Comedians Who Can’t Be Funny (But Somehow Keep Getting Specials)

Streaming services have completely changed stand-up comedy, leading to a huge increase in hour-long specials. While some are critically praised, others cause a lot of debate about whether the comedy is actually good and if the comedian deserves the attention. It’s becoming common for comedians to stay popular and earn a lot of money even if critics consistently dislike their work. This shows a clear difference between what sells and what’s considered high-quality entertainment today.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer first gained recognition with her comedy show ‘Inside Amy Schumer’ and then landed significant stand-up deals with Netflix. Her 2017 special, ‘The Leather Special,’ sparked controversy because audiences rated it poorly and some people accused her of copying jokes. Many critics felt the special relied too much on shocking humor instead of insightful observations. Despite the negative reaction, she continued to release stand-up specials, including ‘Growing’ and ‘Emergency Contact’.

Brendan Schaub

Brendan Schaub moved from being a mixed martial arts fighter to a stand-up comedian, releasing his first comedy special, ‘You’d Be Surprised,’ in 2019. Unfortunately, the special didn’t receive good reviews, with critics saying his timing and jokes needed work. His second special, ‘The Gringo Papi’ in 2022, also received criticism for being too short and relying too much on stereotypes. Despite this, Schaub continues to perform, create content, and stay active in the world of comedy podcasts.

Dane Cook

I remember when Dane Cook absolutely blew up in the mid-2000s – selling out massive venues like Madison Square Garden and his ‘Retaliation’ album was huge. But even then, a lot of comedians and comedy fans felt like his really energetic style was a bit…empty. There’s always been a lot of talk about him borrowing material, especially accusations from Louis C.K. And honestly, his newer specials, like ‘Above It All’, just haven’t seemed to recapture that initial frenzy he had.

Jeff Dunham

Jeff Dunham is a very successful ventriloquist who’s become a major name in comedy with popular specials like ‘Spark of Insanity’ and ‘Controlled Chaos’. Although he’s one of the world’s highest-earning comedians, critics often point out that his act relies on potentially harmful racial and ethnic stereotypes. For example, his character Achmed the Dead Terrorist has been called simplistic and offensive by many. Despite the criticism, Dunham continues to be featured on platforms like Comedy Central and Netflix.

Carlos Mencia

Carlos Mencia was once a popular comedian on Comedy Central, known for his show ‘Mind of Mencia’ and stand-up performances. However, his career took a hit after several well-known comedians, like Joe Rogan, accused him of stealing jokes. This caused a major decline in his popularity, though he still creates and releases independent comedy specials and continues to tour. Many see his career as a warning to other comedians about the importance of creating original material.

Matt Rife

Matt Rife became incredibly popular through TikTok, leading to a Netflix comedy special called ‘Selection Requirement’ in 2023. However, the special quickly faced backlash due to a joke at the beginning that referenced domestic violence, which many considered to be in bad taste. Some critics suggest his success isn’t based on his comedy itself, but rather on how TikTok’s algorithms work and his appearance. His comedy continues to be a talking point, especially among long-time fans of stand-up.

Jo Koy

Jo Koy has gained popularity with several Netflix comedy specials, like ‘Comin’ In Hot’ and ‘Live from the Los Angeles Forum.’ However, his hosting gig at the 2024 Golden Globes received a lot of negative feedback, particularly for his opening monologue. He was criticized for blaming his writers when the jokes didn’t resonate with the audience. Some critics also feel his comedy often relies too much on familiar stories about his family.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby became well-known worldwide with her Netflix special, ‘Nanette,’ which broke the usual rules of stand-up comedy. Though ‘Nanette’ won many awards, it also led to a strong disagreement about whether it was actually comedy or more like a spoken presentation. Some critics feel Gadsby’s later work, including ‘Douglas,’ focuses too much on social issues and not enough on being funny. This approach has left some viewers who prefer traditional jokes feeling disconnected.

