Best Standup Specials
Some of my favorite stand up comedy acts.
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- DirectorDebbie AllenStarsSinbadDonna AtkinsA.J. JamalIn his second HBO comedy special, stand-up comedian Sinbad takes a nostalgic trip to the 1970s and jokes about the black culture from that decade, and pays homage to the Blaxploitation films and black family life during that era.This is one of those things that you can't appreciate for it's intelligence, so you just have to take it at face value. This is Sinbad in his only funny special, and it is gut-busting hilarious!
- DirectorKeith TruesdellStarsChris RockSlick RickDoug E. FreshChris Rock's third HBO comedy special shows him performing his stand-up routine at Apollo Theater in Harlem.Chris Rock's social commentary and enthusiastic delivery is very present on this show.
- DirectorLance BangsStarsDavid CrossTodd GlassDean CrowBigger and Blackerer was taped during two shows, back-to-back on the same evening at Boston's Wilbur Theatre. Only by watching this video will you learn of Cross unique relationship with the deaf community, share his canny insights into the editorial machinations behind the Bible, and marvel at how well a bald, middle-aged white guy can fill out a pair of jeans.David Cross goes on rants about everything from airlines, drugs, date rape and most of all religion in this daring and sharp witted show. The kid at the beginning as well as the signer were both very annoying, but after that, the show becomes wonderfully engaging and entertaining. This should definitely have more than a 7.8!
- DirectorKeith TruesdellStarsChris RockJim BreuerMario JoynerThe second HBO stand-up special by Chris Rock.It's so great to see how Chris Rock has evolved as a performer by going back to his roots and watching his first special, only, you won't see any progress, you'll see Chris at the peak of his abilities.
- DirectorLouis C.K.Shannon HartmanStarsLouis C.K.Louis C.K.'s second one-hour special filmed at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, MA.Louis' self deprecating and honest approach to comedy makes him both off-putting and accessible. Those who go to comedy to escape reality will find it too negative and squeamishly close, but those who accept the weirdnesses and intimacy will find a lot to laugh at.
- DirectorRocco UrbisciStarsGeorge CarlinIn "Complaints & Grievances," George Carlin's 12th HBO comedy special, taped at the Beacon Theater in New York on November 17, 2001 (ten weeks after 9/11), Carlin casts his usual jaundiced eye on America and its inhabitants.From the events of 9/11, to the Ten Commandments, to why you should never stop if you run someone over with your car, nothing is sacred to this 45-year veteran of the comedy scene. Self-help books, answering machines, gun nuts, visors, motivational seminars, pictures of children, singers with one name, hot air balloons and guys named Todd; take your pick. They all come in for a special, closer Carlin look in this latest hilarious collection.One of Carlin's best specials. Sometimes you'll get one where he's particularly intelligent, and another where he's particularly humorous, on this he pulls off a perfect mixture.
- DirectorManny RodriguezStarsDaniel ToshComedy's chosen one, Daniel Tosh, has been healing the sick, stopping wars, helping underprivileged children... and filming Completely Serious, the single greatest hour in comedy. What have you been doing? The torch has been passed, and stand-up's newest superstar will try not to drop it!Daniel Tosh is a D-bag. Plain and simple. He's an unlikable jerk, but his offensive material is so appealing because of that. He truly DOES NOT care who he offends. He's not afraid of making the audience uncomfortable and in this, I find myself very amused.
- DirectorKeith TruesdellStarsDana CarveyDana Carvey performs the best of his comedy stand-up routine.Come on... Woman I know! Choppin' broccoli. Dana Carvey is a legend and this, his acclaimed special, is no exception.
- DirectorBruce GowersStarsEddie MurphyJames ArgiroGus LoundermonEddie Murphy's raunchy, raucous stand-up comedy routine is captured for posterity on this tape.I was so used to seeing safe, obnoxious, children's film Eddie Murphy. The Eddie Murphy with no talent and no real sense of humor. Take a leap back in time to when he outrageously took the stage and owned this stand up special with an off the wall enthusiasm. Truly entertaining.
- DirectorTroy MillerStarsBrian ReganBrian Regan exposes the truth behind psychics, discusses the stupidest crimes, and offers his suggestions on how to improve the opera with his easygoing manner and physical brand of humor.Brian Regan is one of the most fun to watch comedians. He's genius without showing off his intellect. In here, you get his normal satire and laughs. This time, it's a little less fresh. He's getting older and it shows, but there are some CLASSIC bits in this show. Mules' sense of humor, the opera skit, the stupid husband, they put a man on the moon. A very lovable special.
- DirectorBill CosbyStarsBill CosbyA concert film in which Bill Cosby discusses weekends, raising children, dentists, and many other situations.Bill Cosby's unique brand of storytelling and humor are showcased in this act. Cosby's stand up inspired many legendary black comics to follow, including the incredibly famous Richard Pryor.
- DirectorLarysa FenynStarsJohn PinetteWith all-new material on everything from health food to family parties, Pinette has one of the most original voices in comedy today.John Pinette doesn't glorify his obesity in the idiotic ways of Gabriel Iglesias or Ralphie Mae. He makes food a whimsical and endearing part of his act. He knows he's fat and he addresses it, but he isn't always like, "Now if yer a big feller like me". He's tasteful, smart, and identifiable. He's an excellent performer.
