Wow, 2025 — within the race to dismantle civilization, you actually outdid your self. And it took some sensible stand-ups this 12 months to take our issues large and small and switch them into jokes that reminded us that what we’re going by way of isn’t so dangerous or at the very least supply solace that issues might at all times be worse. The perfect comedy specials even discovered a strategy to deliver humanity collectively. From arena-level acts to L.A.’s favourite native comics, these had been our favourite comedy specials from 2025.
Los Angeles, CA. October 2, 2025 – Comic Frankie Quinones at Tremendous Chief Artwork Gallery in Los Angeles, CA Thursday, October 2, 2025. ( Ethan Benavidez/For The Occasions)
(Ethan Benavidez/For The Occasions)
Frankie Quiñones, “Rattling, That’s Loopy” (Hulu)
In his Hulu debut “Rattling That’s Loopy,” comedy sketchmaster Frankie Quiñones, who earned viral fame for his Cholofit character, does all of the heavy lifting as himself. And at sure factors, he undoubtedly will get heavy. Directed by Ali Wong, the particular takes viewers on a journey of relationship baggage, pandemic-related intercourse addictions and unresolved household trauma over sexual abuse he endured when he was a toddler. But nonetheless — there are many laughs alongside the way in which. It’s the kind of factor that folks will definitely label as courageous, however solely as a result of it succeeds with out attempting to be. (Nate Jackson)
Andrew Schulz: LIFE. Andrew Schulz on the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY. Cr. Clifton Prescod/Netflix © 2025
(Clifton Prescod/Netflix)
Andrew Schulz, “Life” (Netflix)
It’s straightforward to be fooled into considering Andrew Schulz resides his greatest life when he’s within the highlight. However the stand-up comedian and profitable podcaster has been by way of his personal share of issues too, like his and his spouse’s efforts to have a child. It was an ordeal that impressed a refreshingly trustworthy core of his newest hour titled, merely, “Life,” which centered on struggles with conception, IVF and new fatherhood. Although 2025 was a 12 months when his identify was usually linked to the manosphere led by Joe Rogan, Schulz’s particular places much less effort into shock humor and any alt-right political agendas (although there’s a contact of that right here and there) as he leads along with his private story that exhibits a facet to him as a father or mother that makes it not simply humorous, but additionally a compelling watch. (N.J.)
Our picks for this 12 months’s greatest in arts and leisure.
Sebastian Maniscalco, “It Ain’t Proper” (Hulu)
In his seventh particular, “It Ain’t Proper,” Sebastian Maniscalco continues his streak because the Michael Jordan of disgruntled dad humor. As an arena-level act, the 51-year-old Chicago-bred comedian nonetheless has the rubber-limbed athleticism and animated bravado that enables each considered one of his punchlines to be seen from house (or at the very least a budget seats). However the over-the-top exaggeration he’s recognized for is at all times rooted in humility and disgrace — as with every good Italian. The infirmities of getting older are additionally a key supply of laughter on this new hour, from the wrestle of placing on socks, going to mattress with sleep apnea or taking his household to the zoo. Just like the title of the particular, a variety of the stress Maniscalco continues to place up with as a celebrity comedian doesn’t appear proper, however fortunately it’s nonetheless humorous. (N.J.)