Bill Maher

I’ve been watching Bill Maher for years, and while I always appreciate his willingness to tackle tough topics, I’ve noticed a shift in his stand-up lately. It feels less like traditional comedy with a clear structure and more like him just working through his frustrations and opinions on stage. It’s almost as if his HBO monologues and stand-up have blended together. Despite this, I – and a lot of other people, it seems – still find his unique brand of political commentary really engaging, and that’s why we keep coming back for more.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais, famous for ‘The Office’ and his often-edgy award show hosting, has recently released Netflix specials like ‘SuperNature’ and ‘Armageddon’. While these shows attract many viewers, critics say they heavily rely on jokes targeting so-called “woke” culture, and that this approach feels unoriginal and lacks the cleverness of his earlier work. Despite the criticism, Gervais defends his right to discuss controversial topics as a matter of free speech.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle is a highly respected comedian, but his Netflix specials since 2020 have sparked a lot of debate. His special ‘The Closer’ received particularly mixed reviews, with many critics feeling it was more of a serious talk than a comedy show. Some viewers thought he focused too much on transgender issues and that it wasn’t as funny or insightful as his earlier work. Despite the controversy, Chappelle continues to be very successful and earns large sums for his performances.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made a comeback to stand-up comedy in 2018 with ‘Relatable,’ and followed it up with ‘For Your Approval’ in 2024. While the newer special aimed to address accusations of a negative work environment on her talk show, many critics felt it focused too much on defending herself and didn’t connect with audiences. Reviewers pointed out that her attempt to move from feel-good comedy to discussing her career struggles felt forced and lacked genuine laughs. Overall, the special wasn’t well-received by viewers who were hoping for a more classic Ellen performance.

Russell Brand

Russell Brand first became popular with energetic and inventive comedy shows like ‘Ponderland.’ Over time, though, he moved away from traditional comedy, focusing more on political activism and sharing conspiracy theories. Some critics say his recent performances, including ‘Brandemic,’ feel more like political statements than actual comedy. This change has caused him to lose some of his original fans, but he’s gained a new audience interested in his political views.

Iliza Shlesinger

I’m a big Iliza Shlesinger fan – I’ve watched all five of her Netflix specials, like ‘War Paint’ and ‘Unveiled’! But I can see where some critics are coming from. Lately, it feels like she’s sticking to familiar territory, especially when it comes to dating and weddings. And honestly, sometimes her voices and movements, while funny, pull me out of what she’s actually saying. It’s not that it’s bad, but it would be great to see her really break new ground again, you know? It feels like she’s fallen into a bit of a pattern.

Bert Kreischer

Bert Kreischer gained fame from his hilarious “Machine” story and his tendency to perform without a shirt. His comedy specials, like ‘Hey Big Boy’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’, largely revolve around his life as a fun-loving, often wild, dad. Some critics feel his comedy depends more on his energetic personality and over-the-top stage presence than clever writing. Although he’s incredibly popular performing live, his specials often get mixed reactions because they don’t always have a strong, well-developed storyline.

Gabriel Iglesias

Gabriel Iglesias, nicknamed “Fluffy,” is a hugely popular comedian who tours internationally. He’s known for his comedy specials, like ‘Stadium Fluffy,’ which feature impressive sound effects and character impressions. While his shows are generally suitable for all ages and showcase his technical skill, some critics feel his jokes themselves aren’t always that strong. They’ve also noted that he often repeats similar themes and characters throughout his many specials.

Larry the Cable Guy

Dan Whitney, best known as the character Larry the Cable Guy, rose to fame with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. While his comedy specials, like ‘The Right to Bare Arms,’ were hugely popular with audiences, many critics considered them unsophisticated. Over time, his signature catchphrase, “Git-R-Done,” and his use of familiar regional stereotypes led some to believe his act wasn’t evolving. However, despite the criticism, he continues to be a well-known and popular comedian, especially among rural American audiences.

Chris D’Elia

Chris D’Elia became popular with comedy specials like ‘Man on Fire’ and ‘No Pain’. While he’s known for a laid-back style and using physical humor repeatedly, some critics find it annoying. After facing public accusations in 2020, his career shifted, but he’s continued to create and release his own specials. Many critics point out that his comedy isn’t as thought-provoking as that of other comedians working today.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman initially gained fame for her bold and often shocking comedy, particularly in shows like ‘Jesus Is Magic’. More recently, specials like ‘A Speck of Dust’ show a shift towards a quieter, more thoughtful style. Some believe this change has lessened the unique and daring quality that first made her so popular. Although she’s still highly regarded, her newer work hasn’t had the same widespread effect as her earlier, more provocative performances.

