The best hours reached for transcendence through gravity and sheer goofiness, often at the same time.
2023 has been a stellar year for stand-up comedy, with a plethora of specials that have brought laughter, introspection, and keen insight into our lives. These performances range from dark humor to lighthearted goofiness, tackling topics that resonate deeply with audiences. As we look back on some of the year’s best stand-up specials, we see how each comedian uniquely captures the zeitgeist and braves gravity with sheer goofiness. Whether you’re a long-time fan of stand-up or a newcomer looking for a good laugh, these specials are not to be missed. Let’s dive into the top 20 stand-up specials of 2023, which have transcended mere comedy to become unforgettable hours of entertainment.
Related
Explore more stand-up specials and performances that have inimitably shaped the comedic landscape of 2023.
Tags:
Comedy, Stand-Up, Entertainment, 2023, Humor, Performances
20. Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark
Marc Maron, a veteran in the comedy scene, delivers a poignant yet hilariously brutal special in “From Bleak to Dark.” Known for his landmark podcast and raw observational humor, Maron dives deep into personal tragedies and societal critiques, weaving bleakness with dark wit. His special touches on themes such as grief, loss, and existential despair, yet manages to find comedy in the darkest of times. Maron’s skill in this special lies in his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level, making them laugh through their own sorrow and introspection. Whether he’s discussing his relationship with his father or navigating through modern-day anxieties, Maron brings an authenticity that is both refreshing and emotionally resonant.
19. Sam Jay: Salute Me or Shoot Me
Sam Jay’s “Salute Me or Shoot Me” is a bold and unfiltered special that showcases her fearless approach to comedy. Jay, who has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the comedic world, doesn’t shy away from controversial topics. Her biting commentary on race, gender, and sexuality is both provocative and hilarious, challenging audiences to think critically while they laugh. In this special, Jay balances her sharp wit with an irreverent sense of humor, making her perspectives both poignant and entertaining. Her style is confrontational yet endearing, inviting viewers to see the world through her eyes while also questioning their own preconceptions. The special is a testament to her unique voice and her ability to push boundaries in pursuit of genuine comedy.
18. Sasheer Zamata: The First Woman
Sasheer Zamata’s “The First Woman” is a witty and insightful stand-up special that explores themes of identity, feminism, and societal expectations. Zamata, known for her work on “Saturday Night Live,” brings her characteristic charm and intelligence to this hour of comedy. She skillfully navigates through personal anecdotes and broader cultural critiques, making her audiences both laugh and reflect. Zamata’s humor is smart and approachable, allowing her to tackle serious subjects with a light touch. Her special is a celebration of individuality and resilience, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a woman in today’s world. With her sharp observations and relatable humor, Zamata cements her place as one of the most exciting comedians of her generation.
17. Django Gold: Bag of Tricks
Django Gold’s “Bag of Tricks” is a standout special that combines surreal humor with sharp social commentary. Gold, a writer known for his work on “The Daily Show,” brings a distinct and innovative approach to his stand-up, blending absurdity with depth. His special is a rollercoaster of unexpected turns, keeping audiences on their toes with his unpredictable comedic style. In “Bag of Tricks,” Gold delves into everything from political satire to the quirks of everyday life, using his quick wit and unique perspective to craft jokes that are both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. His ability to blend humor with incisive commentary makes this special a must-watch for anyone looking to experience comedy that is both inventive and insightful.
16. Heather McMahan: Son I Never Had
Heather McMahan’s “Son I Never Had” is a hilarious and heartfelt special that captures the essence of her comedic talent. McMahan, who has gained a massive following through her viral videos and social media presence, brings her larger-than-life personality to the stage. Her comedy is a mix of self-deprecation, storytelling, and relatable humor, making her special an absolute delight. In this special, McMahan shares anecdotes from her life, touching on everything from her family dynamics to her experiences with fame. Her candidness and authenticity resonate with audiences, making them feel like they’re catching up with an old friend. “Son I Never Had” is a testament to McMahan’s ability to find humor in the everyday moments of life, making it a standout special in 2023.
15. Josh Johnson: Up Here Killing Myself
Josh Johnson’s “Up Here Killing Myself” is a clever and introspective stand-up special that showcases his unique comedic voice. Johnson, known for his work as a writer on “The Daily Show,” brings his sharp observations and quick wit to this hour of comedy. His special delves into themes of mental health, relationships, and self-discovery, offering a thoughtful yet humorous take on his personal experiences. Johnson’s ability to balance humor with vulnerability makes this special particularly compelling. His jokes are not only funny but also insightful, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives. “Up Here Killing Myself” is a deeply personal and engaging special that highlights Johnson’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller.