Invoice Burr, “Drop Useless Years” (Hulu)
Nobody detonates a room with honesty and irritation fairly like Invoice Burr, and his newest, “Drop Useless Years,” exhibits the comic in his totally developed kind. His rants stay ceaselessly epic as he talks about outlawing struggle, freedom of youngsters’ speech, social acceptance, (not) considering constructive and faux political empathy. He even turns inward, questioning his personal must be likable and empathetic. Burr could joke that he’s a damaged man, however as followers would count on, he items it collectively superbly on this particular. (Ali Lerman)
Jordan Jensen, “Take Me With You” (Netflix)
Jordan Jensen’s comedy is tough to categorize, identical to the remainder of her. And whereas that’s typically how we like our humorous individuals — layered, nuanced, tortured — it tends to wreak havoc on the precise lives of the comics themselves. Not fairly becoming in a field (regardless that she undoubtedly is aware of how you can construct one) has been Jensen’s shtick since beginning. She grew up in upstate New York, raised in a heavy-construction household that included three lesbian mothers and a dad who died when she was younger. Due to that unconventional background, she says her stage of hormone-fueled boy craziness combined along with her rugged potential to swing a hammer principally turned her into “a homosexual man.” Someplace in her teenagers she entered a “fats mall goth” part that she’s by no means left, even after changing into a preferred comic worthy of a Netflix particular. Combining her interior Sizzling Matter teen with freak-flag feminism and alpha-male vitality, her fashion makes not becoming in really feel like one of many coolest issues you are able to do — as a result of it’s. (N.J.)
Atsuko Okatsuka
(Mary Ellen Matthews / Disney)
Atsuko Okatsuka, “Father” (Hulu)
There have been a variety of specials that got here out this 12 months, however just one featured a wonderfully coiffed bowl haircut, as a result of solely Atsuko Okatsuka might pull it off. In her newest for Hulu, “Father,” Okatsuka makes an amazing case for codependency as she talks about dwelling a tandem life along with her husband Ryan, their alternative to not have children, the draw back to having “a narrative,” and he or she additionally pulls again the pompoms on the darkish facet of cheerleading. Okatsuka’s actions are simply as witty as her phrases, her vitality is infectious, and “Father” is as refreshingly unpredictable as she is. (A.L.)
Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy. Gabriel Iglesias on the Arduous Rock Seminole in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Cr. Clifton Prescod/Netflix © 2024
(Clifton Prescod/Netflix)
Gabriel Iglesias, “Legend of Fluffy” (Netflix)
Within the pantheon of stand-up comedy’s dwelling legends, few names carry extra weight than Fluffy‘s. In “Legend of Fluffy,” which premiered on Netflix in January, the comic born Gabriel Iglesias takes followers by way of a large retrospective of his profession in comedy whereas zooming in on sure features of life: relationship as a newly single man, attempting to age gracefully, and a theft that occurred at his former dwelling in Lengthy Seaside. It’s the kind of particular that’s loud (identical to his Hawaiian shirts) but additionally incorporates a constructive message about refusing to surrender in your goals even within the face of obstacles, doubt or a near-death expertise on a personal jet. (N.J.)
Marc Maron, “Panicked” (HBO)
The L.A. comedy scene’s favourite curmudgeon remains to be discovering the desire to propel himself ahead, hurtling over one existential disaster after one other. A lot of them come out in his newest HBO particular, “Panicked,” the place he zooms in on the indignities of not solely rising outdated however discovering methods to take care of an getting old dad whom he describes as “newly demented.” Between bits about being unfortunate in love, we see flashes of ache held over from the demise of his companion Lynn Shelton. However that vulnerability one would possibly ordinarily save for remedy comes out within the type of genius, nonsensical segues to bits about rat poop below his home, Hitler’s style selections, the saving energy of Taylor Swift and extra from Maron’s endearing, hopelessly twisted psyche. (N.J.)
Nate Jackson
(Christina Home/Los Angeles Occasions)
Nate Jackson, “Tremendous Humorous” (Netflix)
There’s a purpose Nate Jackson’s debut Netflix particular arrives throughout barbecue season. Perched on a stool below the highlight at his exhibits, the comic spends many of the night delivering hospital-worthy third-degree burns to crowd members who need the smoke. All through his quick-witted hour of crowd work on “Tremendous Humorous,” Jackson finds a strategy to weave the tales of his random viewers members collectively in a means that makes the entire present really feel pre-planned. In the meantime, at the same time as Jackson is busy making followers the butt of his comedic freestyle, the particular person laughing the toughest within the crowd is normally the roastee. It’s the mark of excellent crowd work that’s not merely properly accomplished however, extra vital, accomplished properly. (N.J.)
