Cracking Up: Unforgettable Stand-Up Comedy Shows That Left Audiences in Stitches

Stand-up comedy shows have become a form of entertainment that never fails to make us laugh out loud. Whether it's the hilarious storytelling of Tom Segura or the undeniable charm of Bert Kreischer, these comedians have created shows that have captivated audiences worldwide. From the classics like Richard Pryor's "Live in Concert" to the thought-provoking performances of Ali Wong in "Hard Knock Wife," we delve into some of the most watched stand-up comedy shows that have left a lasting impact on viewers and continue to be talked about for years to come.

Film

On October 5th, Netflix released the latest stand-up special by Dave Chappelle, titled The Closer. As you may know, this special caused quite a stir on the internet, generating a lot of commentary, backlash, and protest. But how did it perform in terms of viewership? Surprisingly, it did better than most other stand-up specials, although that's not saying much. Unfortunately, I don't have any other stand-up specials in my Nielsen data set to compare it to visually.

Interestingly enough, The Closer is the first comedy special to ever make it onto the Nielsen rankings. I double checked this multiple times, and the numbers confirm it.

To give you some context, Netflix itself stated that Kevin Hart's Zero F**ks Given was their most-watched comedy special in 2020. However, even though it was released on November 17th, it didn't make it to the Nielsen Top 10 list for that week, which means it had less than 7.8 million hours of viewership. In other words, it had a viewership similar to Chappelle's special, which earned 6.7 million hours in its first week. It seems that these two comedians consistently attract the most viewers for Netflix's stand-up specials. If you're curious, here are my best estimates for the top stand-up specials on Netflix based on the information available:

1. Dave Chappelle's Sticks and Stones - Over 21 million viewers [highest all-time, according to a memo from Ted Sarandos]

2. Kevin Hart's Zero F**ks Given - Viewership of 21 million [highest comedy special in 2019, according to a press release from Netflix]

3. Dave Chappelle's The Closer - Estimated viewership of 20 million [leaked information from Bloomberg]

You may wonder where the estimate of 20 million viewers for The Closer comes from. In the past, an average show or film typically receives about 50% of its total views within the first 28 days, or twice the viewership it had in its first week. So this estimate is my rough calculation based on that pattern.

When compared to all films, The Closer ranked 46th out of the 105 first-run films in my data set. It could be considered an average performer, placed somewhere in the middle. It's possible that it had a slightly lower budget compared to some of the surrounding films in the rankings, such as Kate, Yes Day, Wish Dragon, and Stowaway. However, it doesn't have a significant advantage in that regard. On the other hand, stand-up specials like The Closer and Zero F**ks Given face challenges in terms of "hours viewed" metrics because of their shorter duration. The Closer runs for only 72 minutes, while Zero F**ks Given is 69 minutes long.

In any case, it's not wise to judge or praise Netflix's investment strategy in stand-up based on only one data point. Stand-up specials can be relatively inexpensive to produce, even if they don't achieve massive ratings. However, it's clear that their audience ceiling is lower compared to most films.

Quick Notes on Film

- Pay 1: Disney - Black Widow. On its debut, Black Widow accumulated 11.3 million hours of viewership, making it the fourth highest debut out of 14 pay 1 films in my data set. It falls behind Raya and the Last Dragon with 18 million hours and even Cruella with 13.6 million hours. I will provide more detailed thoughts on this in The Ankler next week.

- Licensed: Netflix - Titanic. Every week, new licensed titles pop up on Netflix and make it onto the top ten film list. This week, Titanic arrived on Netflix on October 1st. It is the third highest-grossing film of all time. It's worth keeping an eye on James Cameron's work. And let's assume that Titanic had already broken even before adding 5.8 million hours of viewing on Netflix.

- Licensed: Netflix - Premonition. The last film on the top 30 list is a supernatural thriller called Premonition starring Sandra Bullock. Netflix licensed it for the month of October. This move seems to be a strategy to cater to Halloween-related content and capitalize on the success of Birdbox, which also featured Bullock. Not a bad approach.

- "Dog Not Barking" of the Week: The "Welcome to Blumhouse" films on Prime Video. Starting on October 1st, Prime Video released two horror films as part of their big production deal with Blumhouse. Then, on October 8th, they released two more. The titles are Bingo Hell, Black as Night, Madres, and The Manor. So far, none of these films have made it to the Nielsen ratings charts. Furthermore, these films seem to have poor ratings on IMDb, with scores in the 4s. This doesn't bode well for their performance. Perhaps these films will gain more traction in October, but I have my doubts.

