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Perhaps it is a Sunday evening, and also you’re on the lookout for one thing humorous to look at. Perhaps you simply obtained dumped and are on the lookout for a bit of comedic aid. Perhaps you’re a budding, up-and-coming comic and wish some much-needed inspiration. Regardless of the motive, in case you’ve obtained a Max subscription, there’s one thing for everybody on this listing of the highest stand-up comedy specials on the streamer. Stand-up comedy has created lots of buzz in current occasions, driving a large viewers to streaming companies and letting them eat hour-long specials from a few of the funniest folks on the market. Earlier, the artwork was restricted to golf equipment, with comedians performing for a small crowd and thriving on the laughs they generated. However with the rise in streaming content material and the necessity for aid via jokes in actual life, there was a surge of comedians being featured in a particular.

From political statements to fantastical musings, these stand-up comedy specials are identified for pushing previous the boundaries of humor and forcing us to rack our brains and relax. Entertainers like Tig Notaro and Daniel Sloss, who communicate to millennials, in addition to Chris Rock and Tracy Ullman, who have already got a big fan base, are all part of this listing. So, with out additional ado, let’s get into some hilarious stand-up comedy specials accessible to stream on Max proper now.

Up to date on April twenty fourth, 2025, by Soniya Hinduja: This text has been up to date with further content material to maintain the dialogue recent and related with much more data and new entries.

40

Seth Meyers: Dad Man Strolling (2024)

Seth Meyers steps away from his late-night desk and into the highlight along with his first HBO stand-up particular, Seth Meyers: Useless Man Strolling. Filmed on the iconic Vic Theatre in Chicago, this hour-long set finds him speaking about household life, marriage, and the chaos of elevating three youngsters in New York Metropolis. He weaves collectively jokes about his youngsters, their quirks, the generational variations, and the absurdities of contemporary parenting in his personal model, making the topic private and relatable.

Witty and Easy Household Tales

As an SNL alum and beloved TV persona identified for his sharp political commentary on Late Night time with Seth Meyers, the Emmy-winning author delivers clever humor and simply connects with the viewers on a private degree. His jokes listed here are extra concerning the on a regular basis hilarity of household life, and though they’re largely directed at mother and father, followers of the comic discover his easy-going conversational model enjoyable to sit down via.

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Ramy Youssef: Extra Emotions (2024)

A hilarious follow-up to his acclaimed particular, Emotions, Ramy Youssef: Extra Emotions brings the comic again to the stage. The Max particular is directed by Christopher Storer, and it dives into how advanced and divided the world is presently. Ramy additionally shares a childhood e book report that formed his life and talks concerning the pitfalls of charitable giving. Together with his humor and introspection, he delivers insights into matters starting from the 2024 election to the significance of prayer.

Humor Via a Cultural Lens

Golden Globe-winning actor and comic Ramy Youssef is finest identified for his groundbreaking, self-titled Hulu sequence, which addresses life’s contradictions via feedback on religion and id within the trendy world. Extra Emotions seems like an extension of the identical due to how considerate and scary it’s. The private anecdotes add appeal to it. Produced by A24, the particular highlights Youssef’s signature knack for turning real-life experiences into one thing that connects us all.

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Nikki Glaser: Sometime You may Die (2024)

Nikki Glaser’s Sometime You’ll Die is a daring and unfiltered exploration of life’s most uncomfortable truths in essentially the most unapologetically witty method. And that’s precisely what Glaser endorses. Filmed on the Moore Theater in Seattle, the particular finds her speaking about topics like getting older, not eager to have youngsters, societal expectations of motherhood, and even her personal mortality. Glaser dissects every thing concerning the feminine expertise with honesty.

Uncooked and Fearless

As one of the vital sought-after comedic voices of her era, Glaser has established a popularity for her easy method to tackling taboo matters. On this stand-up particular, she turns existential dread right into a comedic masterpiece and authentically speaks her thoughts. In any other case identified for her work on Not Secure with Nikki Glaser and her earlier HBO particular Good Clear Filth, and for lately internet hosting the 83rd Golden Globes, she places the identical fearless, self-deprecating humor on show with this one.