Leanne Morgan, “Unspeakable Issues” (Netflix)
Most comics are used to getting higher with age however not essentially greater. Although she’s simply turned 60 years outdated, considered one of comic Leanne Morgan’s funniest jokes about herself is about simply how large she’s gotten —not by way of her profession however her determine. It’s one of many first strains that escapes her mouth in her newest Netflix particular, “Unspeakable Issues.” However regardless of her jokes about not becoming into the standard Hollywood mildew, it’s clear that Morgan’s life and profession have actually modified for the higher since her hit 2023 Netflix debut, “I Am Each Girl.” As she grabbed the mic once more for the streamer in 2025 — this time on a glitzy stage sporting a golden robe — her unvarnished fashion of storytelling exhibits us why she’s resonating with a lot of America. There’s simply no substitute for a whip-smart Southern girl telling it like it’s. (N.J.)
Iliza Shlesinger
(Marcus Ubungen / Los Angeles Occasions)
Iliza Shlesinger, “A Completely different Animal” (Prime Video)
Comic Iliza Shlesinger takes the phrase “particular” very severely, and never simply because she’s accomplished a variety of them (seven). It’s as a result of when she hits the stage, the purpose is to go away a mark. In her newest, “A Completely different Animal,” Shlesinger dives into her evolution as a mom of two coping with “mother mind” whereas proudly upholding her position as an elder millennial who can faculty Gen Z and Alpha newbies on what’s up with a combination of knowledge, wit and wild animal noises. (N.J.)
Ralph Barbosa, “Planet Bosa” (Hulu)
Garnering nationwide buzz since his debut Netflix particular “Cowabunga,” Ralph Barbosa has reached the highest of his recreation in “Planet Bosa,” his newest hour on Hulu. Except for getting extra snug on stage, the 28-year-old exudes an vitality on this new part of his profession that’s a welcome shock from a man whose packed schedule barely leaves time for sleep. The brand new particular delves into his relationship life, household woes as a younger single dad and writing cleverly genuine jokes in regards to the surprising ICE raids which have led to widespread detention and deportation of immigrants. (N.J.)
Jim Gaffigan, “Dwell From Outdated Forester” (YouTube)
Increase your glass to Jim Gaffigan for being THE pre-party for Thanksgiving along with his newest providing, “Dwell From Outdated Forester: The Bourbon Set.” Devoted to his love of the spirit, Gaffigan’s “ardour undertaking” is already at over 3 million views and is full of bourbon historical past and info, wacky bourbon names, and consumption tales that even somebody who covets Combating Cock over Blanton’s would join with. And naturally, between the mash payments and tasting notes, he nonetheless manages to slide in loads of self-roasting. Gaffigan known as this particular “area of interest,” however the reality is, when he’s the symposiarch, “The Bourbon Set” is an oak barrel of straight-up laughs for the lots. (A.L.)
Steph Tolev
(Christina Home/Los Angeles Occasions)
Steph Tolev, “Filth Queen” (Netflix)
Blunt, unapologetic, insanely humorous and proudly owning the crown of “Filth Queen,” Steph Tolev knocked it out of the smutty park along with her first Netflix particular. Produced by Invoice Burr and filmed on the Paradise Rock Membership in Boston, her present rips by way of bodily features, relationship gone flawed and, spoiler, the messy truths about ladies. Her vitality is subsequent stage, her confidence is all I need for Christmas, and irrespective of your gender, or in the event you’re holding in fuel or not, Tolev is giving everybody (besides possibly your mother and father) permission to giggle on the good, the dangerous and the bushy. (A.L.)
