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Los Angeles Times Names 2025's Top Comedy Specials
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 6:16 GMT by Los Angeles Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Los Angeles Times’ roundup of 2025’s most‑talked‑about comedy specials
When the 2025 calendar flips to the last week of December, the Los Angeles Times publishes a definitive guide to the year’s funniest stand‑up and sketch releases. The “Best Comedy Specials of 2025” article, dated Dec 10, 2025, is a curated list that leans heavily on critical consensus, audience buzz, and, where available, box‑office or streaming‑viewership data. The piece is a quick‑read guide for fans who want to catch up on the comedy that defined the year, but it also offers a useful snapshot of how the comedy ecosystem is evolving in the streaming age.
1. Kevin Hart: “What’s Next?” – Netflix
Released Jan 12, 2025.
The article opens with Hart’s most recent offering, which the Times notes is his most “energetic” performance yet. Hart blends his signature self‑deprecating humor with candid discussions of fatherhood, mental‑health struggles, and the pressures of being a global brand. The Times’ linked review (a direct copy of a New York Times feature) highlights Hart’s “sharp narrative arc” and the “subtle socio‑political nods” that feel fresh even for a seasoned comedian.
2. Ali Wong: “The World is a Weird Place” – HBO Max
Released Feb 20, 2025.
Wong’s latest special dives into her family’s immigrant roots, the “weirdness” she finds in everyday life, and the intersection of Chinese‑American identity with modern pop culture. The Times links to a Vulture interview where Wong elaborates on how she turned her personal “family photos” into a punchline about generational trauma. Critics praised the “unabashed honesty” that makes the special resonate with audiences across the diaspora.
3. John Mulaney: “Couch Potato” – Amazon Prime Video
Released Mar 3, 2025.
Mulaney’s return to the big screen after a multi‑year hiatus is a highlight. The article cites his “dead‑pan delivery” of everyday mishaps, especially his rant about streaming services and cable TV. A link to a Rolling Stone review adds that “Mulaney’s timing has never been sharper,” a key factor in the special’s inclusion on the Times list.
4. Bo Burnham: “I’m Not a Kid Anymore” – HBO
Released Apr 15, 2025.
Burnham’s new show takes a semi‑documentary approach, blending stand‑up with rare behind‑the‑scenes footage from his tour. The Times quotes a Guardian review, noting how Burnham’s “self‑parody” feels almost therapeutic. The special’s meta‑commentary on fame and the streaming‑era celebrity is seen as a “cultural barometer” by the Los Angeles Times.
5. Ricky Gervais: “The Oddball” – Apple TV+
Released May 27, 2025.
Gervais brings his “satirical, often shock‑value‑driven” style to a new special that tackles topics from animal rights to the absurdities of reality TV. The Times references a link to a Variety interview where Gervais discusses the special’s “raw honesty” and how it was a “necessary counter‑balance” to the more polished, feel‑good comedy of the year.
6. Yvette Bennett: “Queen of the Roast” – Netflix
Released Jun 9, 2025.
Bennett’s roast‑style special is a blend of sharp wit and community‑based humor. The Times includes a link to a Pitchfork article that praises her “unapologetic approach” and her “ability to make audiences feel seen.” The article points out that Bennett’s inclusion marks a notable shift towards more diverse voices in the comedy‑special arena.
7. Dave Chappelle: “The Final Cut” – Hulu
Released Jul 22, 2025.
The veteran comedian’s latest special is a return to the stage after a six‑month hiatus. The Times cites a link to an NPR interview where Chappelle explains the “political stakes” behind the show. Critics applauded the “courageous, unfiltered commentary” that pushes the boundaries of mainstream comedy.
8. Tiffany Hsu: “Laughing in Mandarin” – YouTube Originals
Released Aug 5, 2025.
Hsu’s bilingual stand‑up tackles her life as a Chinese‑American comedian, the expectations of “the other,” and the humor found in cross‑cultural misunderstandings. The Times links to a review in The Guardian that highlights the “unique linguistic rhythm” that gives the special a “distinctive punch.”
9. Will Smith: “Back to the Funny” – Peacock
Released Sep 30, 2025.
Smith’s return to comedy after a long stretch is marked by his playful take on Hollywood tropes and the nostalgia of his early stand‑up. The Times cites a link to a Rolling Stone profile that frames the special as a “celebration of a lifelong comedy career.”
10. Sarah Klein: “The New Normal” – Tubi
Released Oct 18, 2025.
Klein’s free‑to‑watch special focuses on the post‑pandemic world and the new comedic lenses through which we view everyday life. The article highlights a link to a New York Times opinion piece that lauds Klein’s “relatable observations” and her “light‑hearted critique of modern anxieties.”
Trends and Takeaways
Streaming‑Dominated Distribution
The Times points out that every major platform—Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV+, and even free‑to‑watch services like Tubi—features a top‑tier comedy special. This underscores the shift from theatrical releases or cable specials to digital streaming as the primary home for stand‑up.Diversity in Voice
The list includes comedians from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds (e.g., Ali Wong, Yvette Bennett, Tiffany Hsu). The Times uses linked interviews and reviews to highlight how these performers bring fresh perspectives to the genre, a trend that has accelerated since the mid‑2020s.Political & Social Satire
Several specials (Mulaney, Burnham, Gervais, Chappelle) touch on contemporary politics, social justice, or the state of media itself. This suggests that comedy continues to be a vehicle for commentary in an era of rapid change.Cross‑Platform Storytelling
Bo Burnham’s semi‑documentary approach and Sarah Klein’s free‑to‑watch format show how the genre is experimenting with different narrative structures, moving beyond traditional stand‑up into hybrid forms.Audience Engagement
The article notes that some specials (e.g., Kevin Hart’s “What’s Next?”) were released in a “live‑streaming” format, drawing real‑time audience interaction—a new layer that has emerged since the pandemic.
How the Article Uses External Links
The Los Angeles Times enhances credibility and depth by linking to external sources:
- Critical reviews (New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Variety) provide professional analysis of the comedic material.
- Interviews (Vulture, NPR, Pitchfork) give comedians’ own insights into their creative choices.
- Statistical data (viewership figures from streaming platforms, box‑office numbers for special‑event concerts) illustrate commercial success.
These links allow readers to explore the context behind each recommendation, from the comedian’s personal narrative to the broader cultural conversation.
Bottom Line
The “Best Comedy Specials of 2025” article by the Los Angeles Times offers a succinct, data‑backed snapshot of the year’s most influential stand‑up. By combining a concise list with strategically placed external references, the piece serves both casual readers and comedy aficionados alike—ensuring everyone can find the perfect laugh, whether they’re streaming on Hulu, binge‑watching on Netflix, or hunting for the next cultural critique from a rising star.
Read the Full Los Angeles Times Article at:
[ https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-12-10/best-comedy-specials-of-2025 ]
