Most Anticipated Stand-Up Specials of 2025

The year 2025 is set to be a landmark year for stand-up comedy, featuring an impressive lineup of specials from both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max continue to dominate the comedy landscape, while live tours are making a robust comeback. This comprehensive guide highlights the most anticipated stand-up specials and tours of 2025, ensuring comedy enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.

Top Stand-Up Specials

Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny

Platform: Hulu
Release Date: November 22, 2024

Jim Gaffigan returns with The Skinny, a special that delves into his experiences with weight loss, raising teenagers, and navigating everyday life. Known for his clean and relatable humor, Gaffigan's latest offering promises to deliver his signature wit and charm, making it a must-watch for fans across all age groups.

Ali Wong: Single Lady

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: October 8, 2024

Ali Wong's Single Lady marks a significant evolution in her comedic journey. Building on her previous specials, Wong explores her life post-divorce with her characteristic boldness and unfiltered humor. This special is expected to tackle themes of independence, relationships, and personal growth, all delivered with her trademark raunchy and unapologetic style.

Dave Chappelle: Provocative and Unpredictable

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: TBD 2025

Dave Chappelle continues to push the boundaries of stand-up comedy with his upcoming special. Known for his incisive commentary on race, politics, and society, Chappelle's 2025 release is expected to be both thought-provoking and hilariously sharp. His ability to provoke laughter while tackling serious issues ensures that this special will be a cultural event.

John Mulaney: A Return to Form

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: TBD 2025

John Mulaney is set to release a new special that promises to blend his impeccable timing and sharp wit with personal anecdotes and societal observations. Following the success of his previous works, Mulaney's upcoming special is highly anticipated to further establish his status as one of the premier comedians of his generation.

Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: October 22, 2024

Hasan Minhaj returns with Off With His Head, a special that delves into themes of power, leadership, and cultural identity. Building on his previous acclaimed works, Minhaj's latest offering is expected to intertwine personal storytelling with broader societal issues, delivering a set that is both insightful and uproariously funny.

James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: November 23, 2024

James Acaster's Hecklers Welcome is already generating significant buzz. Known for his surreal and offbeat humor, Acaster's new special is anticipated to explore his interactions with live audiences and the art of handling hecklers, offering a masterclass in blending vulnerability with sharp wit.

Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: November 26, 2024

Anthony Jeselnik continues to dominate the dark comedy scene with his upcoming special, Bones and All. Known for his sharp, biting one-liners and fearless approach to taboo topics, Jeselnik's latest release is expected to push boundaries further, solidifying his reputation as a king of edgy humor.

Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special

Platform: Hulu
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Rachel Bloom brings a unique blend of musical comedy and stand-up in Death, Let Me Do My Special. Combining original songs and theatrical elements, Bloom’s special is a must-watch for fans of experimental comedy, as she navigates dark themes with humor and heart.

Tom Papa: Home Free

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: October 29, 2024

Tom Papa's Home Free is set to be a feel-good special celebrating the joys and absurdities of everyday life. Known for his clean, observational humor, Papa delivers a warm and relatable set that resonates with audiences seeking lighthearted yet impactful comedy.

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was...

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: December 10, 2024

Jamie Foxx makes a grand return to stand-up with What Had Happened Was.... Featuring stories from his Hollywood career and personal life, Foxx delivers his signature charisma and energy, making this special a highly anticipated event in the comedy calendar.

Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Michelle Buteau closes the year with a bang in A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall. Known for her bold humor and infectious energy, Buteau's special promises to be both hilarious and visually stunning, solidifying her status as one of the top comedians of her generation.

Ronny Chieng: Love To Hate It

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: December 17, 2024

Ronny Chieng's Love To Hate It explores his complex relationship with modern culture, social media, and global politics. With his sharp wit and deadpan delivery, Chieng delivers intelligent, observational comedy that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: January 2025

Gabriel Iglesias, affectionately known as "Fluffy," returns with Legend of Fluffy. Featuring his signature storytelling, sound effects, and family-friendly humor, Iglesias offers a delightful special that highlights his recent global tours and personal milestones.

Heather McMahan: Breadwinner

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: October 11, 2024

Heather McMahan's Breadwinner showcases her relatable humor and larger-than-life personality. Tackling topics like marriage, career struggles, and social media culture, McMahan's special is poised to be a hit among millennial and Gen Z audiences.

Deon Cole: OK, Mister

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: September 17, 2024

Deon Cole's OK, Mister delivers his signature blend of observational humor and razor-sharp punchlines. As a seasoned comedian and actor, Cole's latest special is expected to further cement his place as one of the most versatile performers in the industry.

Colin Jost & Michael Che: New York After Dark

Platform: HBO Max
Release Date: September 12, 2024

The Saturday Night Live duo teams up for New York After Dark, a joint special combining stand-up, sketches, and behind-the-scenes stories from their time on SNL. Fans of their Weekend Update segments will be particularly excited to see their chemistry translate into a full-length special.

Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right Tour

Platform: 800 Pound Gorilla
Release Date: TBD 2025

Sebastian Maniscalco's It Ain’t Right Tour culminates in a special capturing his outrageously funny takes on everyday life. Known for his animated delivery and relatable humor, Maniscalco's material often revolves around family, social norms, and the absurdities of modern living.

