
Streaming libraries expand and contract. Algorithms are imperfect. Those damn thumbnail images are always changing. But you know what you can always rely on? The expert opinions and knowledgeable commentary of The A.V. Club. That’s why we’re scouring both the menus of the most popular services and our own archives to bring you these guides to the best viewing options, broken down by streamer, medium, and genre.
We’ve narrowed down our picks for the best comedy specials on Netflix based on those that were given a B+ or higher in an A.V. Club review. (We’ve also thrown in a few vintage specials that we didn’t review but that we have praised elsewhere on the site.) If the excerpts and blurbs aren’t enough explanation for why we’re so keen on a certain special, click on the linked titles to read more. In general, we tried to limit the selections to one stand-up special per comedian, but then somebody had to go and find a loophole by making multiple kinds of recommendable specials.
Looking for something else on Netflix? Check out our list of the best drama series, comedy series, sci-fi/horror/fantasy series, documentaries, and movies on the streaming service.