Showtime Comedy Specials

Watch Showtime Comedy Specials

  • 1969
  • 1 Season

The Showtime Comedy Specials series is a collection of stand-up comedy performances taped live from different venues across the United States. Produced by the premium cable network Showtime, these specials feature a wide range of comedians and styles, offering viewers a diverse and entertaining lineup. The show has been running since the early 1980s, with established comedians such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Joan Rivers as some of the earliest performers. Since then, the series has grown to include more up-and-coming and international comedians, as well as established stars of today. While the content of each special varies depending on the performer, the series as a whole is known for its unique blend of humor, social commentary, and raw honesty. Many of the comedians are unafraid to tackle controversial topics such as race, sexuality, politics, and gender, often lacing their jokes with biting satire and clever wordplay. Some of the standout performances from recent years include Chelsea Peretti's "One of the Greats," in which she unapologetically embraces her own quirks and contradictions while taking aim at everything from social media to male feminists. Another notable special is Tiffany Haddish's "She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood," which showcases her infectious energy and heartbreaking personal stories, all while making the audience laugh out loud. Other comedians who have appeared on the Showtime Comedy Specials series include Ali Wong, Wanda Sykes, Ellen DeGeneres, Patton Oswalt, and Sarah Silverman, just to name a few. With so many talented performers featured, there is always something new and exciting to discover. In addition to showcasing the comedians themselves, the specials also offer a glimpse into the world of stand-up comedy, showing the audience what goes into crafting and delivering a successful set. Many of the performers share personal stories and insights into their creative process, providing a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this unique art form. Overall, the Showtime Comedy Specials series is a must-watch for any fan of stand-up comedy, offering both laughs and thought-provoking commentary in equal measure. It is a testament to the power of humor to bring people together, even during the most divisive of times.

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Seasons
Unsportsmanlike Comedy with Rob Gronkowski
90. Unsportsmanlike Comedy with Rob Gronkowski
January 8, 2018
Sports and comedy blend together when Rob Gronkowski hosts a group of other hilarious comediens for one funny night.
Erik Griffin: The Ugly Truth
89. Erik Griffin: The Ugly Truth
 
Erik takes on everything from society to his own personal faults in his first comedy special.
Andrew Santino: Homefield Advantage
88. Andrew Santino: Homefield Advantage
June 5, 2017
Comedian Andrew Santino comes to his hometown for one night of hard hitting comedy in Chicago's Vic Theater.
SXSW Comedy with Natasha Leggero Part 2
87. SXSW Comedy with Natasha Leggero Part 2
May 15, 2017
Comedian and Actress Natasha Leggero hosts the some of the most hilarious minds in comedy for a second night in comedy.
Al Madrigal:  Shrimpin' Aint Easy
86. Al Madrigal: Shrimpin' Aint Easy
May 8, 2017
From John Stewart's Daily Show, Al Madrigal uses his comedic insight to take on issues such as anger management, cilantro politics, and an outrageous story of shrimp revenge.
Steve Bryne: Tell the Damn Joke
85. Steve Bryne: Tell the Damn Joke
April 10, 2017
Steve Bryne brings his comedy to a special in Chicago where he tells it like it is from the perspective of a comic, husband, dad, and an American.
The Nasty Show Volume II Hosted by Brad Williams
84. The Nasty Show Volume II Hosted by Brad Williams
April 10, 2017
Brad Williams hosts another night filled with the talented and twisted minds of comedy.
Nick Cannon: Stand Up, Don't Shoot
83. Nick Cannon: Stand Up, Don't Shoot
February 13, 2017
Nick covers all the issues of today, what it's like to be dating again and older, and what finally caused his marriage to split.
Michael Moore in Trumpland
82. Michael Moore in Trumpland
 
Michael Moore took his cameras deep into Trump territory and uncovers parts of the divided country.
Martin Lawerence: Doin' Time Uncut
81. Martin Lawerence: Doin' Time Uncut
 
A night to welcome Martin Lawerence back to the stage for a night comedy live from LA.
Godfrey: Regular Black
80. Godfrey: Regular Black
 
Godfrey doesn't hold back when he takes the stage in his hometown of Chicago.
Tony Roberts: Motorcity Motormouth
79. Tony Roberts: Motorcity Motormouth
 
Tony Roberts returns to his hometown of Detroit for a no boundaries, nothing off limits night of comedy.
Bert Kreischer: The Machine
78. Bert Kreischer: The Machine
 
Storyteller Bert Kreischer takes the stage and tells his tales of humor including a grizzly bear run in while visiting Russia.
Sebastian Maniscalco: Why Would You Do That?
77. Sebastian Maniscalco: Why Would You Do That?
 