Here's a little secret to Blum's success as a producer: he avoids theatrical releases for his bad films. This strategy allows him to make cheap films and focus all his marketing efforts on potential hits. I've always admired this approach. However, this strategy only works if he shares in the theatrical success. For streamers, he adopts a "cost plus" model, where budget constraints are less of a concern. That's why I believe Prime Video overpaid for these films, as they bought the duds that Blum wouldn't even consider releasing in theaters.

- Biggest DNB Candidate This Week: Disney - Muppets Haunted Mansion. I must admit, my household is filled with avid Muppets fans, and we absolutely loved this spin-off of the Disney ride. However, it seems that the film didn't resonate with customers as much as we had hoped. Like the Blumhouse titles, we'll see if Muppets Haunted Mansion picks up steam during October.

Television

I know that most internet readers are eager for information about Squid Game, but I'm going to take a different approach. Today, I want to discuss Manifest. For the first time since June 6th, Manifest is not on the ratings charts for acquired TV shows. It marks the end of the "Manifest Summer," and what a run it was. Here are the total hours viewed for each week:

I also included Squid Game and Outer Banks as two interesting comparisons.

This situation raises a question I explored in a previous issue of The Ankler: did more people watch Manifest on NBC than on Netflix? My speculation was that when Netflix released season 3, the gap between NBC and Netflix viewership would close. That's exactly what happened! Since the release of season 3, Manifest saw a 42% increase in hours viewed, going from 218.3 million hours to 310.2 million hours. Here's an updated chart:

Even though this report primarily focuses on streaming ratings, I believe this comparison provides valuable context for the overall potential of streaming ratings. Broadcast television still has a significant impact on viewership. While it may seem like Netflix dominates the streaming landscape, the cumulative viewership of most shows on Netflix is comparable to the steady viewership of broadcast TV. To put it into perspective, the total viewership of all Netflix shows is only about 30 million hours more than the viewership of Manifest on traditional TV in a live or within 7 days time frame. The difference is not as significant as one might think.

And if you're still not convinced, consider this fact: Squid Game's viewership surpassed that of Sunday Night Football, one of the most-watched TV events. Rick Porter from The Hollywood Reporter provides an interesting comparison:

For visual learners, here's a comparison of the peaks in viewership for Squid Game, Manifest, and Sunday Night Football:

So, was Manifest a huge hit for Netflix? Absolutely. Did it come at the perfect time, considering Netflix's light summer schedule? Definitely. Is broadcast TV completely irrelevant? Not yet. All these statements can coexist.

Quick Notes on TV

- First Run: Netflix - Maid. This limited series premiered on October 1st and didn't make it to the ratings charts in its first week. However, in its second week, it climbed to 31.7 million hours of viewership. This is an impressive jump, akin to what Squid Game experienced.

I didn't expect to use that chart again so soon after creating it two weeks ago. As I mentioned previously, Maid received the "datecdote" treatment, with Netflix announcing that 67 million households sampled at least 2 minutes of the show.

Considering that Maid doesn't generate as much buzz as other shows, this significant jump in viewership calls for further explanation. My best guess – and it's purely speculative – is that there's a "tune-in" effect when a popular show goes viral. This effect brings in viewers to sample other shows on the streaming platform. I believe this happened when Tiger King attracted viewers, who then stayed to watch Ozark. The Queen's Gambit and The Crown also brought in viewers to discover Virgin River. While I don't have enough data to support this theory definitively, it's my current working hypothesis.

- Speaking of Squid Game, it surpassed 50 million hours of viewership for the second week. It had a slow start but reached a remarkable peak. We will have more opportunities to analyze Squid Game in the future. As of now, it stands as the second biggest show in our data set, only trailing Tiger King but surpassing Bridgerton.

- Licensed: Netflix - Seinfeld. After missing the list last week, Seinfeld made a jump to the number two spot in acquired TV shows, with 9.8 million hours viewed. If the trend of the top ten data continues, Seinfeld will likely drop off the list in the near future. It's worth noting that Seinfeld's appearance on the list displaced The Simpsons.

- First Run Returning: Netflix - On My Block. On October 4th, Netflix released the latest season of On My Block, and it made it onto the Nielsen Originals list with 12.9 million hours viewed. It ranked fifth among the season 4 launches. However, this is a slight decrease compared to season 3, which benefited from the streaming boom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Season 3 achieved 19 million hours viewed.

- Dropped Off the List: Prime Video's Goliath only lasted one week on the Nielsen charts, which is not a good sign for a fourth season series. Additionally, Marvel's What If...? is no longer on the charts.