37

Alex Edelman: Only for Us (2024)

A masterclass in storytelling, Alex Edelman: Only for Us combines humor and social commentary in the most effective of how. The particular truly originated as a critically acclaimed Broadway particular, and it facilities round Edelman’s expertise infiltrating a white nationalist assembly in Queens as a Jewish man. Whereas recounting how weird the scenario was, Edelman additionally infuses tales about his upbringing and modern-day prejudice into the combo.

Breath of Recent Air in Stand-Up

Alex Edelman is a rising star within the comedy world, and whereas it’s laborious to be instantly impressed by a brand new man, Edelman makes it extraordinarily simple for followers to maintain chuckling together with the best way he units up his jokes and converses about something and every thing below the solar. Directed by Alex Timbers and produced by Mike Birbiglia, the particular is each thought-provoking and wildly entertaining, and it showcases Edelman’s expertise as a author and performer. Only for Us additionally earned him a Tony Award and an Emmy Award.

36

Gary Gulman: Born on third Base (2023)

With Born on third Base, Gary Gulman displays on the quirks of rising up in a working-class Jewish household. Filmed for Max, the hour-long stand-up particular sees Gulma pertaining to matters like revenue inequality, privilege, childhood struggles, in addition to the challenges of maturity along with his trademark humor. He critiques billionaire tradition and even remembers his experiences with free college lunch packages within the sharpest and wittiest manner.

Literate Humor and Social Commentary

As a veteran of the comedy scene, Gulman has grow to be accustomed to tackling matters which might be usually polarizing, however he does so with a uncommon mixture of humor and empathy, which makes every thing light-hearted and humorous. He takes a cerebral method to comedy; as an illustration, his earlier specials like The Nice Depresh dove into psychological well being. This one had followers admiring his vulnerability and distinctive voice, and it holds a 100% approval ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.

35

Drew Michael: Drew Michael (2018)

A one-of-a-kind stand-up comedy particular, Drew Michael: Drew Michael is the Saturday Night time Stay author’s first one-hour-long HBO outing. Within the particular, he shares humorous anecdotes from his childhood, coping with mother and father, his personal insecurities, and by no means realizing the principles about life. Michael holds nothing again and makes use of his sharp wit to navigate his fears in an unconventional setting.

An Experimental Comedy Particular

Regardless of being identified for having a cheerful and accessible model, Michael stuns everybody along with his experimental model. He movies the comedy particular in a stark black room, speaks on to the digital camera, and makes some genuinely piercing feedback on themes of hysteria and interior demons. The dramatic shift in lighting provides impact to his punchlines and smaller moments of humor. As an general debut, the particular is kind of tense and unsettling, however it succeeds via appeal and impeccable timing.

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Tig Notaro: Boyish Woman Interrupted (2015)

Tig Notaro: Boyish Woman Interrupted is her first memoir-style particular. Having been round for therefore lengthy, working as a radio speak present host first and tracing the waters of the music trade after, Tig displays on her personal journey along with her signature model of deadpan humor. Within the particular, she discusses being identified with breast most cancers and dealing with mastectomy surgical procedure, in addition to the nice lack of dropping her mom. Her chilly remarks and candid storytelling shock and heartens everybody.

A Uncooked Efficiency by Tig Notaro

Notaro’s uncooked efficiency on this comedy particular is profoundly shifting. And never simply because someplace in the course of performing, she lets Boston see the scars on her physique, but additionally for navigating ache in a manner that forces laughter out of her viewers. Her fearless humorousness transforms trauma into one thing that encourages audiences to face collectively. The particular additionally boasts a minimalist but impactful tone; one which Tig grew to become synonymous with going ahead.

