]
I stumbled upon his comedy special one night and have been hooked ever since. He is an incredible storyteller who gets off track throughout his act but always finds his way back making for a very entertaining special.

New in Town

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1sd4CRcaE0]
John Mulaney has easily become one of the best comedians around. He is a former writer for Saturday Night Live, notoriously for Bill Hader’s character Stefan. The special is great because it’s non-political, relatable and all around super funny. Mulaney has easily become one of my favorite comedians to date. His other special Comeback Kid is equally as hilarious. On May 1st, his latest Netflix special, Kid Gorgeous will be released. Side note: If you like John Mulaney, then you’d be a fool to not watch his Broadway show Oh Hello on Netflix.

Too Real

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M_y99jqTgk]
I first discovered him from his podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” where he interviews comedic legends, actors musicians, and even President Obama from his garage. His interviews are captivating and in-depth, covering the life and career of his guest. He has an anxious, stream of consciousness style to his comedy which becomes easily relatable to anyone. His special opens with a nervous Anti-Trump bit

Jerry Before Seinfeld

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqT0ayeR8Ps]
If you’re a fan of Seinfeld, then you’ll appreciate his latest special. It morphs a documentary and stand up special into one. It’s his first special he’s done in years and his comedic styling hasn’t changed a bit. His show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is also a fantastic show to watch if you’re into comedy.

Straight, White Male, 60

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpMx3e83cq4]
If you’re a comedy junkie, then you probably already admire Dana Carvey and his countless impressions from his days on Saturday Night Live. He does a lot of impressions in his special, but his “bunch of fucking bullshit” bit is one of my favorites.

Afraid of the Dark

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BroESGFxWM4]
He’s most known for being the host of the Daily Show on Comedy Central. He openly talks about his experience growing up in apartheid. I really admire his perspective on politics and current events because he’s so well spoken and an excellent storyteller.

Lower Classy

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1eCO9nCJ2E]
As part of my never-ending search to find more female comics (aside from Sarah Silverman and Amy Schumer), I discovered Cristela and she is amazing. Prior to her special, she was the first Latina to have her own show on network television.

Almost Famous

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh0-x1RFEOY]
I discovered him by accident only to realize he easily has the most diverse audience in comedy. He is Anglo-Indian and often riffs about his childhood.

Funny Business

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UZsmvdvweA]
If you appreciate very dry one-liner type of humor then you’d enjoy Jimmy Carr. Fair warning his laugh is incredibly bizarre, he laughs on the in not the out. Some of his jokes can be sharp and almost shocking but his relaxed delivery makes it all the more comical.