- Biggest "Dog Not Barking" of Last Week: It's difficult to pinpoint a major release that should have made the top of the list. Therefore, I will focus on two children's titles. For Disney, Lego Star Wars: Terrifying Tales (released on October 1st) seems to be the biggest disappointment. (They have another film too.) On the other hand, The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo on HBO Max doesn't have official viewership data available. However, the show seems to generate more buzz among adults than kids.

- Biggest "Dogs Not Barking" This Week: I am closely monitoring Among The Stars on Disney and Sexy Beasts on Netflix as the two titles that failed to make it to the ratings charts this week.

Datecdote of the Week

While discussing Manifest, it's only fair to take a glance at the landscape of broadcast TV. I've referred to NBC's La Brea as a "NuManifest," as it shares similarities with the show. Both are buzzy, high-concept speculative fiction series that may end prematurely. These two shows have also performed well, considering the current state of broadcast television:

As you can see, La Brea attracted an impressive live audience of five million viewers. It's important to note that although these viewers may not include journalists from entertainment trades, they are real people watching the show.

In addition, this gives me an opportunity to share this insightful observation from Rick Ellis of All Your Screens regarding NBC's recent struggles with big-budget dramas:

Lastly, for an interesting thread on La Brea using Parrot Analytics data, check out analyst Julia Alexander's analysis:

Last week, Comcast's CEO didn't provide any information on Peacock's growth, but he did mention that La Brea was "the best performing new show" on the platform.

Without any context, I looked into what that could mean by looking at another popular streaming NBC show.

You can find her thread here.

Tom Segura: Sledgehammer (2023)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour 1 minute | Director: Ryan Polito

Directed by Ryan Polito, Tom Segura: Sledgehammer is a raunchy and hilarious comedy special featuring the comedian, author, and podcaster Tom Segura (Instant Family). Filmed in Phoenix, Arizona, Tom Segura: Sledgehammer explores Segura's family, upbringing, and his peculiar fascination with the icon Brad Pitt. Segura shares stories about his own father as well as the challenges of being a father himself, addressing various topics without any filter. With Segura's relaxed delivery, Tom Segura: Sledgehammer candidly reveals relatable and uncomfortably true stories that will resonate with parents of all ages. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Netflix

Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle (2023)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour | Director: Jeff Tomsic

Cast: Bert Kreischer

Taking a unique and playful approach to stand-up comedy specials, Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle showcases the hilarious and unapologetic comedian Bert Kreischer. Kreischer bares his vulnerability through storytelling, belly laughs, and an unforgettable shirtless performance. Directed by Jeff Tomsic, the special captures Kreischer's live show in Omaha, Nebraska and translates his shamelessly entertaining act into a televised comedy experience. Offering genuine reflections on his childhood, experiences with bullying, and more recent adventures with his own family, Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle is a delightful and hilarious experience that will entertain both longtime fans and newcomers. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Netflix

Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh (2018)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour 13 minutes | Directors: Steven Brill, Nicholaus Goossen

Saturday Night Live alum Adam Sandler takes the stage in Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh, a comedy special that showcases his talent and humor as he travels across the United States. Sandler performs stand-up, musical numbers, and shares personal anecdotes about his journey in comedy. From comedy clubs to concert halls and even a subway station, Sandler delivers laughs to audiences who have enjoyed his humor for decades. With appearances by Dan Bulla and his long-time collaborator Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh celebrates Sandler's career in a distinctively Sandler-esque manner. Directed by Steven Brill and featuring segments from Nicholaus Goossen, this special is a delightful tribute to the comedian with the iconic egg-shaped head. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Netflix

Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Never Forget For the Rest of Your Life (2018)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 14 minutes | Director: Marcus Raboy

Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, The Steep Canyon Rangers

Featuring the comedic duo of Steve Martin and Martin Short (known for their roles in Only Murders in the Building), Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Never Forget For the Rest of Your Life is an entertaining hour of comedy and music. This special was recorded at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina, and showcases the talents of Martin and Short as they perform a variety show of sketches, jokes about their friendship, and beloved characters from their long careers. Alongside their live comedy and banjo playing, they are joined on stage by The Steep Canyon Rangers and jazz pianist Jeff Babko. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Netflix