- DirectorJason WolinerStarsAziz AnsariBrandon JohnsonSara Von GillernComedian Aziz Ansari presents his highly anticipated, hour-long debut stand-up special. The critically acclaimed stand-up and actor (Parks and Recreation, Funny People) discusses topics ranging from sheets with fraudulent thread counts to the chubbiness of his young cousin Harris. Also included is a special encore performance from RAAAAAAAANDY. Don't make a decision you'll regret forever. Purchase Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening. Now.Aziz Ansari in my mind is a comedic legend for one key reason: Human Giant. Human Giant was an edgy, inventive, entertaining and super intelligent sketch comedy show. Aziz went on with a success far greater than that of Paul Scheer (my favorite of the group) and Rob Huebel (Spelling?). This act showcases the specific brand of humor that Aziz brought to the show, while making himself seem a little cooler than he used to be. This show isn't perfect, but it's very funny and quite clever.
- DirectorRobert KrakowerStarsJohn PinetteThe slightly overweight comedian give his uniquely skewed take on life and its many foibles.Not unlike I'm Starvin! They're both fun and have wonderful stories and quotable moments. Another home run for Pinette.
- DirectorRocco UrbisciStarsGeorge CarlinIt's Bad For Ya, Carlin's Emmy-nominated 14th and final HBO special from March of 2008 features Carlin's noted irreverent and unapologetic observations on topics ranging from death, religion, bureaucracy, patriotism, overprotected children and big business to the pungent examinations of modern language and the decrepit state of the American culture. Carlin once again comes up with an hour of brand new material that not only makes you laugh, but makes you think. George Carlin will always remain part of the popular lexicon for his 'Seven Dirty Words' routine, and as a comedian who was never afraid to challenge his audience.It's Bad for Ya! is bittersweet. Sweet because it shows Carlin at even an old age as smart, dark, and engaging as he'd ever been. Bitter because it's a remembrance of the incredible stand up career of one of our nation's most influential comics. George Carlin is the true God of the atheists in my opinion. *beep* Joe Pesci and the sun! I worship and pray to George Carlin.
- DirectorJohn BrenkusStarsBrian ReganThis contains some of Brian Regan's best stand-up comedy including: Emergency Room, Visiting the Doctor, Food, UPS, Refrigerator, Phones and Codes, Airline Stuff, Inventions, Eye Doctor, Dinner PartyBrian Regan's peak performance. The Epitome of Regan. It shows the essence of his unique comic style while providing all of the most classic moments of his stand-up career. If you're looking to get into Brian Regan, this is the place to start.
- DirectorStan LathanStarsDave ChappelleAlbert PrecourtDave Chappelle returns to D.C. and riffs on politics, police, race relations, drugs, Sesame Street and more.Dave Chapelle is without a doubt in the top 5 comedians of this decade. He has a socio-political commentary that is thought provoking and real. There is also a great deal of laugh out loud moments, such as the ghetto scene. Influential comedy at it's best. A modern classic.
- DirectorTerri McCoyStarsDamon WayansThe funny star of "My Wife and Kids" & "In Living Color" will knock you out with his very crazy controversial comedy routine. No one and no subject-matter is safe from this famed comedian.The Wayans are kind of a train wreck as far as comedy goes, but this special is close to the level found on In Living Color. It's not the smartest, or the funniest, but it's solid.
- DirectorJonathan SternDavid WainStarsMichael Ian BlackMichael ShowalterDavid WainSTELLA is the unique comedy trio known for their critically acclaimed Comedy Central series, their long-running nightclub show and their wildly popular series of shorts on the Web. Now STELLA (Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and David Wain) are captured live in concert in all of their uncensored glory.Stella was a great TV show. They also put out some great shorts on line. This just so happens to be a great comedy act. Multi media humor that goes places with profanity and sex that the show couldn't go.
- DirectorJoel GallenStarsChris RockDionicio ChambersDoug E. FreshAre you ready for Rock? Actor/director/comedian Chris Rock performs a gut-busting set in his fourth HBO stand-up special taped before a live audience at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.This isn't the best Chris Rock can do, but it shows that a married man with kids can still be edgy, daring, and most of all funny in the world of stand-up comedy.
- DirectorPaul MillerStarsPatton OswaltScott IanStand-up special from Patton Oswalt.Before Patton Oswalt was having a kid he was a very funny man. His scattered approach and mind boggling creativity is a spectacle. He also gets props for mentioning The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as possibly the best film ever made. I laughed heartily several times. Good intellectual humor.
- DirectorJaime Eliezer KarasStarsDemetri MartinJohn AgrapidesJoseph GrecaA unique talent, Demetri Martin is one of the hottest stand-up comics working today. His new special, Demetri Martin. Person. Inventive and insightful, this top-rated program brings the funny in ways you've never seen.If Demetri's low key special If I was on Imdb, I would have chose it in a flash, but this is the closest they have. If I is a poignant, painful, and immensely intellectual stand-up that I can't rightfully call comedy. Person is more accessible, funnier, but a little dumbed down. It's still genius and excellent, but nowhere near as satisfying as his previous work.
