See The Funny Side: 7 of the Best Stand-Up Comedy Specials on Netflix

When you’re in that in-between mood where you don’t want to start a new series and a new episode of The Good Place hasn’t dropped, spend some time exploring the stand-up comedy offering on Netflix.

In a world of network shows, crime docos, thrillers and mysteries, listening to a comedian for an hour can remedy anything.

It can combat boredom, get rid of the blues and frankly, just give you a good old laugh —because sometimes, if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry.

Netflix has an impressive collection of stand-up specials, so to help you weed out the good from the bad, here are some of our favourites.

1. Hannah Gadsby — Nanette

When Hannah Gadsby’s bold Netflix special Nanette arrived in 2018, fans the world over applauded her bold approach to the world.

Confronting issues that are usually taboo, the Tasmanian comic told the story of being a broken woman who was rebuilt.

It’s funny, it’s poignant and it’s an absolute much watch.

2. Dave Chappelle — The Age of Spin

Chappelle has debuted an impressive four comedies on Netflix in just one year, including Equanimity, The Bird Revelation and Deep In The Heart Of Texas.

And while these were good, The Age Of Spin has been praised by fans and critics, as his absolute best.

IMDB sums the show up perfectly: “Dave Chappelle gives his usual skewed insight into the topics of race, technology, OJ Simpson, and more in a stand up special filmed in Hollywood”, obviously making this a much watch.

3. Bo Burnham — Make Happy

29-year-old Bo Burnham is a pop culture whiz kid, who showcases a no-holds barred look at the entertainment industry.

From taking swipes at rap artists, country music singers and the cult TV hit Lip Sync Battle, he is a one-liner genius, with the ability to hit raw and important cultural notes, while still making us laugh. Genius.

4. Ellen DeGeneres — Relatable

Daytime TV queen and all-round legend, Ellen DeGeneres, returns to the stage with her first stand-up special in over 15 years.

And while some would forget (or in the case of some millennials, even know) that stand-up comedy was her first profession; DeGeneres proves she’s still got it.

From self-deprecating jokes about her wealth and success, to awkward fan encounters and anecdotes about travelling; if you love Ellen, then you’ll love this.

5. Jenny Slate — Stage Fright

The 37-year-old funny lady’s Stage Fright takes you on a tour of her life including her childhood in Massachusetts, her career (actor, stand up comedian and author) and mixes footage and confessionals.

It’s a deep look into her brilliant psyche and an intimate look at her life — and boy, is she funny.

6. Nick Kroll and John Mulaney — Oh, Hello on Broadway

Oh, hello! Nick Kroll and John Mulaney star in this Netflix special which is a stretched out version of their popular skit from Comedy Central.

Reprising their roles as Gil Faizon (Kroll) and George St. Geegland (Mulaney), two elderly New Yorkers with a lot of opinions, the men go hard on being very politically incorrect.

And it lands.

7. Wanda Sykes — Not Normal

Goodness, gracious. Wanda Sykes is brilliant and funny.

The TV comedic veteran tackles everything from Trump to body image to aging.

But it’s the fascinating way she includes self-deprecating humour and some hectic pessimism that makes this so good to watch.

Plus, she’s on a campaign to get her real message out there. Things right now aren’t normal.