Cristela Alonzo
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Occasions)
Cristela Alonzo, “Higher Elegant”
Within the third installment of the Texas comic’s “Elegant” trilogy (“Decrease Elegant” was in 2017, and “Center Elegant” in 2022), Alonzo undoubtedly saved essentially the most class for final. “Higher Elegant,” her newest particular, is by far her most weak, which the comic says is critical, particularly throughout this political second when individuals like her are spoken about within the information, however not spoken to. She provides us her rags-to-riches story of rising up in an deserted diner along with her household, pairing that towards her life now and having fun with the childhood she by no means had — and the flexibility to maintain all her payments on autopay. After being taught to work laborious in an immigrant family, Alonzo is studying how you can dwell laborious — and have enjoyable — in her 40s (together with taking swimming classes). Along with her glow-up full, Alonzo nonetheless makes it some extent to rep her Mexican roots with satisfaction. (N.J.)
Ali Siddiq, “Rugged” (YouTube)
Switching forwards and backwards between high-energy and easy cool, Ali Siddiq captivates as he shares (and acts out) insane household tales in “Rugged.” A grasp of storytelling, Siddiq talks about staying trustworthy, youngsters and their antics, and getting mad about issues that aren’t even taking place, all whereas retaining every considered one of his bits hilarious to the top. Siddiq may not be the king in his personal fortress, however he’s actually a king amongst comedians, and “Rugged” proved it this 12 months. (Enjoyable truth: Siddiq launched two specials in 2025, the opposite being “My Two Sons,” which is equally as nice and likewise on YouTube.) (A.L.)
Jim Norton, “Unconceivable” (YouTube)
Filmed on the Comedy Cellar in New York, Jim Norton’s latest hour, “Unconceivable,” explores every little thing from adjusting his life (and condominium) as a first-time husband to intimacy along with his spouse, Nikki, all whereas remaining brutally trustworthy, darkish and Norton to the core. Even listening to him clarify the pressures and expectations that society locations on strangers and their marriages — which ought to totally be severe — feels extra like a comedy confessional reasonably than a set. He’s an trade veteran for good purpose. His “Unconceivable” is as humorous and as uncooked because it will get, proving as soon as once more that there’s no such factor as TMI when it’s delivered by the best comic. (A.L.)
Jay Jurden, “Sure Ma’am” (Hulu)
In his first particular, “Sure Ma’am, ”comic and Mississippi native Jay Jurden burns verbal energy whereas exhibiting the world why queer males from the South are sometimes undefeated at being hilarious and relatable. Dependably deadly along with his joke building, Jurden’s each breath is laced with humor as he covers transphobia guidelines, emo rappers, touring by way of blue dot cities, and enjoyable tales with a touch of cuckoldry. His Southern background could have formed his tales, nevertheless it’s Jurden’s hilarious and frank honesty that make “Sure Ma’am” a “hell sure, ma’am!” for 2025. And that million-dollar smile doesn’t damage both. (A.L.)
Rosebud Baker
(Christina Home/Los Angeles Occasions)
Rosebud Baker, “The Mom Lode” (Netflix)
Life-altering within the sincerest sense of the phrase, “The Mom Lode” comedically chronicles Rosebud Baker’s journey into motherhood, in actual time. Expert at mining laughs from life’s hardest conditions and along with her inside dumpster fireplace entrance and middle, Baker goes from resisting parenthood to IVF, miscarriages, discussing parenting types and questioning her personal id. Filmed and edited beautifully with the identical model of a joke, pre- and post-pregnancy, Baker actually did hit the mom lode giving beginning to this particular that now will get to dwell with its different mama, Netflix. (A.L.)
Ken Flores, “LOL Dwell With Ken Flores”
This 12 months, the comedy world misplaced considered one of its greatest up-and-coming voices with the demise of Ken Flores at age 28. Migrating from the Chicago stand-up scene to L.A., the loud comedian made his presence recognized with uncooked, street-wise fashion, a diamond grill that made crowds smile earlier than he even informed a joke. Weight-related humor apart, Flores was undoubtedly one of many heavies within the native stand-up scene, and this half-hour comedian assault is a time capsule of what might have been with this rising expertise who left us too quickly. (N.J.)
