From comedy tapings to filmed performances, these TV specials give you the experience of seeing your favorite acts whenever, wherever.
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” brings on the nostalgia and, for the most part, revives the spirit of the source material.
Every legendary artist has that performance which summarizes all they were and the epitome of who and what they are. For Beyoncé it was Beychella.
Kevin Hart: Irresponsible brings about all you expect from the comedian, and for longtime fans that might be a problem.
You might be surprised that, after The Leather Special, Schumer has a new comedy special that *gasps* is actually quite funny.
Jimmy Carr: The Best of Ultimate Gold Greatest Hits will have you questioning how bad of a person you are for laughing at his offensive material.
Part 2 of Leaving Neverland doesn’t present a smoking gun as much as tries to appeal to its audience’s emotions after wearing you down for roughly 4 hours.
With the past coming to roost for so many celebrities, I expected the worst. However, all we got was a shoddy hit piece given legitimacy by HBO.
This modernized version of Kim Possible could grow on you, but many of the jokes, and changes, including Kim being made insecure, may turn off older fans.
You Complete Me, Ho is an autobiographical comedy special noting the highs and lows of comedienne Ken Jeong from being a doctor to Crazy Rich Asians.
Kevin Hart’s Guide To Black History feels like a potentially classic edu-tainment program like what used to come out steadily in the 90s and early 00s.
One Show Fits All gives you everything and more. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, hear wonderfully told stories, and will seriously be tempted to see Gabriel Iglesias live.
RENT: Live does occasionally stumble, and may not live up to expectations, but you can see an effort made to honor the spirit of the musical.
I Be Knowin’ is a “Best Of” collection for fans of Amanda Seales, but that is what makes this special the perfect entry point for when you introduce her to people.
Relatable is a welcomed return for those a fan of Ellen DeGeneres’ style but if not into it? Well, this may not convince you she’s funny.
Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia helps you understand how her perspective allowed him to be open and handle the weirdness of life.
John Leguizamo continues to use the unique lane he created for himself to not only present his comedic take on the ignorance of Latin history but also present an epic history lesson.
A bit dated, and lacking the type of punch you may be expecting, D.L. Hughley: Contrarian has its moments but lacks a reason to be called a classic.
The Bobby Brown Story seemingly had two goals in mind: Demystify his relationship to Whitney Houston and show how much better he is now.
As you can imagine, The Bobby Brown Story is from his point of view and with Bobby having lived a full life of triumph and loss, he has no f***s to give. Which shows in this movie.
August 28: A Day in the Life of a People needs to be a perennial feature on OWN, and a play done across the nation during Black History Month.
Elder Millennial has the vibe of a YouTube video. It isn’t hilarious but the way things are talked about are comical and insightful enough to make you want to subscribe for more.
The Comedy Lineup really pushes the idea that the word special needs to be far more exclusive and we need to start using the word “showcase” to take expectations down a notch.
Ali Wong proves that comediennes can be vulgar and funny, while not being self-deprecating in the process.
The shared set between Natasha and Moshe shows you how both cute, comical, and vicious these two can be.
Moshe’s part of the shared comedy special is stronger, though makes you slightly question if it is just because of his opening act.
Trashy, but dressed classy, Natasha Leggero in part 1 of this shared special probably will more shock you by what she says than make you laugh.
Unpredictable and outlandish is the only way to describe Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish, as he proves not just why the Wayans are one of the funniest families in comedy, but why he is one of the funniest comedians period.
Over the course of 18 characters, Anna Deavere Smith doesn’t just present a masterclass in acting but also understanding the various aspects of the school to prison pipeline.
Chris Rock, thankfully, brings a comedy special light on Trump and while it delves into his personal philosophies, he doesn’t turn his standup into a college lecture.
Harith Iskander’s “I Told You So” is the kind of comedy special which makes you hope Netflix snatches Iskander up and offers him more than additional special, but perhaps a show.
Katt Williams: Great America won’t make you think Katt Williams hasn’t missed a step since his height in 2008/2009, but his set will bring enough nostalgia to see you through till the end.
In a way, The Bird Revelation, like Equanimity, isn’t really a comedy special. It is funnier than the latter but is definitely more about exploring ideas than telling jokes.
Dave Chappelle: Equanimity, isn’t so much a comedy special as Dave defending everything he has said and done when it comes to Trump and Trans people.
There comes a certain point where you wonder if this is a comedy special or people are paying to be this man’s silent therapist.
Michelle Wolf’s Nice Lady is a comedy special for a different kind feminist. You know, the ones which could care less about always being politically correct.
Barbara: The Music… The Mem’ries… The Magic! Will surely turn any casual fan, or those who know Streisand just for her acting, into a fanatic for her music.
DeRay Davis: How To Act Black doesn’t push you into thinking Davis is overdue for a special but is still enjoyable nonetheless.
Mea Culpa is like a Spanish language version of Amy Schumer’s infamous Leather Special.
Some of the greatest comedians from the original Def Comedy Jam hit the stage, but mostly to read off prompters and introduce clips and others. Leaving only a handful of moments where you understand how this show became a hit.
The overall goal of Wherever I Look is to fill in that space between the average fan and critic and advise you on what’s worth experiencing.