Rising Stars to Watch

Shane Gillis: New Horizons

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: TBD 2025

Shane Gillis, a rapidly rising comedian, is set to release New Horizons. Known for his irreverent humor and sharp wit, Gillis's special is expected to showcase his growth and unique comedic voice, blending humor with social commentary.

Sarah Cooper: Viral Sensation

Platform: Major Streaming Platform
Release Date: TBD 2025

Sarah Cooper, who gained fame through her viral lip-sync videos of political figures, is transitioning to stand-up with her highly anticipated special. Combining satire and observational humor, Cooper's special promises to offer a fresh and insightful perspective on politics and culture.

Megan Stalter: Eccentric and Hilarious

Platform: Amazon Prime or Hulu
Release Date: TBD 2025

Megan Stalter, known for her eccentric characters and over-the-top performance style, releases her first major stand-up special. Stalter's unique comedic voice blends absurdity with relatability, promising a memorable and hilarious experience for audiences.

Emma Lee: Girls Just Wanna Have Laughs

Platform: HBO Max or Netflix
Release Date: TBD 2025

Emma Lee's Girls Just Wanna Have Laughs tackles themes of modern womanhood, relationships, and societal expectations with sharp commentary and observational humor. Lee's relatable and empowering comedy is set to resonate strongly with audiences.

Mo Amer: Global Perspective

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: TBD 2025

Mo Amer continues to captivate audiences with his blend of personal anecdotes and sharp social commentary in his upcoming special. Exploring themes of identity, immigration, and family life, Amer's unique perspective ensures his comedy remains both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Live Tours and Performances

Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats

Platform: Netflix
Premiere Date: August 3, 2024 (Available in 2025)

Joe Rogan returns to stand-up with Burn the Boats, marking his comeback after a six-year hiatus. Filmed live at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, Rogan’s special is expected to feature his signature observational humor and thought-provoking commentary, delivering an unfiltered and engaging performance.

Tom Segura: Come Together

Platform: Global Tour
Key Dates: February 22, 2025 - Madison Square Garden, March 29, 2025

Tom Segura embarks on his global Come Together tour, following the success of his previous I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour. Featuring over 300 shows worldwide, Segura's tour offers a fresh hour of comedy centered on everyday life, personal anecdotes, and societal observations.

Tommy Jefferson: Laughing in the Face of Adversity

Platform: Major Streaming Platform
Release Date: TBD 2025

Jim Jefferson's upcoming special, Laughing in the Face of Adversity, explores his battle with depression, divorce, and rehab through his unique comedic lens. Known for his signature crowd interaction, Jefferson's special promises heartfelt storytelling combined with laugh-out-loud moments.

Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence

Platform: Live Tour
Key Date: March 21, 2025 - SNHU Arena

Jeff Dunham tours with his Artificial Intelligence show, featuring his animated characters like Achmed and Jose Jalapeno. Combining ventriloquism with sharp humor, Dunham's performances are a unique blend of comedy and character-driven entertainment.

Sarah Silverman: Postmortem

Platform: US Tour
Key Date: January 22, 2025 - Capitol Center for the Arts

Sarah Silverman embarks on her Postmortem tour, known for her bold exploration of taboo subjects. Silverman's live shows are highly anticipated, promising incisive and brave comedy that tackles challenging topics with her unique humorous twist.

Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes

Platform: World Tour
Key Dates: August 9-10, 2025 - TD Garden, Boston

Nate Bargatze sets out on his Big Dumb Eyes tour, offering his signature deadpan delivery and humorous takes on everyday life. Having appeared on high-profile shows and received critical acclaim for his stand-up specials, Bargatze's tour is highly anticipated for its fresh material and entertaining performances.

Final Highlights

David Sedaris

Platform: Live Performance
Release Date: April 6, 2025 - Boston Symphony Hall

David Sedaris, the Grammy Award-nominated humorist, is set to perform at Boston Symphony Hall. Known for his unconventional storytelling and self-deprecating humor, Sedaris's performance is a must-see for fans of literary and observational comedy.

Taylor Tomlinson

Platform: Live Tour
Key Dates: February 27 - March 2, 2025 - Wang Theater

Taylor Tomlinson continues her rise in the comedy world with her ongoing tour, featuring material from her three Netflix stand-up specials. Her energetic and relatable performances make her a favorite among comedy fans.

Conclusion

2025 is poised to be a vibrant and diverse year for stand-up comedy, with a plethora of specials and tours catering to various tastes and preferences. From Joe Rogan's triumphant return with Burn the Boats to Tom Segura's global Come Together tour, and from Ali Wong's fearless Single Lady to Dave Chappelle's provocative new special, there is something for every comedy enthusiast.

The involvement of major streaming platforms ensures that these specials reach a global audience, while live tours bring the dynamic energy of stand-up comedy back to venues worldwide. Whether you enjoy the observational humor of Tom Segura, the dark comedy of Anthony Jeselnik, or the heartfelt storytelling of John Mulaney, 2025 offers a rich tapestry of comedic excellence.

Stay tuned to these platforms and mark your calendars for these highly anticipated releases. For more information on upcoming comedy specials and tours, explore the following sources:

Prepare to laugh, reflect, and be entertained as these comedians take the stage in 2025!