In the need of a good laugh? Netflix’s standup lineup has you covered in December.
This has been a great year for comedy and a lot of that has to do with Netflix. They’ve released at least one new special every week this year, in addition to the six-episode half-hour series The Standups. There has been a big push from the company, not just promoting the big stars but encouraging new comedians as well. They even have a Twitter feed devoted to satire @NetflixIsAJoke.
Throughout the year we’ve seen some big names get their own Netflix specials and December continues to deliver. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s important to take time out to put on something comfy and settle into some funny.
Craig Ferguson: Tickle Fight
Release Date: December 5, 2017
Craig Ferguson, former host of CBS’s The Late Late Show, is an author, comedian, and lover of America. Born in Scotland, Ferguson had such unbridled enthusiasm for this country that he actively sought honorary citizenship from each state in the union (receiving it from more than a dozen states) before he was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2008, a ceremony he aired on his show. This is his second Netflix standup special after his debut in 2013 ‘I’m Here to Help’.
Judd Apatow: The Return
Release Date: December 12, 2017
If you don’t know who Judd Apatow is I don’t quite know what to say to you. He’s had his hands in everything from Freaks and Geeks to blockbuster movies. A modern comedy icon, he has produced movies like Bridesmaids and Step Brothers, and has written and directed plenty more, including This Is 40, Funny People, Knocked Up, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. More recently, he produced the critically beloved The Big Sick, directed Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck, and was a writer/director/producer on HBO series Crashing. He is also the creator of the Netflix Original series Love and cameos in the Netflix Original movie Sandy Wexler to boot. This is his debut standup special and his first return to standup after 25 years.
Todd Barry: Spicy Honey
Release Date: December 26, 2017
Todd Barry is an actor, writer, comedian, and voice actor known for his dry humor and deadpan delivery. His work includes several Comedy Central specials, comedy albums, and television appearances. His pacing is very deliberate. One of his latest ventures was a seven-city tour during which he abandoned all pre-written material and instead struck up conversations with audience members hoping that somebody would set him up for a good line or two. An entire show consisting entirely of crowdwork displays some pretty fantastic talent.
Dave Chappelle: Equanimity
Release Date: December 31, 2017
The name Dave Chappelle is huge in the world of standup. This is his third Netflix Original standup special. The first two were released at the same time earlier this year. What’s notable about this new special is that it’s the only one to feature brand new material shot specifically for Netflix. His previous specials featured material the comedian already had in his personal archives when he struck his three-special-deal with Netflix. His specials are some of the most watched ever for the streaming giant. What better way can you ring in the New Year than watching Netflix?