David Spade

David Spade, known for his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and in many comedy movies, recently tried stand-up with a Netflix special called ‘Nothing Personal.’ However, it didn’t receive great reviews. Critics felt the jokes felt outdated, like they belonged in the 90s, and didn’t have much to say about today’s world. While people acknowledge Spade’s comedic talent, many thought his stand-up routine wasn’t strong or original enough to hold attention for a full hour. He still makes regular appearances on comedy shows and talk shows.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld is famous for making jokes about everyday life, but his 2020 comedy special, ’23 Hours to Kill,’ wasn’t very well-received by critics. Many reviewers thought his material felt old-fashioned and didn’t connect with what’s happening in the world today. They noted that his complaints seemed out of touch, especially coming from someone so wealthy, and lacked the connection with audiences that made him famous. Even so, his legendary status in comedy means he’ll always have a place to share his work.

Adam Sandler

In 2018, Adam Sandler made a comeback to stand-up with his special, ‘100% Fresh.’ Some viewers appreciated its honest and heartfelt moments, while others found it inconsistent in quality. The special featured a lot of musical comedy and silly songs, which wasn’t what everyone expected from a traditional stand-up routine. Although Sandler is naturally likable, some critics felt his performance was more of a series of bits than a well-structured hour of comedy. Despite this, he continues to be a key part of Netflix’s original programming.

George López

George Lopez has been a leading figure in Latino comedy for many years, gaining recognition with shows like ‘Tall, Dark & Chicano’. However, some of his newer work, including ‘We’ll Do It For Half’, has been criticized for repeating jokes and ideas from his past performances. Critics have observed that his material hasn’t really changed since the early 2000s, still largely focusing on the same cultural topics. Lopez continues to perform regularly, and his career is supported by a loyal following.

Sebastian Maniscalco

Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is famous for his energetic stage presence and over-the-top facial expressions, showcased in specials like ‘Stay Hungry’. He’s become incredibly popular, selling out arenas, but some critics feel his physical comedy overshadows his actual jokes. Reviewers have also noted that his humor often centers around a predictable “old-fashioned values” character, which can feel stale after repeated performances. This highlights a contrast between his widespread appeal with audiences and the more critical assessments from reviewers.

Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler’s stand-up shows, like ‘Evolution’ and ‘Revolution,’ usually combine stories from her personal life with her thoughts on current events. Some critics feel her more recent work isn’t as funny or insightful as her old talk show, and comes across as a collection of stories about her life. A few reviewers have also noted that her performances can feel a little distant, making it hard for audiences to fully engage. Despite this, she continues to be a well-known personality, often hosting and creating new projects.

Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin built her career on being a playfully irreverent celebrity observer, known for her ‘D-List’ image and gossipy humor. After a significant controversy in 2017, her comedy specials, like ‘A Hell of a Story,’ largely centered on the fallout – being ostracized and dealing with legal issues. Some critics felt this change turned her performances into more of a personal account than a typical comedy show. While people acknowledge her strength in overcoming challenges, there’s been discussion about whether her later work is as funny as her earlier material.

Pauly Shore

Pauly Shore was a popular comedian in the 1990s, but he’s faced challenges staying relevant today. His recent comedy specials and documentary-style projects haven’t been widely successful with audiences or critics. Many reviewers feel he relies too much on the same goofy character he was known for, suggesting he hasn’t adapted to changing tastes. Despite this, Pauly Shore continues to perform live and stays connected with fans through social media.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is a hugely popular and successful comedian, but some of his recent stand-up, like ‘Reality Check’, hasn’t been well-received by critics. Many reviewers feel his jokes have become less down-to-earth and more about his life as a famous celebrity as his wealth has increased. They suggest his energetic performance style now masks weaker material compared to his earlier work, such as ‘Seriously Funny’. Despite these criticisms, his audience numbers haven’t dropped.

Joe Rogan

While Joe Rogan is widely known for his podcast, he’s also a stand-up comedian with several specials, including ‘Triggered’ and ‘Strange Times’. Critics often find his comedy to be very energetic and forceful, relying more on physical performance than witty jokes. His comedy shows tend to draw heavily from his podcast audience, but haven’t generally won over traditional comedy critics. His latest special, ‘Burn the Boats’ from 2024, received similarly mixed reactions.

Andrew Schulz

I first discovered Andrew Schulz through his hilarious clips online and on YouTube – his crowd work is seriously impressive! He blew up before his Netflix special, ‘Infamous,’ and a lot of people say he’s totally changed how comedians use social media. But honestly, while I enjoy his energy, some critics haven’t been so kind to his specials, saying they feel a bit all over the place and don’t really have a clear direction. They’ve even suggested he focuses more on being shocking and different than actually telling great jokes. It’s all sparked a lot of debate among comedy fans and professionals about how quickly he became famous.

Share your thoughts on these comedians and who you think deserves a special in the comments.

2026-03-19 17:55