Bert Kreisher
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Occasions)
Bert Kreischer, “Fortunate” (Netflix)
Bert Kreischer resumes his shirtless razzle-dazzle and expertise for hilarious, heartfelt storytelling in his particular “Fortunate,” impressed by his fixed state of figuring out the luck in his life. Most of that luck, let’s be trustworthy, is definitely the results of being married to his spouse, LeAnn, who retains him from going over the sting along with his antics. For those who’re into his model of bare-chested misadventures, you’ll get loads of that. However the coronary heart of this newest hour doesn’t actually present up till Kreischer’s transferring tribute to his household’s canine, which is able to depart you laughing and crying proper together with him. (N.J.)
Comic CP, “Sunday After Six” (Veeps)
Chris Value, a.okay.a. comic CP, is a killer on the mic. Whether or not he’s internet hosting or headlining, comedy followers who’ve seen him carry out know that his dragon-style supply combined with inventive storytelling breathes fireplace onto any stage. His debut particular, “Sunday After Six” places all of his abilities firmly on show in a means that may hopefully result in our seeing extra of him on the display screen subsequent 12 months. (N.J.)
Trae Crowder, “Liberal Redneck” (YouTube)
Don’t decide a comic by his accent, particularly if it’s Trae Crowder. Although the Tennessee-born comic describes his voice as having extra Southern twang than “a racist banjo,” it takes him lower than two minutes onstage to point out why he’s often known as “the Liberal Redneck.” Whether or not it’s punchlines skewering white supremacists or viral video rants in regards to the Trump period filmed from the entrance seat of his sun-damaged Jeep, Crowder’s model of comedy is a mind-melting mixture that by no means minces phrases about the place he stands on main subjects associated to America. His newest particular, “Trash Daddy” — launched on YouTube through comedy platform 800 Pound Gorilla — swerves amongst jokes about politics, household and dwelling life as a hick from the sticks whereas attempting to lift California-bred kids. (N.J.)
Phoebe Robinson, “I Don’t Need to Work Anymore” (YouTube)
Phoebe Robinson’s new comedy particular dismantles girl-boss tradition, questioning whether or not monetary independence and fixed achievement really result in ladies’s happiness. “I Don’t Need to Work Anymore” tackles trendy relationship, getting old and the exhausting stress to always create content material. The 41-year-old comic now prioritizes relaxation, boundaries and genuine work over relentless productiveness and the necessity for exterior validation. (N.J.)
Tim Dillon, “I’m Your Mom” (Netflix)
Taped on the Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas, “I’m Your Mom” is Tim Dillon doing what he does greatest, showering us with the arrogance of a person who’s completely accomplished pretending issues make sense. From America’s endless id disaster and movie star worship to his personal royal worship and to what parenting looks like from his view, he breaks down the world’s nonsense with the vitality of somebody who’s seen some s— and isn’t impressed. “I’m Your Mom” isn’t steerage, it’s a verbal smackdown wrapped in laughter that’s unremorseful and so properly written, Tim Dillon is now our mom. (A.L.)
Kathleen Madigan, “The Household Thread” (Prime Video)
Kathleen Madigan’s “The Household Thread” items us an hour constructed on the on a regular basis chaos and wry Midwestern sensibility that outline her comedy. From absurd household group texts to getting old mother and father and small-town quirks that really feel immediately recognizable, she by no means fails to show the frustrations of life into sarcastically sharp punchlines. “The Household Thread” is a grasp class on why Madigan has stored individuals entertained for years with nothing greater than honesty and excellent storytelling. (A.L.)