Joel Kim Booster: Psychosexual

Run Time: 1 hour and 7 minutes | Director: Doron Max Hagay

In addition to his work in the queer comedic take on Pride and Prejudice called Fire Island and his scene-stealing performances in Loot, Joel Kim Booster has a new stand-up special on Netflix called Psychosexual. Split into three acts, this special showcases Booster's witty humor and captivating stage presence. He explores topics related to his identity as a gay Asian man, shares general jokes, and delves into more risqué subject matter about sex. Known for his skill in crowd work, Booster's style appeals to audiences from all backgrounds and identities. His special is a testament to his rising star power. – Taylor Gates

Watch on Netflix

Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)

Run Time: 1 hour and 1 minute | Director: Marcus Raboy

Taylor Tomlinson's Quarter-Life Crisis offers a raw and relatable perspective on being a 25-year-old. Tomlinson connects with her audience on a deep level by sharing her personal experiences and navigating the challenges of transitioning from youth to adulthood. Through her stand-up, she highlights the universal awkwardness and struggle to conform to societal expectations. Tomlinson's unique perspective as a woman adds depth to her jokes, emphasizing the specific obstacles she faces. With her impeccable crowd control and storytelling, Tomlinson creates a bond with her audience, making Quarter-Life Crisis a hilarious and insightful experience. – Marco Vito Oddo

Watch on Netflix

Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!

Run Time: 1 hour and 3 minutes | Director: Sebastian DiNatale

Ronny Chieng, known for his roles in Shang-Chi and Crazy Rich Asians, delivers a hilarious stand-up set in Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!. With irreverent jokes about being Asian, racism, American consumerism and politics, Chieng showcases his comedic talent and unique perspective as a transnational individual. He provides an insightful Asian history lesson while sharing humorous anecdotes about various aspects of American culture. With sharp commentary on politics and race relations, as well as anecdotes about life in New York City, Chieng proves himself to be a rising star in the comedy world. – Therese Lacson

Watch on Netflix

Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby (2019)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 1 minute | Director: Neal Brennan

Seth Meyers brings his charm and charisma to the stand-up special Lobby Baby. Known for his nightly talk show, Meyers presents a set filled with political jokes, cleverly providing an option to skip the political segment for those who prefer a different style of humor. However, what truly sets Lobby Baby apart is Meyers' relatability when discussing marriage and fatherhood. Meyers's comedic skills shine as he crafts jokes that explore relatable aspects of everyday life. From hilarious descriptions of dance instructors to jokes about his own interactions with his wife, Meyers expertly crafts a comedic experience that resonates with audiences. – Matt Goldberg

Watch on Netflix

John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes | Director: Alex Timbers

John Mulaney, one of the most popular comedians of the moment, impresses audiences with his stand-up special Kid Gorgeous at Radio City. Whether you choose New in Town, The Comeback Kid, or Kid Gorgeous, Mulaney's unique style and impeccable timing will have you laughing from the start. Filmed at Radio City Music Hall, Kid Gorgeous showcases Mulaney's trademark storytelling and absurd humor. He effortlessly weaves spectacular narratives, descriptions, and punchlines, delivering jokes that are both relatable and wonderfully strange. Expect a thoroughly entertaining experience that solidifies Mulaney's reputation as a master comedian. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Tom Segura: Completely Normal (2014)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 14 minutes | Director: Jay Chapman

Tom Segura's stage presence instantly makes you feel like his friend. His effortless charisma, matched with his acerbic cynicism and genial warmth, creates a comedy set that covers everything from sex and diet to deviant behavior. With his masterful deadpan delivery and self-deprecating style, Segura captivates audiences with raunchy and relatable anecdotes. His three Netflix specials, Completely Normal, Mostly Stories, and Disgraceful, are all winners, but Completely Normal, Segura's first special on the platform, showcases his knack for turning mundane topics into uproarious jokes. Segura's ability to push boundaries without crossing into tastelessness sets him apart as one of the best comedians in the business. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 18 minutes | Director: Jeff Margolis

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert is an iconic comedy special. Recorded in 1979 in Long Beach, California, Pryor delivers a performance that established him as a legend in the industry. Pryor's infectious energy and ability to command a crowd are on full display as he tackles topics such as race and cultural criticism. His material, which remains relevant and impactful decades later, demonstrates why Pryor is considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. From start to finish, Pryor's set is a tour de force of comedy that continues to captivate audiences. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Anthony Jeselnik: Thoughts and Prayers (2015)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 59 minutes | Director: Adam Dubin

