We’ve all heard those dreaded words, from the mouths of our mothers to the frat bros who sit behind us in lecture: “Women aren’t funny.” Despite countless female writers, actors, and comedians who have made their voices heard in the last few decades, there still seems to be some confusion over whether women can truly be as funny as their male counterparts. I’m here to tell you yes, yes they are, and here’s a list of incredible female stand-up comedians you should watch right now on Netflix. Happy bingeing!
Ali Wong ("Baby Cobra")
Perhaps my favorite comedy special of all time on Netflix, Ali Wong’s "Baby Cobra" kills. With searing honesty and impeccable delivery, Wong tackles on oncoming motherhood, sex, and feminism in this hour–long special. She’s unafraid to be incredibly graphic and raunchy as hell, portraying the woman as a raw animal and getting real with what she thinks about Sheryl Sandberg–esque "Lean In" feminism. Wong herself has been on the comedy scene for nearly a decade, doing standup for years and currently working for "Fresh off the Boat" as a TV writer. "Baby Cobra" is a must–see.
Maria Bamford ("Old Baby", "The Special Special Special")
Maria Bamford holds a special place at Penn—she was a Kelly Writers House Fellow last spring semester (2017)—and in comedy. Using her own experiences with mental illness, family trauma, and other issues that we don’t talk about, Bamford fearlessly delivers awkward and poignant comedic material. In her unconventional standup special "Old Baby", she shows us that telling the same joke is never the same every time, and an audience of four family members is just as important as one thousand strangers in a renowned theater.
Chelsea Peretti ("One of the Greats")
You might recognize Chelsea Peretti from TV outside of Netflix, delivering punchy one–liners on the hysterical show "Brooklyn Nine–Nine", but she does not disappoint on the stand–up stage. "One of the Greats" keeps it simple—Peretti gets up there and stays true to herself, letting us know that she’s going to tell it like it is. Drawing strongly from observational humor, she criticizes old stereotypes of female comedians and sweeps aside any preconceptions about women in comedy and women in life.
Amy Schumer ("Leather Special")
Amy Schumer is a woman who needs no introduction. The star of "Inside Amy Schumer" and "Trainwreck" (last summer’s blockbuster hit), Schumer has painted herself as an iconic, unapologetic female comedian. "Leather Special", though it did receive some negative, biased reviews, showcases her classic irreverence and raunchiness. Being unafraid to wear a suit made entirely from leather and being able to balance diarrhea jokes with serious issues like gun control is the kind of ballsy comedian Amy Schumer is, and that is who she continues to be.
Jen Kirkman ("I’m Gonna Die Alone (and I Feel Fine)", "Just Keep Livin’?")
As soon as Jen Kirkman’s rye, husky voice fills the stadium, you know it’s going to be a good show. Dry, observational humor is what Kirkman does best and she manages to be absolutely hilarious working with the everyday. The issues she talks about are relevant and resonant, speaking honestly as a woman who chose not to be a mother and who denounces the institution of marriage. Stupid people, the struggles of adult meditation, sex education—it’s all in Jen Kirkman’s two comedy specials you can find on Netflix.
Anjelah Johnson ("Not Fancy", "The Homecoming Show")
Anjelah Johnson’s "Not Fancy" comedy special is endearing and kickass—she’s unapologetically herself, nothing less and nothing more. Topics range from wearing Forever 21 on the red carpet to white people thinking all Latino people are one cultural entity, and she delivers the material with sass and verve. Though her struggles may not seem as hard–hitting—the complexities of a Latina woman who can’t speak Spanish—it’s an entertaining hour well–spent listening to a woman who knows herself and is unafraid to show it.
Margaret Cho ("Psycho")
Margaret Cho, the star of the first all Asian–American TV show (even before "Fresh off the Boat") proves her stand up chops in "Psycho". In many ways, her comedy is a celebration of sexuality and love, exuding a sense of openness and boldness throughout her set. She doesn’t shy away from criticizing white people on telling her about her Asianness, and she certainly doesn’t shy away from her identity as a bisexual Asian–American woman. Cho is real, and it’s magnificent.
Cristela Alonzo ("Lower Classy")
You may know Cristela Alonzo from her own Netflix show, "Cristela", making her the first Latina to create, produce, write, and star in her own primetime comedy show. In her stand–up debut, she doesn’t disappoint: Alonzo fearlessly tackles topics that launch into political commentary, especially regarding Donald Trump. With her charismatic nature and likable energy, Alonzo draws from her identity to self–deprecate but also the make a statement, proving comedy has its place in relevant political discussion.
