comedy special

Filmed standup performance

A comedy special is a standalone filmed performance by a comedian, typically recorded in front of a live audience and released as a complete work.

Unlike sitcoms or sketch shows, specials feature one performer doing an extended set—usually an hour of material developed over months or years of touring.

Her new comedy special drops on Netflix Friday.

The format has become the primary way comedians build their public profile and showcase their best work.

Related

punchline · HBO · laughter · routine · jokes · set · touring · heckler · timing · audience · applause · stage · spotlight · encore · roast · improv · monologue · hilarious

Categories
Opposites
genre/emotional tone

comedy specialtragedy

Disastrous or sorrowful event

horror film · tearjerker · dramatic monologue · thriller · war documentary

format/structure

comedy specialsitcom

Episodic TV comedy series

television series · soap opera · miniseries · sketch show · anthology series

performance mode

comedy specialdramatic monologue

Poem as character's speech

TED talk · keynote speech · sermon · funeral oration

Family

comedy, special, comedies, comic, comics, comical, comically, comedian, comedians

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G