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Carlin at Carnegie (1983)

Filmed gloriously at Carnegie Corridor, New York Metropolis in 1982, Carlin and Carnegie is the acclaimed comic’s third particular. On the peak of his reputation, George Carlin recorded his sold-out efficiency and his materials coated the atypical locations in life folks would moderately not talk about. Rehashing some NSFW terminology whereas additionally making remarks on society’s absurdity and the American dream of happiness and homeownership, he flexes an excellent command of language.

A Basic George Carlin Particular

Carlin at Carnegie is a timeless piece of comedy historical past. It goes with out saying that Carlin’s comedy was forward of its time. He constantly pushed social boundaries and dropped at the stage a considerate satire. Distinctively, Carlin was a grasp at dissecting tradition and analyzing on a regular basis language on a microscopic degree. His observations and witty rhythms captivated audiences and left them totally entertained. For any fan of stand-up on the lookout for a real comedic genius, Carlin at Carnegie is the right decide.

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Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles (2013)

After a short stint as a author and forged member on Saturday Night time Stay through the Nineties, Sarah Silverman reinvented herself for a private tv program. Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles is her first HBO solo particular, the place she ruminates on life and folks with boundless vitality and wit. Her sharp wit and stunning materials touches on topics of self-pleasure, the existence of God, and fueling one’s personal guilt.

Silverman Pushes Boundaries

Silverman’s daring and unapologetic humor is a method that by no means fails to shock and delight. She is the type of comic you already know what to anticipate from, and but her devilishly humorous jokes at all times handle to hit the correct spot. Boundary-pushing takes on faith and politics are as mental as they’re chucklesome, which is principally how Silverman transforms heavy ideas into lighthearted humor and finds which means in on a regular basis issues. Via the artwork of stand-up, Silverman engages her viewers in uncensored pleasure.

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Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel (2022)

His extremely intimate and profound particular was recorded on the Blue Notice Jazz Membership in New York Metropolis. In Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel, the comic displays on his circle of relatives historical past and rising older with emotions of loneliness and anxiousness. Opening with the road “I need to discuss secrets and techniques,” and in addition placing up a two-way dialog with the viewers, Carmichael amuses them along with his sincerity and distinctive mix of storytelling and emotion, in the end disarming everybody.

A Dialog With Jerrod Carmichael

All through the years, Carmichael has developed right into a singular voice in comedy. Recognized for his potential to juggle heavy subject material, one that may make him weak, and infusing it with trademark wit and knowledge, he extends the identical nuance and viewpoint and leaves an enduring impression on his viewers. The 57-minute particular is directed by three-time Emmy-winning comedian Bo Burnham, and it succeeds by feeling like a real-time dialog the place the viewers, too, finds which means and connection, together with Carmichael.

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Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Increased (2006)

Cedric Kyles does all of it in Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Increased. Launched in 2006, this prolific comedian’s first-ever comedy particular on HBO sees him performing in Los Angeles, California, with a complete cavalcade of dancers, musicians, and extra alongside him. Bookended by a colourful musical efficiency, Cedric offers his ideas on costly dinners, the Warfare on Terror, and the celebrity that comes with success. If something, this particular is definitely different.

Comedy, Music, and Extra

Although youthful viewers could acknowledge Cedric the Entertainer extra from The Neighborhood than from Barbershop and The Steve Harvey Present, his charisma and bombastic persona make him totally entertaining. Mix that with a slick sense of fashion, and you’ve got a full-on entertainer giving it his all on stage. Taking You Increased is, general, a terrific particular that may fly by before you’d anticipate.

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Yvonne Orji: Momma, I Made It (2020)

Whereas you’d usually see stand-up comedians star in movies and reveals as an alternative of vice versa, Yvonne Orji: Momma, I Made It! is a shocking exception. Orji, being a Nigerian-American, brings her distinctive perspective on life via a number of tales involving scholar loans, Nigerian markets, and troubles with relationship.

