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Netflix
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Is 'Dragonkeeper' Streaming On Netflix Or Disney+?
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'The Circle's' Jordan Plays the Game Like an Angry Superfan — And It's Great
We’ve all heard the word “unprecedented” enough already this year, but the current movement in this country and around the world is unlike anything many generations have seen in their lifetime. And while it’s an understandably heavy and emotional yet important time for all of us as Americans to check ourselves, to attend and support the protests, to make donations, to have important conversations, and to be thoroughly honest and dedicated in the work we still have to do, we also can’t blame some for needing a release or moment of relief from time to time.
So with that said, these are seven black female comedians with specials currently available on Netflix that deserve to be watched right now, even if you’ve seen them already — and hopefully you have! Though Netflix isn’t quite making it easy. If you search “stand-up comedy” no black female specials show up on the results page. Sigh.
But in order to amplify these truthful and hilarious voices, and hopefully help Netflix’s busted algorithm with putting these specials in front of more viewers’ faces, these are the sets to turn to when you desire a cathartic laugh and a strong black woman to tell it like it is.
'Wanda Sykes: Not Normal'
Wanda Sykes: Not Normal was released on Netflix a year ago but it’s every bit as relevant today. Her jokes about the current administration are so on-point you have to laugh and her suggestion for a new way to do the rose ceremony on The Bachelor is a real highlight. But it’s her take on racism in this country that is truly worth revisiting right now.
Nicole Byer, 'Comedians of the World'
Nicole Byer’s half-hour set as part of the Comedians of the World series is just as raunchy as it is real — so, not for the family-friendly audience that only knows her from Nailed It. But the way she brilliantly weaves together jokes and stories about body image, sex, and black culture is not to be missed for the adults that can handle her dropping hilarious truth bombs.
'Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From The Hood To Hollywood'
Tiffany Haddish is a household name now thanks to her breakout role in Girls Trip, but she’s been a queen of the stand-up stage for years. Her 2017 special She Ready! From The Hood to Hollywood is not only a solid hour of comedy, it also launched her into a deal with Netflix that includes her 2019 special Black Mitzvah and series They Ready! which highlights six diverse female voices.
Janelle James, 'The Comedy Lineup'
Janelle James’ comedy is as honest as her jokes are surprising, which is clear from her set in The Comedy Lineup series. She’s currently a writer on Showtime’s Black Monday and Apple TV+’s Central Park, but it’s her refreshing voice, especially on topics of black culture, relationships, and parenting, that is on display in this set.
'Gina Yashere: Laughing to America'
Gina Yashere: Laughing to America is not her only special on Netflix (there’s also 2008’s Skinny Bitch and her set in The Standups series) but the British comedian’s outside perspective comes in handy here — especially when she broaches the topic of “the Apprentice guy.” It’s a reminder of what a joke he already was, way back in 2013 when this special was released.
'Leslie Jones: Time Machine'
The SNL alum is at the top of her game in this special which was released earlier this year and finds Leslie commenting on everything from an epic Grammy afterparty, sex, and millennials.
'Sommore: The Reign Continues'
Sommore has been one of the most consistent voices in comedy for years now, and if you aren’t already familiar with her, you should start with 2015’s The Reign Continues and also watch 2013’s Chandelier Status, available now on Netflix.
