Nothing beats a good stand-up comedy, and Netflix have a host of side-splitting productions sure to keep you roaring with laughter for hours on end, with some of Britain’s and indeed America’s best comedians featuring on the platform.
Whatever your taste, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to get your teeth into, and this article offers a brief rundown of some of the best stand-up shows available to view on demand.
If you reside outside of the US, you are probably bounded only to your local Netflix library. In some countries, the local library might be dull and lack the up to date stand-up comedies. You can gain access to all the US content by routing your network connection via a VPN for Netflix.
Frankie Boyle – Hurt Like You’ve Never Been Loved
Never far away from controversy, but always funny, Frankie Boyle’s 2016 release, Hurt Like You’ve Never Been Loved is not different in terms of its style to anything the Scotsman has produced in his illustrious career.
Providing an alternative perspective of current affairs, Boyle frequently crosses the boundaries into taboo subjects, with celebrities and politicians the butt of many of his jokes.
Whilst this performance perhaps isn’t for the faint-hearted, if you’re partial to a bit of dark comedy from time to time, then this is most definitely one to watch.
Ricky Gervais Humanity
In his 2017 release, Humanity, Ricky Gervais tackles subjects such as political correctness and the subjective nature of “being offended.” Gervais also regularly ridicules the concept of religion – a topic which he has been outspoken about for several years.
While some may find his persona slightly arrogant and abrasive, there’s no doubting his ability to generate laughter for his large audiences. That said, like Frankie Boyle, his choice of subject and occasionally patronizing delivery is of an acquired taste.
Again, this show is not for the easily offended – particularly for people with strong religious beliefs.
James Acaster Repertoire
James Acaster is one of the brightest young comedians to forage into the mainstream circuit in recent years, and has developed a reputation as a quick-witted, abstract comedian with his regular appearances of panel shows such as Mock the Week.
His Netflix four-part stand-up series, Repertoire, discusses the complexities of everyday English language, whilst poking fun at odd human behavior in an observational style – not too dissimilar to the likes of other comedians such as Russell Howard, but with more of a deadpan delivery.
Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle
Intellectually stimulating yet (deliberately) utterly condescending, Stewart Lee’s politically-driven Comedy Vehicle series offers a critique of topics such as racism and Brexit from the perspective of the modern-Left – a political stance strongly adopted by Lee.
Lee’s stand-up routine is juxtaposed with short interviews, in which he reflects upon the topics being discussed in a reflective, conversational manner, adding context to the material. During his routine, the camera frequently shifts, creating a perspective wherein the audience are literally being talked down to by Lee.
While some may find this intimidating, it is most certainly unique, and his deadpan delivery is most definitely laughter-inducing.
