Best Stand Up Comedy Specials of all time
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- DirectorRocco UrbisciStarsGeorge CarlinWhen George Carlin is asked which HBO concert is his favorite, his answer is always, "Jammin' In New York." The reasons are several: It was his first HBO show done live; it was the first he had done in his hometown, New York City; and it was the largest audience he had ever worked before: 6,500.But Carlin says it also represented a newfound sophistication in his writing. "It was the first time I had done truly extended pieces consisting of separate sections all flowing together. It was a big leap for me."The show, taped at the Paramount Theater in Madison Square Garden and winner of the 1992 CableACE Award, is a perfect blend of biting social commentary and more gently-observed observational pieces.
- DirectorJoe LaytonStarsRichard PryorGene CrossJulie HamptonRichard Pryor performs his stand-up comedy act on the Sunset Strip.
- DirectorJeff MargolisStarsRichard PryorPatti LaBelleHuey P. NewtonRichard Pryor's classic 1979 concert film has him discussing a wide range of topics, including race, the police and his favorite target -- himself.
- DirectorSteven J. SantosStarsLouis C.K.In his first one-hour special, comedy and television star Louis C.K. returns to HBO for an hour of no-holds-barred, adults-only stand-up comedy taped before a live audience at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles.
- DirectorBruce GowersStarsEddie MurphyJames ArgiroGus LoundermonEddie Murphy's raunchy, raucous stand-up comedy routine is captured for posterity on this tape.
- DirectorLawrence JordanStarsEddie IzzardExecutive transvestite Eddie Izzard takes his show to San Francisco to give a brief history of pagan and Christian religions, the building of Stonehenge, the birth of the Church of England and of Western empires, and the need for a European dream. Along the way, he dramatizes Dr. Heimlich's search for a maneuver, the naming of Engelbert Humperdinck, Scooby and Shaggy as archetypes, Neil Armstrong on the moon, society's tolerance of mass murderers, how we sing anthems and carols, Hollywood adapting British films, JFK's trip to Berlin, thoughts on puberty, and how to work schoolbook-French phrases into Parisian conversation. Closeups catch the glint in his eye and his carefully-applied make-up.
- DirectorKeith TruesdellStarsChris RockJim BreuerMario JoynerThe second HBO stand-up special by Chris Rock.
- DirectorSteven J. SantosStarsGeorge CarlinTaped before a sold-out house at New York City's Carnegie Hall, the performance represents a creative resurgence for Carlin, following a heart attack earlier that year. He ignites the stage with unique perceptions and his outrageous physical comedy, employing along the way his well-honed powers of mimicry, The routines include: Rice Krispies, Newscast #3, Have a Nice Day, Ice-Box Man, Fussy Eater, Dogs & Cats #2 and Over 200 Filthy Words and Phrases.
- DirectorGary WeisStarsSteve MartinMilton BerleGeorge BurnsSteve Martin's first network special for NBC. The show is half concert footage (shot at the Universal Amphitheatre in LA) and half sketches. Sketches include: Martin as "Turtle Boy," rodeo-riding a giant turtle; Martin hosting a variety show, on which Johnny Cash discusses his research in astronomy; and Martin five years later as a drunken bum.
- DirectorChris BouldStarsBill HicksBill Hicks in the height of his genius. Recorded at the Dominion Theatre in London, Hicks opens our eyes and minds to the hypocrisy and ludicrousness of the world around us.
- DirectorStan LathanStarsDave ChappelleAlbert PrecourtDave Chappelle returns to D.C. and riffs on politics, police, race relations, drugs, Sesame Street and more.
- DirectorDon MischerStarsRobin WilliamsRobin Williams performs his act in San Francisco's Great American Music Hall. Although he does do some of his more well known routines, much of the footage is devoted to Williams' frenetic, completely off the wall improvisation.
- DirectorWalter C. MillerStarsNancy OmiSteven WrightEnjoyably lethargic Steven Wright leaves his shack in the prairie to deliver a stand up show filled with creative and philosophical jokes, deadpan one-liners and funny contrived situations, including meeting a perfect Asian blond.
- DirectorKeith TruesdellStarsJaneane Garofalo[HBO] HD. Actress/comedian Janeane Garofalo performs in her HBO solo stand-up comedy debut.
- DirectorJordan BradyStarsMaria BamfordJoel BamfordMarilyn BamfordSpend an intimate evening with Maria Bamford in her cozy 'shot-at-home' comedy special. Gleeful, thrilling, and oh so awkward Maria gets snug with her two person audience consisting of only her parents.
- DirectorPaul MillerJohn FortenberryStarsMitch HedbergMitch Hedberg's half-hour special on Comedy Central, as part of their Comedy Central Presents series.
- DirectorRocco UrbisciStarsRoseanne BarrAshley HelmaHeather HopperRoseanne's first HBO stand-up comedy special.
- DirectorMichael BliedenStarsZach GalifianakisJoe WagnerBrian UngerA master of the one-liner with an absurd rambling style, Zach's sharp, resonating humor makes his show at the famed Purple Onion in San Francisco one of the funniest performances in recent comedy.
- DirectorThomas SchlammeStarsWhoopi GoldbergWhoopi Goldberg in her original one-woman show
- DirectorSeth BarrishStarsMike BirbigliaMike Birbiglia tells the touching story of his believing and disbelieving in love.
- DirectorWalter C. MillerStarsSam KinisonFlorence Marie MarneyDenise GallupFans old and new have cause for celebration with the release of Sam Kinison: Breaking All The Rules, HBO Special. Along with being voted onto Comedy Central's All-Time Top 20 Stand-Up Comedians list and VH-1's Top Comedians list, Sam seemed to be in a whole other class by himself. This comedy special will blow away the Kinison fan, and will be a must-have collectible. "Sam was the cuddly anti-Christ..." - Robin Williams. "Sam scared the hell out of you...and was the funniest comedian..." - Jay Leno. "Sam took no prisoners..." - Richard Pryor. "Sam was an absolute comic genius..." - Rodney Dangerfield. "Sam's humor was based on truth and pushed the envelope like no other..." - Larry King. "Sam's voice was the voice of outrage..." - Tim Matheson. "Sam was one of our generation's greatest stand-up comics..." - Howard Stern. "Sam was one of my all time favorite comics..." - Johnny Carson. "Sam was outrageous, bright and absolutely screamed the truth..." - Tom Lykis
- DirectorChris BouldStarsBill HicksBill Hicks tells us how he feels about non-smokers, blow-jobs, religion, war and peace, drugs and music.
- DirectorDuncan SkilesStarsBeth HoytScott KeyAshley ParchmentReggie Watts performing live at three New York venues bookended with sketches.
- DirectorMarty CallnerStarsGeorge CarlinShayna AlexanderBrenda CarlinGeorge Carlin's first ever comedy special, filmed live at the University of Southern California. Here, he talks about monopoly, flying on planes, random thoughts, walking, and other things.
- DirectorTed DemmeStarsDenis LearyChris PhillipsAdam RothTicked off comic Denis Leary talks honestly about subjects ranging from smoking, red meat, drugs, his family, rehab, and yes, cancer.