Actress Turned Comedienne

After skyrocketing to fame via her breakout position in HBO’s Insecure, Yvonne Orji would get her personal devoted stand-up particular on the identical community in 2020. What’s particularly attention-grabbing about Momma, I Made It! is how private it will get. Yvonne Orji incorporates real-life footage depicting a youthful model of herself again in Nigeria, mixed with a sentimental look of her mom into the set. Whereas it serves as an instance a number of of Yvonne’s tales, it additionally offers this thrilling comedian a surprisingly personable stage presence.

28

Nikki Glaser: Good Clear Filth (2022)

Nikki Glaser stands up in entrance of a sold-out viewers to speak about every thing obscene. After already including her identify to the listing of revered girls in comedy, she’s again for one more particular. Filmed whereas on tour, Good Clear Filth takes well mannered dialog and throws it out the window. Glaser is understood for her brutally trustworthy model, coping with the viewers as if that they had been associates for a very long time; in the event that they had been the type of associates that you simply name when you could have a disgusting rash, and also you don’t know what to do about it.

Making Comedy Out of Taboo Topics

This actress comedienne has had exceptional success early in her profession, exploding onto the scene in reveals like Inside Amy Schumer and a complete number of reveals on Comedy Central. Glaser usually talks about taboo topics, could be discovered oversharing her intercourse life, and can educate you the way to trick somebody into marriage. Nonetheless, she manages to pivot from private humiliating moments right into a voice for empowering girls on this excellent particular, which is a must-watch for followers of comedy.

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Paul F. Tompkins: Pushed to Drink (1999)

Earlier than he voiced Mr. Peanutbutter in BoJack Horseman, Paul F. Tompkins can be a frequent face on HBO by way of his roles on Mr. Present with Bob and David and Actual Time with Invoice Maher. In fact, he would additionally get his personal stand-up particular in 1999 titled Paul F. Tompkins: Pushed to Drink. Tompkins covers a wide range of matters in his set, together with arguments, partying, and present enterprise whereas casually sipping away at a pint of beer.

A Transient However Hilarious Particular

Being part of the HBO Workspace sequence, Tompkin’s set is considerably shorter than a few of the different entries listed right here. Barely clocking in at half an hour complete means there is no time for filler. As a substitute, it is a continuous efficiency, with the consumption of alcohol being a central theme all through. However that doesn’t make the particular any much less humorous. In reality, with punches that come laborious and quick, this one might be among the best for fast viewing and a ton of guffaws.

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Ricky Velez: Right here’s Every thing (2021)

They are saying one of the simplest ways to promote your first-ever comedy particular is to place your self fully bare on the poster. Ricky Velez has achieved simply that, as he began his stand-up profession by revealing every thing to his captive viewers. Right here, he’ll reveal his expertise for referring to folks and speaking via comedy. His present rakes via his upbringing in Queens with intense honesty, and he delivers his set with a down-to-earth feeling that may have you ever cheering for him ultimately.

Velez Brings His Writing to the Stage

Ricky Velez has already been working lengthy and laborious as a comedy author. He was a contributor on The Nightly Present with Larry Wilmore – an offshoot of The Every day Present when John Stewart was nonetheless operating it. He performed Oscar in The King of Staten Island and appeared in reveals like Crashing, Grasp of None, and Single Drunk Feminine. Velez has definitely confirmed himself behind the scenes and off-camera, however now, for the primary time, he’ll have the entire stage to himself. So go see this humorous man step out and naked all.

25

Dan Soder: Son of a Gary (2019)

Dan Soder: Son of a Gary options Soder performing in New York Metropolis, skewering a wide range of matters together with his adolescence, drug-sniffing canine, and his deceased father. Regardless of the lattermost matter diving into some darker territory, Soder handles it with a shocking type of earnest maturity. Those that loved Soder’s quite a few radio appearances might be pleased to listen to that this materials is wholly distinctive, with each story being organically linked collectively.

