Stand-up Specials/Tours & Live Surge
Key Questions
What major stand-up tours are happening?
Nate Bargatze has a 62-date tour, Ronny Chieng's tour sold out, Derrick Stroup is on his first headlining theater tour, and John Mulaney became the first comedian to sell out Wrigley Field.
Which new comedy specials are releasing?
New specials include Patton Oswalt's 'Tea & Scotch' streaming June 5, Louis C.K.'s 'Ridiculous' on Netflix June 30, Brad Williams' 'Live on Short Street', Dan Mintz's first stand-up special, Emmy Blotnick's 'What's Her Secret?', and Kevin Nealon's 'Loose in the Crotch'.
What festivals are featuring stand-up lineups?
Just for Laughs runs July 15-26 with additions like Maria Bamford and a Heated Rivalry parody musical, NYLaughs Festival is June 4-7, Great American Comedy Festival is June 17-20, and NY Comedy Festival partners with Variety for a 10 Comics to Watch showcase.
How is Hartbeat expanding its comedy offerings?
Hartbeat's LOL Live is producing 12 new half-hour specials on Hulu, starting with Chaunté Wayans on June 19, signaling a revival of the half-hour format.
What faith-based stand-up content is launching?
Wonder Project is launching the stand-up series 'Wonder Presents: The Stand-Ups' with six specials featuring Caroline Rhea and K. Trevor Wilson.
Which comedians have new projects or tours announced?
Jo Koy is hosting 'Pass Tha' Mic' presented by Martin Lawrence, Tom Papa has 'Freaked Out', Katt Williams has a Spring '26 special, and Kevin James Thornton released 'Live at Shamala Hamala'.
Are there any notable milestones in live comedy?
John Mulaney selling out Wrigley Field marks a major milestone, while $350M Nateland destination by Nate Bargatze and sold-out tours highlight the surge in live stand-up demand.
Where can viewers watch recent stand-up specials?
Many specials like Kevin James Thornton's, Emmy Blotnick's, Kevin Nealon's, and Dan Mintz's are available on platforms such as YouTube via 800 Pound Gorilla or other streaming services.
Nate Bargatze 62-date tour; $350M Nateland destination; faces backlash after White House UFC appearance. New specials: Patton Oswalt 'Tea & Scotch' June 5 (now streaming on 800 Pound Gorilla); Doug Stanhope 'Beer Hall Putsch'; Sheryl Underwood 2027; Hannah Berner 'None of My Business' Hulu special hit #1; Tom Papa 'Freaked Out'; Katt Williams Spring '26. Just for Laughs July 15-26 adds Maria Bamford, Rafi Bastos, Heated Rivalry parody musical, Rachel Feinstein, Guy Branum. NYLaughs Festival June 4-7. Great American Comedy Festival June 17-20. NY Comedy Festival partners with Variety for 10 Comics to Watch showcase Nov 12. Ronny Chieng tour sold out. Derrick Stroup first headlining theater tour. Louis C.K. returns to Netflix with 'Ridiculous' June 30. Brad Williams 'Live on Short Street' out with tour dates. Jerry Seinfeld second show at Just for Laughs Montreal July 23. New specials from Gorilla Comedy+ and other platforms noted. Hartbeat's LOL Live sets 12 new half-hour specials on Hulu, starting with Chaunté Wayans June 19 – strong signal for half-hour format revival. Dan Mintz (Tina Belcher voice) releases first stand-up special after 27 years, animated by Bob's Burgers team. John Mulaney becomes first comedian to sell out Wrigley Field – major live comedy milestone. Wonder Project (faith-based studio) launching stand-up series 'Wonder Presents: The Stand-Ups' with Caroline Rhea, K. Trevor Wilson. Emmy Blotnick special 'What's Her Secret?' out on 800 Pound Gorilla. Kevin Nealon special 'Loose in the Crotch' out on 800 Pound Gorilla. Jo Koy to host Martin Lawrence-presented showcase series 'Pass Tha' Mic' – another live comedy showcase revival. Doogie Horner special 'The Bees Knees' now streaming. Kevin James Thornton special 'Live at Shamala Hamala' now released.