Anthony Jeselnik proves that even the darkest topics can be funny if approached with intelligence and talent. Jeselnik's Thoughts and Prayers showcases his unique ability to deliver biting one-liners and controversial punchlines without crossing the line into tastelessness. Jeselnik's command of the stage and his mastery of deadpan humor set him apart as a comedian who fearlessly tackles taboo subjects. He navigates sensitive topics with precision, making sure to never make victims or the disenfranchised the punchline. Thoughts and Prayers is a master class in pushing boundaries while still providing scathing cultural commentary. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 9 minutes | Directors: Jon Olb, Madeleine Parry

Hannah Gadsby's Nanette is a groundbreaking comedy special that blends stand-up and performance art. Gadsby seamlessly weaves between humor and personal revelations, delivering a powerful and thought-provoking experience. With impeccable timing and emotional grace, Gadsby delves into topics such as art, abuse, and trauma. Through her storytelling, she challenges traditional comedic structures and offers a paradigm-shifting perspective on the role of genius and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of art. Nanette pushes the boundaries of the form and establishes Gadsby as a trailblazing comedian. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Ali Wong: Hard Knock Wife (2018)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes | Director: Jay Karas

Ali Wong redefines the boundaries for female comedians in Hard Knock Wife. Following her groundbreaking special Baby Cobra, Wong continues to push boundaries by discussing the harsh realities of birth and motherhood. With brutal honesty and a foul-mouthed verve, Wong fearlessly explores the physical demands, emotional drain, and body horror that come with being a mother. Beyond motherhood, Wong covers topics such as sex, race, dating, and marriage with candidness and humor. Her stylish and sassy delivery adds an extra layer of comedic brilliance to her insightful and hilarious observations. Wong's voice in comedy is exciting and surprising, making her a standout performer in the industry. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Patton Oswalt: Annihilation (2017)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 6 minutes | Director: Bobcat Goldthwait

Patton Oswalt's Annihilation is a profound and heartfelt stand-up special. Oswalt combines humor with deeply emotional topics such as grief and loss, showcasing his talent for storytelling and cultural commentary. Balancing tonal shifts with precision, Oswalt takes his audience on a journey that explores the complexities of comedy in the Trump era and the personal experience of processing the passing of his wife, Michelle McNamara. His impeccable timing and sharp wit shine through as he crafts jokes that provide both laughter and introspection. Oswalt's Annihilation is a standout piece of comedy that demonstrates the power of vulnerability in performance. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King (2017)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 12 minutes | Director: Christopher Storer

Hasan Minhaj's Homecoming King is a powerful and captivating stand-up special. Co-directed by Christopher Storer, known for his work on Bo Burnham's Make Happy, Homecoming King expertly balances between the stage and the screen. Minhaj's storytelling prowess shines as he navigates topics such as his experiences as a child of immigrants and the challenges he faced growing up. With intelligence and wit, Minhaj provides cultural commentary and offers insights into generational immigrant experiences. Homecoming King showcases Minhaj's ability to engage his audience through precision timing, emotional range, and an intimate understanding of his material. – [Author Name]

Watch on Netflix

Neal Brennan: 3 Mics (2017)

Image via Netflix

Run Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes | Director: Neal Brennan

Renowned as the co-creator of the critically acclaimed Chappelle’s Show, Neal Brennan confidently takes center stage in his solo performance, delving into the complex intersection of comedy and personal turmoil. As the title suggests, Brennan showcases his talent using three microphones, neatly divided into three distinctive categories: "One-Liners," "Emotional Stuff," and "Stand-Up". Far from a mere gimmick, this arrangement impressively guides Brennan's physical traversing across the stage and his emotional journey, effortlessly alternating between clever one-liners that elicit frequent chuckling and more tightly crafted stand-up segments that ignite bursts of laughter. However, the true essence of the set reaches astonishing heights during the "Emotional Stuff" portion, in which Brennan fearlessly exposes his struggles with depression, his feelings of shame as a "star fucker," and, most hauntingly, his turbulent relationship with his abusive father. Brennan skillfully maintains a sharp sense of timing throughout the performance as he not only wrote and directed it but also performed it, deftly pausing the comedic moments precisely when the audience needs a breath of fresh air, only to swiftly plunge them back into a state of resonating impact.

Watch on Netflix

These stand-up comedy shows are not just a string of jokes and laughter, but a testament to the power of comedy. From the timeless classics of Richard Pryor to the groundbreaking performances of Hannah Gadsby, these shows have captivated audiences worldwide and left a lasting impact. Whether it's Tom Segura's raw and unapologetic humor or Ali Wong's unapologetic take on motherhood, each comedian brings their own unique brand of comedy to the stage. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to be entertained by the most watched stand-up comedy shows that will have you laughing until your sides hurt.