14. Brad Wenzel: joke. joke. joke.
Brad Wenzel’s “joke. joke. joke.” is a masterclass in classic stand-up comedy. Wenzel, known for his deadpan delivery and sharp one-liners, brings a refreshing simplicity to his special. The title says it all – this is an hour packed with joke after joke, each one meticulously crafted and delivered with precision. Wenzel’s humor is clever and understated, relying on wordplay and absurdity to keep audiences laughing. His unique style sets him apart in the comedy landscape, making “joke. joke. joke.” a standout special for anyone who appreciates the art of the finely-tuned joke. Wenzel’s ability to consistently deliver laughs with his minimalist approach is a testament to his skill as a comedian.
13. John Mulaney: Baby J
John Mulaney’s “Baby J” is a highly anticipated special that does not disappoint. Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing, brings his trademark humor to this new hour of stand-up. “Baby J” is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and sharp social commentary, all delivered with Mulaney’s characteristic charm. In this special, Mulaney addresses his recent struggles and personal growth, sharing his journey with honesty and humor. His ability to find comedy in difficult situations is both impressive and inspiring, making “Baby J” a must-watch. Mulaney’s talent for storytelling and his relatable humor ensure that this special resonates with audiences everywhere.
12. Kyle Kinane: Shocks and Struts
Kyle Kinane’s “Shocks and Struts” is a hilarious and insightful stand-up special that highlights his unique comedic voice. Kinane, known for his gravelly delivery and self-deprecating humor, brings his A-game to this new hour of comedy. His special is a mix of personal anecdotes, absurd observations, and sharp social commentary, all delivered with Kinane’s characteristic wit. In “Shocks and Struts,” Kinane delves into themes such as aging, relationships, and the absurdity of everyday life, making audiences laugh while also reflecting on their own experiences. His ability to balance humor with depth makes this special a standout, showcasing Kinane’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller.
11. Nate Bargatze: Hello World
Nate Bargatze’s “Hello World” is a delightful and engaging stand-up special that showcases his unique comedic style. Bargatze, known for his laid-back delivery and clean humor, brings a refreshing approach to this new hour of comedy. His special is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and relatable jokes, all delivered with Bargatze’s characteristic charm. In “Hello World,” Bargatze touches on everything from parenting to travel, making audiences laugh with his witty observations and endearing humor. His ability to find comedy in the everyday moments of life makes this special particularly enjoyable, solidifying Bargatze’s place as one of the most beloved comedians of his generation.
10. Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and The Pool
Mike Birbiglia’s “The Old Man and The Pool” is a heartfelt and hilarious stand-up special that captures his unique comedic style. Birbiglia, known for his storytelling prowess and self-deprecating humor, brings his characteristic wit to this new hour of comedy. His special is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and poignant reflections, all delivered with Birbiglia’s signature charm. In this special, Birbiglia shares his experiences with aging and health, finding humor in the challenges and absurdities of life. His ability to blend comedy with introspection makes “The Old Man and The Pool” a standout, highlighting Birbiglia’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller. This special is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful and relatable humor.
9. Dina Hashem: Dark Little Whispers
Dina Hashem’s “Dark Little Whispers” is a standout special that showcases her unique comedic voice. Hashem, known for her dark humor and deadpan delivery, brings a fresh and edgy perspective to this hour of comedy. Her special delves into themes such as mental health, relationships, and cultural identity, offering a thoughtful and humorous take on her personal experiences. Hashem’s ability to balance humor with vulnerability makes this special particularly compelling. Her jokes are not only funny but also deeply personal, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives. “Dark Little Whispers” is a deeply engaging special that highlights Hashem’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller.
8. Mae Martin: SAP
Mae Martin’s “SAP” is a brilliant and insightful stand-up special that captures their unique comedic voice. Martin, known for their clever humor and candid storytelling, brings their characteristic wit to this new hour of comedy. Their special is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and sharp social commentary, all delivered with Martin’s signature charm. In “SAP,” Martin delves into themes such as gender, identity, and relationships, making audiences laugh while also reflecting on their own experiences. Their ability to balance humor with depth makes this special particularly compelling, showcasing Martin’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller. This special is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful and relatable humor.
7. Emma Arnold: Myself
Emma Arnold’s “Myself” is a standout special that showcases her unique comedic voice. Arnold, known for her fearless approach to comedy, brings her characteristic wit and unapologetic humor to this hour of stand-up. Her special delves into themes such as mental health, relationships, and societal expectations, offering a thoughtful and humorous take on her personal experiences. Arnold’s ability to balance humor with vulnerability makes this special particularly compelling. Her jokes are not only funny but also deeply personal, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives. “Myself” is a deeply engaging special that highlights Arnold’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller, making it a must-watch for 2023.
