Everyone that has a Netflix account has binged on a sad or rainy day. To be specific, we all have those days where we want to just get in our bed, cry about our stressful lives, and watch our favorite show. Well, other things exist on Netflix besides Grey's Anatomy and Friends, my friends. I call them stand-up comedy specials. I came across the wonderful genre of standup comedy a while back, and I have watched every noteworthy comedy show the website has to offer. Let me give you a list of my top favorites that ever turned my sad tears into laughing tears. Yes, I have seen them all.
1. John Mulaney: New in Town
His tendency to make fun of himself is not just hilarious, but refreshing.
Honorable mention: John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid
2. Gabriel Iglesias: Hot and Fluffy
His energy is fun to keep up with, especially with all of his impressive impressions.
Honorable mention: Gabriel Iglesias: The Fluffy Movie
3. Russell Peters: Notorious
He manages to unite his entire crowd while joking/slightly insulting all of the ethnic variety that shows up at his show. He does spot-on impressions of these different cultures in a perfectly hilarious fashion.
Honorable mention: Look up everything he's done on YouTube, he's hysterical.
4. Tom Segura: Completely Normal
This guy definitely makes sarcastic comedy work, and that a tricky trait to have as a comedian.
Honorable mention: Tom Segura: Mostly Stories
5. Katt Williams: The Pimp Chronicles Part 1
This guy makes me cry. Any comedian who crawls all over the stage and sweats more than a football player in 102 degree weather will defintely get a laugh out of me.
Honorable mentions: Katt Williams: It's Pimpin' It's Pimpin, Katt Williams: Kattpacalypse, and Katt Williams: American Hustle
6. Eddie Murphy: Raw
You can't be a fan of stand-up comedy if you haven't seen one of his shows.
Honorable mention: Eddie Murphy: Delirious
7. D.L. Hughley: Reset
One of your everyday conversational comedians, but who doesn't love those?
Honorable mention: D.L. Hughley: Clear
8. Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe
Gaffigan never uses one single word of profanity--which is a true talent. He mostly makes fun of his weight and vampirical-like paleness, and it's absolutely hilarious. And in case you didn't know, he's that new KFC guy in the commercials.
Honorable mention: Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale
9. Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive
He has this energy that gets the crowd going. When I first saw him, my stomach hurt from laughing so hard. He brings his awkward nature to life, and makes everyone love him.
Honorable mentions: Aziz Ansari: Dangerously Delicious, and Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden
10. Josh Blue: Sticky Change
If you're able to crack jokes about your own disability--Blue's being his cerebral palsy--you deserve to be respected. His unique personality lights up when he performs, and it's awesome to watch.
11. Problem Child: Leslie Jones
Perhaps you've seen her on SNL as a member of the new cast, perhaps you haven't. Ladies, if you are really shy or struggle with confidence issues, this wonderful lady will inspire you to strut your stuff and laugh at the haters.
12. Them Idiots!: Whirled Tour
A lot of northerners might not understand everything they talk about, but southerners can beyond relate to the true stories these guys share. I consider this one of the best comedy specials on Netflix because of the amount of honesty they use.
13. Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion
OK, come on. Please tell me you know who this guy is. This show is hilarious. He has this amazing ability to not "crack"--meaning he won't break out in laughter. Galifianakis is an incredible actor, and quite the comedic talent. Two thumbs-up go to him.
14. Brian Posehn: The Fartist
You always want a stand-up comedian to have a degree of energy to keep you awake, but Posehn's lack of energy is somehow intriguing.
15. Mike Epps: Under Rated Never Faded and X-Rated
Please just watch him. Please.
Honorable mention: Mike Epps: Don't Take It Personal
16. Hannibal Buress: Animal Furnace
Another great conversational comedian. Just tellin' stories in a very funny way.
Honorable mentions: Hannibal Buress: Live From Chicago, and Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado
17. Chris Tucker: Live
If you have a hard time paying attention to someone speaking for a long period of time, no problem. His eyes are naturally that wide to keep your attention.
My personal favorite: Robin Williams
Everyone should know who this guy is. If you have a physical disability in which you are unable to laugh, watching one of his past shows will guarantee that you laugh at least once. There's no avoiding it. He was all-around phenomenal.
Honorable mention: He doesn't have any of his stand-up shows on Netflix, but look up his shows on YouTube, it's more than worth your time.
These are in no specific order because every comedian has their own style. Each one made me laugh about a variety of things. Every person should laugh everyday to keep their sanity. It's guaranteed you'll get a laugh out of at least one of these people. Next time you sit down to binge on your favorite show, watch one of these instead. You won't be disappointed.
