Stand-up comedy is one of the most challenging comedy types to master. It is a career that sees just a few go from utter obscurity to notoriety and fame. This is because there are many other performers in your local bar who want the same thing, but instead of waiting for an opportunity, they are creating their own, standing in front of a diverse group of people with different stereotypes, opinions, and beliefs.
Thus, any comedian that does well at stand-up is a LEGEND.
In this article, we bring you the top ten Black stand-up comedians on Netflix and encourage you to watch their performances. These comedians will make you laugh hard and may even teach you something new in the process!
10 Best Black Stand-up Comedians on Netflix
- Dave Chappelle –Sticks and Stones
Dave Chappelle is a legendary comedian known for his wit, provocative lines, and excellent delivery. In Sticks and Stones, he talks about the current state of politics in America, gun culture, the opioid crisis, and raising a child in the US. Dave has received several awards, including Grammys and Emmys. Hi
- Richard Pryor -Live in Concert
Richard Pryor is the comedian you adored as a child. He has had a great career as a comic, from creating ageless stand-ups such as “Live & Smokin” or ”Is It Something I Said” to winning several Grammys and an Emmy. Richard’s stand-up special, Live in Concert, was created in 1979, and the piece remains timeless.
- Kevin Hart -What Now?
Kevin Hart is indubitably one of the most popular Black stand-up comedians on Netflix. The comedian-turned-actor has appeared in famous movies like Jumanji, Get Hard, Fatherhood, Ride Along, etc. In his stand-up special, “What Now?” Kevin goes deep into his life, including his experience living in suburbia.
- Tiffany Haddish -Black Mitzvah
Tiffany Haddish is a fantastic farceur. She came into the limelight after starring in the 2017 movie Girls Trip with Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah, and Regina Hall. In her stand-up special, “Black Mitzvah,” Tiffany goes personal and, as usual, adds her creative touch.
- Leslie Jones -Time Machine
Leslie Jones is an American comedian and actress who appeared on Saturday Night Live as a cast member and writer from 2014 to 2019. As a public figure, Jones has been at the mercy of misogynistic and racial harassment virtually. Leslie’s Netflix stand-up special, “Time Machine,” which premiered in 2020, focuses on her adult life and how she navigates it.
- Wanda Sykes -Not Normal
Wanda Sykes is a famous comedian with humble beginnings. She started her career as a writer for the Chris Rock show. With time, she grew famous as a writer before she chose to walk her scripts. Her comedy show, “Not Normal,” centers on hardcore conversations, including racism, politics, etc.
- Trevor Noah -Son of Patricia
Trevor Noah took the helm from Jon Stewart in 2014 and is currently the host of the Daily Show. Trevor is praised for his ability to tell the news in a satirical and comical way. Son of Patricia is Trevor’s stand-up special, where he talks about growing up as a mixed boy in South Africa and the lessons he got from living with his mother.
- Chris Rock -Tamborine
It’s impossible to speak about comedy in a room without the name “Chris Rock” popping up. Chris began his career by taking on minor acting roles in movies like Beverly Hills Cop II and New Jack City. After writing and co-producing the comical mockumentary CB4, Chris became a cast member on Saturday Night Live. In Rock’s comedy special, Tamborine, the 57-year-old talks about his personal life and other valuable lessons.
- Marlon Wayans -Woke-ish
It’s easy to forget that Marlon Wayans is a comedian since he’s everywhere in Hollywood. The star actor got the main act for the 2022 Netflix movie, The Curse of Bridge Hollow. In Woke-ish, Marlon talks about many things, including gay rights.
- Gina Yashere -Laughing to America
Gina Yashere is the only person on this list of Black stand-up comedians on Netflix that isn’t from America. She hails from the Queen’s Land, London. Gina got her big break in 2008 at Def Comedy Jam, where she was the only British person allowed to speak. In “Laughing to America,” the comedian talks about her rise to fame and her personal life.