A hilarious take from Sebastian Maniscalco Italian-American families' old world view in modern day America.
SXSW Comedy with Natasha  Leggero
76. SXSW Comedy with Natasha Leggero
 
Natasha Leggero takes the stage in Austin TX to host the next top line up of SXSW's comedy tour.
Ben Gleib: Neurotic Gangster
75. Ben Gleib: Neurotic Gangster
 
Ben Gleib, Esquire's new pick as the best new comedy, holds his first one hour comedy special.
Brad Williams: Daddy Issues
74. Brad Williams: Daddy Issues
 
In a hilarious new comedy special, Brad Williams takes on topics such as race, political correctness and advice from his father.
W. Kamau Bell: Semi-Prominent Negro
73. W. Kamau Bell: Semi-Prominent Negro
 
W. Kamau Bell takes his blunt and hilarious take on modern day social issues to the stage.
Steve-O: Guilty As Charged
72. Steve-O: Guilty As Charged
 
The wild comedian Steve-O takes his experiences from the early beginnings of a circus clown to the wild success of 'Jackass'. Steve-O takes the stage in a night of hilarious stunts and outrageous tricks.
Alonzo Bodden: Historically Incorrect
71. Alonzo Bodden: Historically Incorrect
 
Alonzo Bodden takes on historical inaccuracies in modern day and past pop culture.
SXSW Comedy Night Two with W. Kamau Bell
70. SXSW Comedy Night Two with W. Kamau Bell
 
The second part of his showcase at the SXSW festival, has an all star lineup and some of the best up and coming artists.
The Nasty Show
69. The Nasty Show
 
Artie Lange hosts a night with some of the most deranged and hysterical comedians for a night that is not for the tender hearted.
Jermaine Fowler: Give 'Em Hell Kid
68. Jermaine Fowler: Give 'Em Hell Kid
 
Jermaine Fowler uses the details from his life to give his first stand up television special.
Pete Correale: Let Me Tell Ya
67. Pete Correale: Let Me Tell Ya
 
Join Pete's hometown crowd in New York, as he explores the everyday absurdities of life.
Margaret Cho: psyCHO
66. Margaret Cho: psyCHO
 
The award winning comedian performs a hilarious special event tackling topics such as female empowerment.
Maz Jobrani:I'm Not a Terrorist but I Played One on TV
65. Maz Jobrani:I'm Not a Terrorist but I Played One on TV
 
The comedy special to follow his bestselling book, Maz Jobrani takes on social, poilitical, and his children in a hilarious way that shows we are all connected.
Jay Pharoah: Can I Be Me?
64. Jay Pharoah: Can I Be Me?
 
Jay Pharoah takes on the best of his comedic impressions such as Jay-Z, Dave Chapelle, and Chris Rock, in this hilarious comedy special.
SXSW Comdedy with W. Kamau Bell
63. SXSW Comdedy with W. Kamau Bell
 
Comedian W. Kamau Bell hosts the hottest comics at this SXSW festival's two part show case.
Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy
62. Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy
 
Comedian and actor, Alec Mapa makes an intimate look at his home life and the adventure that comes when he and his husband foster a five year old.
Earthquake: These Ain't Jokes
61. Earthquake: These Ain't Jokes
 
The riotous comic Earthquake hits the stage with his comedy special.
Brad Williams: Fun Size
60. Brad Williams: Fun Size
 
Hilarious and energetic comedian takes on all kinds of topics with perfect timing.
Andrew Dice Clay Presents The Blue Show
59. Andrew Dice Clay Presents The Blue Show
 
Andrew Dice Clay brings an irreverent collection of comedians to the stage.
Knock Knock, It's Tig Notaro
58. Knock Knock, It's Tig Notaro
 
A documentary that follows comedian Tig Notaro and his tour around the country in small venues.
Jay Mohr: Happy. And A Lot
57. Jay Mohr: Happy. And A Lot
 