6. Chris Fleming: Hell
Chris Fleming’s “Hell” is a unique and innovative stand-up special that defies conventional comedy norms. Fleming, known for his surreal humor and eccentric style, brings a fresh and unexpected approach to this hour of comedy. His special is a mix of absurdity, social commentary, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with Fleming’s characteristic wit. In “Hell,” Fleming pushes the boundaries of stand-up comedy, offering a performance that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. His ability to blend humor with incisive commentary makes this special particularly compelling, showcasing Fleming’s talent as both a comedian and an artist. “Hell” is a must-watch for anyone looking to experience stand-up comedy with a twist.
5. Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer
Wanda Sykes’ “I’m An Entertainer” is a masterful stand-up special that showcases her unparalleled comedic talent. Sykes, known for her sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy, brings her characteristic humor to this new hour of stand-up. Her special is a mix of personal anecdotes, political satire, and sharp social commentary, all delivered with Sykes’ signature style. In this special, Sykes addresses a range of topics from family to politics, making audiences laugh with her insightful and provocative humor. Her ability to find comedy in the complexities of life makes “I’m An Entertainer” a standout, highlighting Sykes’ talent as one of the most influential comedians of her time. This special is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates intelligent and fearless comedy.
4. Hari Kondabolu: Vacation Baby
Hari Kondabolu’s “Vacation Baby” is a brilliant and thought-provoking stand-up special that captures his unique comedic voice. Kondabolu, known for his sharp social commentary and clever humor, brings his characteristic wit to this new hour of comedy. His special is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and incisive critiques, all delivered with Kondabolu’s signature charm. In “Vacation Baby,” Kondabolu delves into themes such as race, identity, and social justice, making audiences laugh while also encouraging them to think critically. His ability to balance humor with depth makes this special particularly compelling, showcasing Kondabolu’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller. This special is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates comedy with a conscience.
3. Beth Stelling: If You Didn’t Want Me Then
Beth Stelling’s “If You Didn’t Want Me Then” is a standout special that showcases her unique comedic voice. Stelling, known for her clever humor and candid storytelling, brings her characteristic wit to this hour of stand-up. Her special is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and sharp social commentary, all delivered with Stelling’s signature charm. In this special, Stelling delves into themes such as relationships, self-worth, and personal growth, making audiences laugh while also reflecting on their own experiences. Her ability to balance humor with vulnerability makes “If You Didn’t Want Me Then” particularly compelling, highlighting Stelling’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller. This special is a must-watch for 2023.
2. John Early: Now More Than Ever
John Early’s “Now More Than Ever” is a brilliant and innovative stand-up special that captures his unique comedic voice. Early, known for his eccentric humor and sharp wit, brings his characteristic charm to this new hour of comedy. His special is a mix of absurdity, social commentary, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with Early’s signature style. In “Now More Than Ever,” Early pushes the boundaries of stand-up comedy, offering a performance that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. His ability to blend humor with incisive commentary makes this special particularly compelling, showcasing Early’s talent as both a comedian and an artist. “Now More Than Ever” is a must-watch for anyone looking to experience stand-up comedy with a twist.
1. Joe Pera: Slow & Steady
Joe Pera’s “Slow & Steady” is a standout special that showcases his unique comedic voice. Pera, known for his gentle humor and calm delivery, brings his characteristic charm to this hour of stand-up. His special is a mix of personal anecdotes, observational humor, and subtle social commentary, all delivered with Pera’s signature style. In “Slow & Steady,” Pera delves into themes such as self-reflection, relationships, and the beauty of everyday life, making audiences laugh with his thoughtful and endearing humor. His ability to find comedy in the simple moments of life makes “Slow & Steady” particularly compelling, highlighting Pera’s talent as both a comedian and a storyteller. This special is a must-watch for anyone looking to experience thoughtful and relatable comedy.
| Rank | Special | Comedian | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | From Bleak to Dark | Marc Maron | Grief, Existential Despair |
| 19 | Salute Me or Shoot Me | Sam Jay | Race, Gender, Sexuality |
| 18 | The First Woman | Sasheer Zamata | Identity, Feminism |
| 17 | Bag of Tricks | Django Gold | Political Satire, Absurdity |
| 16 | Son I Never Had | Heather McMahan | Family Dynamics, Fame |
| 15 | Up Here Killing Myself | Josh Johnson | Mental Health, Self-Discovery |
| 14 | joke. joke. joke. | Brad Wenzel | Classic Stand-up, Absurdity |
| 13 | Baby J | John Mulaney | Personal Growth, Social Commentary |
| 12 | Shocks and Struts | Kyle Kinane | Aging, Relationships |
| 11 | Hello World | Nate Bargatze | Parenting, Travel |
| 10 | The Old Man and The Pool | Mike Birbiglia | Aging, Health |
| 9 | Dark Little Whispers |