7 Hilarious Female Stand-Up Specials That Will Make You Laugh and Think

In an interview with Glamour, comedian Emily McWinter shared a revealing experience: “Once, I was told I couldn’t perform because the ‘woman’s spot’ was already taken. The show had seven to nine comedians, and they only left one spot for a woman. They didn’t even consider the possibility of having two worthy female candidates.” For some reason, stand-up comedy has long been considered a male-dominated field, and only a few women have managed to break through to the big stage. Not all of them have gained widespread recognition, and many still remain in their niche “for women.” We can change this situation together: all we need to do is watch their performances, laugh, be inspired by their confidence, and not be afraid to joke about what concerns us.

Christina P: Mother Inferior

Christina doesn’t try to cater to a male audience. She talks about pregnancy, the difficulties of childbirth, raising a child, and simultaneously hating her husband, who doesn’t go through any of this. She doesn’t shy away from generational conflicts and even jokes about celebrities. It’s impossible to look away from the screen—her expressive mimicry and symbolic gestures enhance every joke.

— What do you call this gesture when you take multiple photos of yourself?
— Voice from the audience: Selfie
— A mental disorder, thank you!

Ali Wong: Baby Cobra

Comedian Ali Wong’s stand-up special was recorded during the seventh month of her pregnancy. Naturally, she jokes about this, as well as sex, age, feminism, and the double standards faced by men and women with children. She isn’t afraid to tackle “dangerous” topics like racism and doesn’t avoid the nuances of office-bathroom etiquette:

My husband is half Filipino, half Japanese. I’m half Chinese and half Vietnamese. Together, we spend most of our time making fun of Koreans.

Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted

Tig Notaro’s dry minimalism is a breath of fresh air after the fast-talking male comedians. Tig became famous for her stand-up routine delivered right after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She wasn’t sure if she would survive, but she managed to joke about it and make the audience laugh. In her new special, she talks about going into remission, the death of her mother, and the everyday things any modern woman might face.

Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills

Iliza struts across the stage, telling fabulous stories about bar-hopping with friends, meeting men, and recalling awkward situations with colleagues. She doesn’t avoid topics like women’s fear of street harassers and attempts to scare off attackers with a confident tone. She also talks a lot about how women resist the urge to put on more makeup.

When we get ready to go out, we have a to-do list to achieve maximum attractiveness. There’s a peak, a pinnacle of beauty that women reach when they’re getting ready. If men are late, every minute we spend doubting ourselves, ruining our makeup, and becoming uglier as time goes on.

Jen Kirkman: I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine)

The special begins with an ironic “behind-the-scenes” episode where Jen shows her family’s and others’ attitudes toward her thoughts and feelings. Even though Jen is over 40 and divorced, she has a lot to say about complex family relationships and catcalling. Her stories are so unexpected that even after watching the entire special, you still wonder if her Italian tour guide was really a ghost.

Wrinkles mean that the factory inside my body is starting to close down. And it’s laying off all the minor employees!

Amy Schumer: The Leather Special

Amy Schumer is a true symbol of female comedy. She has raunchy humor and candid stories about sex and relationships—without any discussion of modern politics. Amy isn’t concerned about her image as a “chubby” woman—her charm conquers thousands of men.

Every comedian has a concert where they wear leather. And then they regret it. My turn—the “Leather Special”! And I already regret it!

Katherine Ryan: In Trouble

Katherine is tough, candid, and self-critical. She talks about female friendship, first dates, and how loneliness isn’t as scary as it seems. She jokes about Taylor Swift and Lena Dunham, plays with the audience, and draws them into her story. In short, it’s impossible to predict where her jokes will lead.