By Jenni Holtz
With all that’s going on in the world, we could all use a laugh! In no particular order, here are 15 wonderful standup specials by women that you can watch at home.
- “Emily Heller: Ice Thickeners”
Emily Heller’s Comedy Central hour tackles issues like vegetarianism, weight loss culture, and awful men in this belly-laugh inducing special.
Where to watch: Comedy Central
2. “Sasheer Zamata: Pizza Mind”
SNL veteren Sasheer Zamata provides an hour of punchy, witty, and downright hilarious jokes and stories. “Pizza Mind” was originally a Seeso original, but now that Seeso is no longer, it’s available to stream for free on TubiTv!
Where to watch: Tubi
3. Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams: “2 Dope Queens”
Following the success of the podcast of the same name, Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams’ standup show was picked up by HBO. Each themed episode features standup from Robinson and Williams along with 15 minute sets from hand-picked comedians and visits from special guests including Daniel Radcliffe, Uzo Aduba, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Where to watch: HBO
4. “Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust”
In this special, Sarah Silverman gets deep. Existential, heartwarming, and sprinkled with zingers, “A Speck of Dust” will make you laugh and tear up.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Aparna Nancherla: “The Standups” Season 2
“The Standups” is full of great half hours, but Aparna Nancherla’s is the standout of season 2. Nancherla talks frankly about anxiety, texting with parents, and Yelp reviews.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. “Cameron Esposito: Rape Jokes”
In her most recent special, Cameron Esposito talks about her experiences as a survivor of sexual assault navigating the world of comedy: a place where many male comedians feel comfortable making jokes at the expense of rape surviviors. The special is touching, cathartic, and clever. Esposito released the special for free on her website with a suggested donation going directly to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network in the United States.
Where to watch: Free on Cameron Esposito’s website (suggested donation)
7. “Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty”
After stealing scenes in “The Mindy Project,” Fortune Feimster released a knockout special where she talks about coming out as gay, her relationship with her mom, and growing up in the South.
Where to watch: Netflix
8. “Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin’”
Amanda Seales talks about being a Black woman in America, high school romance, and the difference between compliments and catcalls. If you loved Seales in “Insecure,” you’ve got to check out this one!
Where to watch: HBO
9. “Garfunkel and Oates: Trying to be Special”
Garfunkel and Oates is a duo of Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci. Together, they perform comedic songs about everything from smug pregnant women to X. And if you can’t get enough, there’s also a short series featuring the duo available on HBO.
Where to watch: Netflix
10. “Jenny Slate: Stage Fright”
Jenny Slate’s first stand-up special is interspersed with documentary footage of her family and her childhood home. The added clips add a personal touch to the funny stories Slate shares about her sexuality, divorce, and very real fear of being onstage.
Where to watch: Netflix