Jay Mohr covers everything from the intimate to the extraordinary in his comedy special.
Larry Wilmore's Race, Religion and Sex in Florida
56. Larry Wilmore's Race, Religion and Sex in Florida
 
Larry takes his second show to Florida, the great swing state.
Gary Owen: I Agree With Myself
55. Gary Owen: I Agree With Myself
 
A happy go lucky comedian with a fearless attitude and the ability to take everything politically correct and flip it upside down.
Sebastian Maniscalco: Aren't You Embarrassed?
54. Sebastian Maniscalco: Aren't You Embarrassed?
 
Sebastian comes home to Chicago in this new comedy special. No topic is off limits for this Italian American.
Dane Cook: Troublemaker
53. Dane Cook: Troublemaker
 
Dane Cook takes on controversial topics such as hidden internet identities and gender taboo topics.
Heather McDonald: I Don't Mean To Brag
52. Heather McDonald: I Don't Mean To Brag
 
Heather McDonald takes her wit and story telling to the comedy stage to the delight of many.
Willie Barcena: I Gotta Be Honest
51. Willie Barcena: I Gotta Be Honest
 
In his second comedy special, Willie Barcena takes his comedy to an entirely different level as he deals with topics from his own life's journey. He addresses issues for every man in America from his stories of anger management, loosing his wife, trying to win her back and raising three boys.
D.L. Hughley: Clear
50. D.L. Hughley: Clear
 
D.L.Hughley takes the stage in San Francisco to tackle topics such as current events, marijuana and nosey white neighbors.
Pauly Shore's Pauly-tics
49. Pauly Shore's Pauly-tics
 
Pauly takes his antics to Washington and interviews big names in politics such as Herman Cain, Michael Steele, and Ralph Nader.
Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Atlanta
48. Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Atlanta
 
Billy Gardell brings his team of veteran comedians to the Punchline in Atlanta.
Doug Stanhope: Before Turning The Gun on Himself
47. Doug Stanhope: Before Turning The Gun on Himself
 
Doug Stanhope the prince of dark comedy brings a variety of raw and hilarious comedy that is not for the easily offended.
Joe Piscopo: A Night at Club Piscopo
46. Joe Piscopo: A Night at Club Piscopo
 
This SNL alum returns to the stage after 20 years to deliver a one hour comedy special.
The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show
45. The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show
 
Tommy Davidson hosts the legendary Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show. This hilarious mix of stand up comedy and sketch performances will keep you entertained.
Paul Mooney: The Godfather of Comedy
44. Paul Mooney: The Godfather of Comedy
 
Nothing is safe from the sharp comedy of Paul Mooney. This show from the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta has the audience in stitches.
Melanie Comarcho: Hello!
43. Melanie Comarcho: Hello!
 
Melanie dazzels the audience with the hilarious routine that covers the relationship between men and women.
DeRay Davis: Power Play
42. DeRay Davis: Power Play
 
Coming from the Best Buy Theater in New York's Time Square, DeRay Davis takes the stage to cover topics from the Hood to Hollywood.
Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny
41. Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny
 
Enjoy this hilarious second stand up comedy special from the witty mind of comedian and actor Kevin Hart.
Bill Bellamy's Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour
40. Bill Bellamy's Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour
 
Bill Bellamy hosts a night of comedy as he bring some of comedy's hottest performers.
Bill Bellamy: Crazy Sexy Dirty
39. Bill Bellamy: Crazy Sexy Dirty
 
Bill Bellamy takes the stage with his hilariously raunchy standup routine that is exactly what the title says it is.
Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Chicago
38. Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Chicago
 
Billy Gardell brings Danny Bevins, Andi Smith and Uncle Larry Reeb to the stage as the next Road Dogs show visits Chicago.
Craig Shoemaker: Daditude
37. Craig Shoemaker: Daditude
 
Craig Shoemaker takes a look at what happens to "manhood" when it becomes "dadhood".
Shaquille O Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live From Las Vegas
36. Shaquille O Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live From Las Vegas
 
Mike Epps takes the stage as host for the All Star Comedy Jam in Las Vegas. He brings a hilarious line up of the talents of Lil' Rel, Henry Welch, Deon Cole and DeRay Davis.
Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me
35. Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me
 
