Sometimes, all you want to do is laugh. Especially when the news makes you feel like the world is (at times literally) on fire. And in those cases, there may be no better antidote than a good stand-up special. A funny anecdote about a family member, a hilarious riff on tired stereotypes, even a well-choreographed bit of physical comedy can go a long way to make us all feel a little less alone, a little less gloomy. Thankfully, Latino stand-up comedians have been mining these and other comedy tropes for venues all across the United States. And as they book bigger crowds and garner more impressive fanbases, it’s nice to see a service like Netflix both giving their specials a home and outright producing some of them.
So if you’re looking for some LOLs and are at a loss of where to start, browse through these English-language stand-up comedy specials, all available on Netflix, to brighten up your day.
1
Gabriel Iglesias: I'm Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry
Hawaiian shirt enthusiast Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias finds laughs in racist gift baskets, Prius-driving cops and all-female taco trucks in this stand-up special taped during a sold-out show at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. With extended riffs on Batman and even some twerking, Fluffy establishes why he’s had such a stellar career in comedy for decades now.
2
John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons
Comic and actor John Leguizamo examines the repression of Hispanic culture throughout American history in his one-man show, Latin History for Morons. Inspired by a conversation with his kid about what types of heroes we uphold and intent on putting Latinos front and center when it comes to history discussions, this comedic lecture is equal parts TED talk and stand-up.
3
Felipe Esparza: They're Not Gonna Laugh at You
Last Comic Standing winner Felipe Esparza runs riot in his first comedy special with his wry comments on life as a wild man from East Los Angeles. The Mexican-American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his What’s Up Fool? podcast, tackles topics like Latino stereotypes (“We are not all hard workers”) and undocumented immigrants in Minnesota (“If you made it that far you can stay”).
4
Chingo Bling: They Cant Deport Us All
Coming from the southeast side of Houston Chingo Bling is known for his Ghetto Ingenuity, which has long been a staple of his rap persona. For this provocatively titled stand up special, the rapper and stand-up comic has assembled some of his funniest friends (including comedians Jesus Sepulveda, Jerry Garcia and Jon Stringer) for a rambunctious take on Tex-Mex culture.
5
Cristela Alonzo: Lower Classy
Diving headfirst into the country’s political climate, Texan Cristela Alonzo tackles everything from white girls with cornrows to the cleaning lady fantasy she had as a schoolgirl (a nod to the way Hollywood warped even her New Kids on the Block daydreams). Mixing humor with touching family anecdotes, she shows why she’s one of the most refreshing voices in the business.
6
Anjelah Johnson: Not Fancy
Best known for MADtv character Bon Qui Qui, Anjelah Johnson waxes about religion, married life, travel and food among other topics in this new laugh out loud and family-friendly stand up special taped live in California.
7
Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias: One Show Fits All
Surrounded by a throng of fans who know some of his jokes by heart, Iglesias relishes every moment he’s on stage in One Show Fits All. In his set, you’ll find the famed comedian talking about catching his teenage son watching porn (“I’m not going to tell your mom. I’m going to tell everyone else!”) as well as encounters with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Chris Rock and yes, even Vicente Fernández.