- DirectorAnthony AndersonGary BinkowJames YukichStarsKatt WilliamsAnthony AndersonAndré 3000In-demand comedian Katt Williams offers up The Pimp Chronicles courtesy of HBO. Williams shares his thoughts on such topics as drugs, politics and pop culture in this special event.Katt Williams really kind of sucks as a comedian, but the Pimp Chronicles is quite good. It works through repetition and comedy based off of principles of life. It's pretty damn funny.
- DirectorKevin BoothDavid JohndrowStarsBill HicksComedian Bill Hicks performs a live stand-up show in Austin, Texas.Sane Man is a picture of a truly insane man. INSANE. Bill Hicks literally freaks out before an audience and shows them inside his mind of dark, disturbing, and cynically funny commentary. He's truly disgusted and gets truly disgusting and it's a fascinating journey to travel down. The reaction at the end is the perfect finishing touch. Mesmerizing stuff.
- DirectorLinda MendozaStarsJoel Clark AckermanAlex ParlarNick SwardsonThe biggest names in stand-up. The wildest live audiences. The most outrageous, uncensored comedy.The Frat Boy humor on this is redundant and stupid, but there are sprinkled bursts of imagination that occur when Nick tells his fantasy stories. They are witty and humorous and make it worthwhile to wait through all the stupidity.
- DirectorSteven J. SantosStarsLouis C.K.In his first one-hour special, comedy and television star Louis C.K. returns to HBO for an hour of no-holds-barred, adults-only stand-up comedy taped before a live audience at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles.I don't know if I like Shameless or Chewed up more, but this is just another example of C.K's brilliance. Way to go, man.
- DirectorTroy MillerStarsBrian ReganThe DVD features the complete Brian Regan Comedy Central special along with an encore performance not shown in the original Comedy Central broadcast and Brian's Comedy Central Presents half hour special as a bonus. Standing Up includes the following routines: Driving: Show Horses; California Driver's Handbook; Pinky Thank You; Language Stuff: Van in Miami; Bilingual; Friend Speaks Italian; Flying: Flight Delayed; Tower; Computers; Baggage Claim; Greeting Cards: Too Subdivided; Blank Inside; Encouragement; Just Because; New Baby; Birthday Humorous; Kids: Something Appropriate; Dora the Explorer; Baby Books; Animal Noises; Butterfly Pavilion; Balloon; Dinosaur; TV Shows: Nova; Albert Einstein; Antiques Road Show; Golf on TV; Politics: Voiceovers; Tazer Seven Year Olds; Not Taking Questions; Answer That by Asking This; Billboards; Kennedy's; Fundraisers; News: Arab Americans; News Anchor You Can Trust; News Team That Cares; Brian Regan Spy DVD Extras: Food Labels; Serving Sizes; Lay off Dairy; Cranberries; Pop Tarts; Yoga; Health Clubs; Strong Man Shows; Food Combinations; Peanut Butter and Jelly; Chef Boyardee; Pizza/Pie; IHOP; Eye ExamEven Regan's worst can make any stand up list of mine. This isn't that great, but the Dora the Explorer part and the cards skits, among others are very good.
- StarsMike BirbigliaA few years ago my therapist suggested I keep a journal of the awkward moments occurring in my life. Around the same time audiences were demanding more material, so I started sending this journal to my mailing list and then telling those stories onstage.Birbiglia's nostalgia and honesty make this more than just a stand up special. It's a memoir with a humorous spin, performed live. It's entertaining and fascinating. Mike delivers the material very well and makes the whole thing brilliant.
- DirectorShannon HartmanStarsBo BurnhamThe internet (and soon to be movie, TV, radio, etc.) phenomenon, Bo Burnham, brings you his first one-hour stand-up special "Bo Burnham: Words, Words, Words" from the House of Blues in Boston.Bo Burnham takes Carlin's un-PC and cynical humor and meshes it with the musical sensibilities of Tom Lehrer. He's also more eloquent and wordy than either of those men. At his age, Burnham can be called nothing than a prodigy. A mad scientist with brains beyond his years.
- DirectorLawrence JordanStarsEddie IzzardExecutive transvestite Eddie Izzard takes his show to San Francisco to give a brief history of pagan and Christian religions, the building of Stonehenge, the birth of the Church of England and of Western empires, and the need for a European dream. Along the way, he dramatizes Dr. Heimlich's search for a maneuver, the naming of Engelbert Humperdinck, Scooby and Shaggy as archetypes, Neil Armstrong on the moon, society's tolerance of mass murderers, how we sing anthems and carols, Hollywood adapting British films, JFK's trip to Berlin, thoughts on puberty, and how to work schoolbook-French phrases into Parisian conversation. Closeups catch the glint in his eye and his carefully-applied make-up.A documentary equivalent of a live Monty Python act. Quick and witty British humor that draws heavily from history and culture. There's no question in my mind as to why this is a classic special.