Joan Rivers stops at nothing to take on any and every subject.
Russell Peters: The Green Card Tour Live from the O2 Arena
34. Russell Peters: The Green Card Tour Live from the O2 Arena
 
Peters returns to the stage with his signature take on race and culture with his quick improv skills.
Tim Minchin and the Heritage Orchestra Live at the Royal Albert Hall
33. Tim Minchin and the Heritage Orchestra Live at the Royal Albert Hall
 
This is a one of a kind musical comedy experience as Tim Minchin and the 55 piece Heritage Orchestra bring music and laughter to the Royal Albert Hall.
Katt Williams: Kattpacalypse
32. Katt Williams: Kattpacalypse
 
The energetic actor, comedian, and rapper bring his energetic routine to the 2012 New Year's Eve concert in Los Angeles.
D.L. Hughley : Reset
31. D.L. Hughley : Reset
 
One of the original "Kings of Comedy", D.L.Hughley takes the stage in a one hour special.
House of Lies: Live
30. House of Lies: Live
 
The House of Lies cast goes live and on stage for a night of Improv.
Ian Bagg: Getting to F**king Know You
29. Ian Bagg: Getting to F**king Know You
 
Ian Bagg gets to know you using his raw comedy. He works the crowd like no other comedian can.
Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live from Atlanta
28. Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live from Atlanta
 
Faizon Love takes on as host in this hilarious line up in Atlanta. Enjoy the comedy of Red Grant, Finesse Mitchell, Gina Yashere, Robert Powell, and Lavar Walker.
Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam- Live from Orlando
27. Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam- Live from Orlando
 
Gary Owen hosts the energetic line up of Capone, Lil'Duval, Tony Roberts and Jay Pharoh. Get ready for a night of fresh comedy and non stop laughs.
Patton Oswalt Finest Hour
26. Patton Oswalt Finest Hour
 
Television and movie star Patton Oswalt takes his comedy on stage.
Sommore: Chandelier Status
25. Sommore: Chandelier Status
 
This sexy 'Queen of Comedy" brings her all topics fair game comedy to Miami.
Trevor Noah :African American
24. Trevor Noah :African American
 
Trevor Noah brings his unique background to use comedy to break down international walls.
Tommy Chong Presents Comedy at 420
23. Tommy Chong Presents Comedy at 420
 
Tommy Chong of the comedy duo 'Cheech and Chong' brings the talent of Edwin San Juan, Chris Porter, Jay Phillips, and Eddie Ifft to this one hour comedy special.
Phunny Business: A Black  Comedy
22. Phunny Business: A Black Comedy
 
A documentary that takes a look at the life of the comedy club All Jokes Aside in Chicago. Take a journey at the rise and fall of this historic club that for some was the only showcase for black comedy talent in Chicago.
Maz Jobrani: I Come In Peace
21. Maz Jobrani: I Come In Peace
 
Maz Jobrani takes his comedy to Sweden and addresses the international audience with topics on family, racism, politics and media. He shows that comedy crosses borders.
Gary Owen: True Story
20. Gary Owen: True Story
 
This is the fourth concert coming from Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Owen brings his true life comedy from his life in a trailer park, his interracial marriage and being a father.
Corey Holcomb: Your Way Ain't Working
19. Corey Holcomb: Your Way Ain't Working
 
The "love doctor", Corey Holcomb, brings his hilarious look on love and romance in an hour long comedy special.
Andrew Dice Clay: Indestructible
18. Andrew Dice Clay: Indestructible
 
Andrew Dice Clay returns to the stage after 15 years. This special was recorded in the Aracada Theater in Chicago. Dice maintains his title as the comedy king and covers all the topics that are thought to be taboo.
Kathleen Madigan: Gone Madigan
17. Kathleen Madigan: Gone Madigan
 
After 20 years in the business, Kathleen has not turned cynical or self loathing.This special covers the ins and outs of politics and American culture.
Dana Gould: I know it's Wrong
16. Dana Gould: I know it's Wrong
 
Dana Gould takes his off the wall humor to take a closer look at life through the absurdities of pop culture.
Tom Green Live
15. Tom Green Live
 