Earnest Comedy

Dan Soder has had his fingers in just a few completely different pies through the years. With frequent radio appearances on Sirius XM, both as a number or reoccurring visitor, to his position on Showtime’s Billions, he managed to make a reputation for himself with out ever getting a outstanding stand-up particular on HBO. That’s, till 2019, when he carried out the aforementioned particular. On the finish of the day, the quantity of guffaws Soder dishes out is nicely value your time.

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Whitmer Thomas: The Golden One (2020)

Some males spend a very long time within the rest room making an attempt to make it appear to be they’ve bedheads. Whitmer Thomas simply has a ridiculous head of hair. With a resumé stacked with brief movies and writing credit, this might be his first comedy particular. For the particular, he appeared on stage on the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge the place his late mom and her twin sister used to carry out. His comedy model has been described as provocative, distinctive, and intensely private. He talks so much about his upbringing in Alabama and the way he identifies as an getting older emo child.

An Unconventional Stand-up Comic

Whitmer Thomas has appeared in reveals like The Strolling Useless, Tuca & Bertie, and Workaholics. He additionally made his present Stone Quackers, and starred in The Civil Useless. Essentially the most operative phrase used for this comic is “unconventional”, so in case you’re on the lookout for a brand new taste to your common slapstick comedian, undoubtedly try this particular. Furthermore, the jokes he makes about being a delicate child at all times hit too near house.

23

Ian Lara: Romantic Comedy (2022)

Ian Lara: Romantic Comedy, one other HBO debut, is an appropriately titled forty-minute comedy particular. Performing in a relatively small venue, Lara’s set covers absolutely anything that impacts our on a regular basis lives. Remedy, the pandemic, holidays, and extra are all given the Ian Lara therapy, with a efficiency that exudes real enthusiasm. Nothing ever actually feels phoned in, nor does he really feel obligated to stay to a single set of matters. Every thing and something could be poked enjoyable at, which Lara does with shocking effectivity.

Comedy Discovered within the World of Relationship

With a title like Romantic Comedy, you can too anticipate an emphasis on trendy relationship. Going past romance and intercourse, he additionally addresses the significance of growing significant relationships via dialog, made more practical via his emphasis on private tales. Beneath some occasional soiled jokes, there is a shocking quantity of wit and appeal to be discovered on this stellar comedy particular.

22

Michelle Wolf: Good Girl (2017)

Michelle Wolf made her HBO debut with Michelle Wolf: Good Girl in 2017. Suffice to say, it is a unbelievable introduction to her model of comedy. Initially writing for Late Night time with Seth Meyers and The Every day Present with Trevor Noah, Wolf has a stellar data of satire and present occasions in her stand-up units.

Loaded with Enthusiasm

She voices her opinions on bodily appearances, completely different interpretations of feminism, and the way she comes off to others, which makes her genuine and unapologetic. All of Wolf’s jokes are made with such infectious enthusiasm, that you will be in tears by the point the particular is over. A specific bit involving a textual content dialog with a man at a fitness center is a notable spotlight in a set that is filler-free.

21

Chris Gethard: Profession Suicide (2017)

This comedy particular takes the hilarious Chris Gethard and provides him the complete consideration he deserves. He’s most recognizable as Todd from Broad Metropolis and he most lately has a task enjoying Jeffery Epstein on the brand new Bob Odenkirk sequence Fortunate Hank. He’s appeared as a visitor author on Saturday Night time Stay and has acted his manner throughout the comedy-sphere with components in Parks and Recreation, Inside Amy Schumer, and Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.

Making Mild of Darkish Topics

Profession Suicide was reviewed positively by The New Yorker. It takes on Gethard’s themes of psychological well being and the struggles he’s confronted all through his life with alcoholism and suicidal ideation. But it surely does so in a hilarious style, citing one private anecdote about binge-drinking and a Batman masks. The present additionally features a operating gag a couple of unusual, ethically doubtful therapist. Gethard delivers all this ache with highly effective humor that may make you snicker with him and at him. ​