Stress is sneaky. One moment, you’re fine. The next? Your inbox is overflowing, your to-do list is mocking you, and suddenly, even deciding what to eat for dinner feels like too much.
You could meditate. You could take deep breaths. Or—you could laugh your way out of it.
Stand-up comedy is like a mental reset button. A great special can pull you out of your head, make you forget your worries, and remind you that life, no matter how ridiculous, is also kind of funny.
So, if you’re looking for the best stand-up comedy specials to shake off the stress, here’s a list. Some classics, some Netflix favorites, some underrated gems. Just pick one, press play, and let yourself laugh.
Timeless Stand-Up Comedy Specials That Always Work
Some comedians? Legends. No matter how many times you’ve watched their sets, the jokes still land. If you need guaranteed laughs, start here.
1. Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)
No exaggeration—this is one of the most important stand-up specials ever. Richard Pryor was raw, brilliant, and way ahead of his time. His storytelling? Untouchable.
2. Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983)
Before movies, before fame, Eddie Murphy was a stand-up powerhouse. “Delirious” is loud, bold, and completely unapologetic. Some jokes have aged… questionably. But if you’re looking for pure comedic confidence, this is it.
3. George Carlin: Jamming in New York (1992)
Carlin didn’t just do stand-up. He dissected society, took it apart, and somehow made it hilarious. This special is sharp, fast, and filled with observations that still feel relevant.
4. Robin Williams: Live on Broadway (2002)
Robin Williams didn’t do slow. This special is pure energy—voices, impressions, physical comedy, everything happening all at once. Exhausting? A little. Hilarious? Absolutely.
Best Stand-Up Comedy Specials on Netflix Right Now
Netflix is packed with stand-up specials, but not all of them are great. These? These are worth your time.
5. John Mulaney: Baby J (2023)
John Mulaney’s charm is his superpower. He could tell a story about buying milk, and you’d still laugh. In “Baby J,” he talks about rehab, addiction, and making terrible life choices—and somehow, it’s still hysterically funny.
6. Ali Wong: Don Wong (2022)
Ali Wong is sharp, bold, and absolutely ruthless. If you like comedy that doesn’t hold back—about relationships, success, and everything in between—this one’s for you.
7. Tom Segura: Ball Hog (2020)
Tom Segura’s humor is dry. Very dry. He delivers punchlines with such a straight face that it sometimes takes a second for the joke to hit. When it does? You’re done.
Hidden Gems: Stand-Up Specials You Might Have Missed
Not every great comedy special makes headlines. These ones should have.
8. Taylor Tomlinson: Look at You (2022)
Dating, mental health, growing up—Taylor Tomlinson breaks it all down. Her delivery is effortless, her jokes hit hard, and if you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, this will feel painfully accurate.
10. James Acaster: Repertoire (2018)
Hard to explain James Acaster. He’s weird, awkward, absurd, and completely hilarious. If you want something different—something that doesn’t feel like typical stand-up—watch this.
11. Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid (2019)
Not every comedian yells. Nate Bargatze keeps it low-key, telling hilariously relatable stories in the most laid-back way possible. Perfect if you just want good, clean laughs.
Stand-Up Specials for Pure, Stupid Fun
Sometimes, you don’t need smart. You don’t need deep. You just need dumb, ridiculous fun. These specials bring that energy.
12. Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny (2010)
High-energy, over-the-top storytelling. Kevin Hart is a master of making everyday life sound insane, and this special is one of his best.
13. Bert Kreischer: Secret Time (2018)
Bert Kreischer doesn’t tell jokes. He tells wild stories. Half of them are probably true, half are probably made up. Doesn’t matter. You’ll be laughing too hard to care.
14. Gabriel Iglesias: One Show Fits All (2019)
Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy) has a gift for voices, impressions, and making everything sound funny. Easy, feel-good comedy for when you just want to relax.
Why Stand-Up Comedy Is the Best Stress Relief
Laughter helps. Science says so. It reduces stress hormones, relaxes muscles, and—even if just for an hour—makes you forget about everything else.
The best part? There’s a comedian for everyone. Some people love loud, high-energy comedy. Others prefer something more subtle. Some want social commentary, others just want nonsense. No wrong choices.
So, next time you’re overwhelmed, skip the doomscrolling. Pick a special, press play, and let yourself laugh.
Because sometimes, that’s all you need.