Tom Green takes his unique deadpan style to the stage and covers topics with his boundary-pushing delivery.
Wendy Liebman: Taller on TV
14. Wendy Liebman: Taller on TV
 
New York's very own Wendy Liebman takes the stage for her first Stand-Up special.
Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Las Vegas
13. Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Las Vegas
 
The veteran comedian group Road Dogs bring their routine to Bonkerz Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
Anthony Clark: Ambiguous
12. Anthony Clark: Ambiguous
 
This classic American comedian with southern roots brings a charming and hilarious way to tap into the human experience.
Dave Chappelle's Block Party
11. Dave Chappelle's Block Party
 
Dave Chappelle teams up with filmaker Michael Gondry to stage a Huge Hip Hop Block party in Brooklyn.
Don Friesen: Ask Your Mom
10. Don Friesen: Ask Your Mom
 
Don Friesen takes his act to a live audience and entertains them with his sidesplitting routine.
Jay Mohr: Funny For A Girl
9. Jay Mohr: Funny For A Girl
 
After an absence of 7 years, Jay Mohr returns to the stage with a Stand-Up routine about raising family and his "all too true" stories of life in Hollywood.
Josh Blue: Sticky Change
8. Josh Blue: Sticky Change
 
A delightfully funny performance by the talented Josh Blue.
Kevin Nealon: Whelmed ... But Not Overly
7. Kevin Nealon: Whelmed ... But Not Overly
 
Kevin Nealon headlines this hour as he describes his fears and insecurities as a new father.
Lip Service
6. Lip Service
 
Niecy Nash hosts an all-female comedy showcase to honor Women's History Month.
Monique Marvez: Not Skinny Not Blonde
5. Monique Marvez: Not Skinny Not Blonde
 
Monique's one hour Stand-Up Comedy show is based on her book Not Skinny, Not Blonde. This former San Diego radio host takes her past three marriages to give sound advice to others.
Pauly Shore's Vegas Is My Oyster
4. Pauly Shore's Vegas Is My Oyster
 
Pauly Shore hosts an adult version of a Vegas Variety show.
Snoop Dog Presents the Bad Girls of Comedy
3. Snoop Dog Presents the Bad Girls of Comedy
 
Snoop Dog highlights his top picks for the most outrageous, hilarious comediennes.
Steve Trevino: Grandpa Joe's Son
2. Steve Trevino: Grandpa Joe's Son
 
Steve Trevino's hour long special highlights his life in Texas and growing up in the Mexican-American culture.
Women Who Kill
1. Women Who Kill
 
Top comics Amy Schumer, Rachel Feinstein, Nikki Glaser and Marina Franklin perform.
Description

The Showtime Comedy Specials series is a collection of stand-up comedy performances taped live from different venues across the United States. Produced by the premium cable network Showtime, these specials feature a wide range of comedians and styles, offering viewers a diverse and entertaining lineup.

The show has been running since the early 1980s, with established comedians such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Joan Rivers as some of the earliest performers. Since then, the series has grown to include more up-and-coming and international comedians, as well as established stars of today.

While the content of each special varies depending on the performer, the series as a whole is known for its unique blend of humor, social commentary, and raw honesty. Many of the comedians are unafraid to tackle controversial topics such as race, sexuality, politics, and gender, often lacing their jokes with biting satire and clever wordplay.

Some of the standout performances from recent years include Chelsea Peretti's "One of the Greats," in which she unapologetically embraces her own quirks and contradictions while taking aim at everything from social media to male feminists. Another notable special is Tiffany Haddish's "She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood," which showcases her infectious energy and heartbreaking personal stories, all while making the audience laugh out loud.

Other comedians who have appeared on the Showtime Comedy Specials series include Ali Wong, Wanda Sykes, Ellen DeGeneres, Patton Oswalt, and Sarah Silverman, just to name a few. With so many talented performers featured, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

In addition to showcasing the comedians themselves, the specials also offer a glimpse into the world of stand-up comedy, showing the audience what goes into crafting and delivering a successful set. Many of the performers share personal stories and insights into their creative process, providing a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this unique art form.

Overall, the Showtime Comedy Specials series is a must-watch for any fan of stand-up comedy, offering both laughs and thought-provoking commentary in equal measure. It is a testament to the power of humor to bring people together, even during the most divisive of times.