Mike Vecchione, “Low Earnings White” (YouTube)
Making a second particular funnier than the primary is easy for Mike Vecchione, and “Low Earnings White” serves as a fair sharper follow-up to his debut particular, “The Attractives,” each produced by Nate Bargatze. Vecchione’s deadpan fashion and fixed misdirection are on full show as he talks about age gaps, magic medical doctors and the truth of marital vows, piling on joke after sarcastic joke. (A.L.)
Ian Edwards, “Untitled” (YouTube)
Ian Edwards fires off rapid-paced jokes all through his newest particular, “Untitled.” On the Comedy Retailer in La Jolla, Edwards’ consolation onstage (in a onesie, no much less) is in plain view as he riffs on relationships, complicated albinos, problematic journey, rooting for the flawed facet of present occasions, and the numerous layers of racism in green-bubble texts. “Untitled” is a straight shot into the thoughts of Ian Edwards, and in the event you’ve slept on this particular, there’s nonetheless time to repair that. (A.L.)
Ryan Sickler, “Dwell & Alive” (YouTube)
Ryan Sickler turned thick blood into candy wine this 12 months along with his new particular “Dwell & Alive.” His trademark candor (and giggle) drives the hour as he performs tour information by way of a traumatic hospital keep that almost turned his final — loads of morbid humor to go round on this hour. His survival is his personal setup and punchline as he pulls you into embarrassing bits at his personal expense. And each twist and ridiculous flip leaves you grateful he’s nonetheless round to inform the story whereas being “Dwell & Alive.” (A.L.)
Chinedu Unaka, “LOL Dwell With Chinedu Unaka” (Hulu)
For over a decade, L.A.-bred comic Chinedu Unaka’s passion-driven work as a particular schooling trainer would turn out to be the day job that each funded his dream and gave him the instruments to attain it as he held the eye of youngsters with ADHD whereas making them study whereas laughing. Coming at comedy from the lens of a charismatic teacher with a Nigerian American background, Unaka’s fast wit and dry humor about life, relationships and his immigrant mother and father are on full show in his newest particular. (N.J.)
Cameron Esposito
(Christina Home/Los Angeles Occasions)
Cameron Esposito, “4 Tablets” (DropOut)
Loads of comedy specials are made for us to sit down and giggle at a comic’s humorous ideas. In her newest particular, Cameron Esposito desires to take issues a step additional by supplying you with a glance inside her mind. As an individual recognized with bipolar dysfunction at age 40, her thoughts gives so much to unpack. However the purpose stays the identical as any particular: to giggle at one thing we really feel like we’re not purported to, solely to understand we will relate to an individual’s struggles greater than we expect. In her newest hour, “4 Tablets,” Esposito has honed a contemporary perspective on dwelling with bipolar dysfunction that pressured her to take her 20 years of stand-up to the following stage by bringing followers into the deepest a part of her world for the primary time. (N.J.)
Samantha Hale, “Horror Nerd” (Apple TV/ Prime Video)
Solely Samantha Hale, raised in Los Angeles on “Prime Ramen and concern,” might make hair-raising terror this humorous. Her long-running present, “Horror Nerd,” jumps from the Hollywood Improv stage to the display screen as she nostalgically riffs on serial killers, the therapeutic energy of stabby motion pictures, and turns style obsessions, cult-classic fandom and on-line suggestions into an unbroken chain of laugh-out-loud brilliance. No subject is simply too unusual or scary as she turns her passions and life’s oddities into “Horror Nerd,” a must-watch for anybody who loves humor one (bloody) chew at a time. (A.L.)
Jiaoying Summers, “What Specie Are You?” (Hulu)
Jiaoying Summers is a single mother and a comic, and one way or the other she killed it in her first stand-up hour, “What Specie Are You?” on Hulu. Summers swings from relationship after divorce and discovering her id as an immigrant, to selecting favorites between her children and breaking down an “Asian hate system” that’s so deadpan it nearly feels cheap. Blaming her lack of a filter on her Chinese language upbringing, she may have you dying laughing one minute and feeling personally attacked the following. And that works. (A.L.)
