Ever heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”? Well, we can definitely attest to that. Beyond being just a popular phrase, studies have shown that laughter can positively impact both our mental and physical health.
Between demanding deadlines, packed schedules and personal responsibilities, life often pulls us in a hundred different directions with little room to simply pause and enjoy the moment. That’s where stand-up comedy comes in.
A good comedy special forces you to stop, listen, observe and, even for a moment, feel lighter. It brings joy back in a way few things can. Which is why we’ve rounded up some of the coolest stand-up comedy shows to binge when you need a break from life’s many demands.
Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah
@tiffanyhaddish My special Black mitzvah is on @netflix #netflix @netflixisajoke #tiffanyhaddish #workout #blackmitzvah ♬ original sound - TIFFANY HADDISH
Turning 40 becomes the backdrop for Tiffany Haddish’s wildly energetic stand-up special Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah. Packed with singing, dancing and her signature unfiltered humour, Haddish reflects on her journey to womanhood, newfound fame and reconnecting with her Jewish roots. Throughout the special, she shares candid stories about family, success, receiving her “inheritance” and even addresses her infamous New Year’s Eve performance, blending personal reflection with outrageous comedy.
Only Jokes Allowed
Six of South Africa’s funniest comedians are bringing the heat to Netflix in Only Jokes Allowed 🔥The comedy series features Mpho Popps, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Robby Collins, Celeste Ntuli, Gilli Apter and Nina Hastie, each delivering their own bold, unfiltered stand-up set. Made up of six episodes with runtimes of around 15 minutes each, the series captures the distinct humour, storytelling styles and cultural observations that make each comedian stand out, offering a fresh and proudly South African take on stand-up comedy.
Trevor Noah: Joy in the Trenches
Trevor Noah blends sharp political humour with thoughtful storytelling as he touches on his public clash with Donald Trump, global politics, race relations and the ways people process difficult moments through humour. Throughout the special, Noah reflects on historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., everyday cultural differences and the strange reality of how ordinary life continues even during major world events. Balancing insight with laugh-out-loud moments, the set highlights his ability to turn complex social conversations into accessible, deeply entertaining comedy.
Loyiso Gola: Unlearning
Race, identity, politics and the chaos of everyday life all come under the spotlight in Loyiso Gola: Unlearning. The stand-up special sees Loyiso Gola lean into his signature dry humour and sharp social commentary while unpacking cultural observations, personal experiences and an embarrassing school prank that still follows him years later. Honest, intelligent and effortlessly funny, the special showcases why Gola remains one of South Africa’s most respected comedic voices.
My Name is Mo'Nique
@netflixisajoke My Name is Mo'Nique streaming NOW on Netflix #monique #netflix #comedy ♬ simple girl monique - Netflix Is A Joke
Mo'Nique brings her signature honesty and fearless humour to My Name Is Mo'Nique, a deeply personal stand-up special that blends comedy with raw storytelling. Throughout the set, the Oscar-winning comedian reflects on her upbringing, family dynamics and complicated experiences within Hollywood, while addressing the public scrutiny that has followed her career over the years. True to form, Mo'Nique keeps it candid, unfiltered and deeply personal from start to finish.
The Roast of Kevin Hart
The Roast of Kevin Hart is Netflix’s latest live comedy spectacle that puts comedian and actor Kevin Hart directly in the hot seat as friends, fellow comedians and celebrities roast him with no topic off limits. The special is hosted by Shane Gillis and features appearances from stars including Jeff Ross, Chelsea Handler, Pete Davidson, Tom Brady, Lizzo, Katt Williams and Dwayne Johnson. The nearly three-hour special premiered live on Netflix as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Fest.
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