The Best of the Last Three Decades: Top 7 Stand-Up Specials Available on Max

In terms of stand-up specials, Netflix may be the absolute leader, but long before the streaming service was conceived, many notable comedians' specials aired on HBO. Max has inherited most of the stand-up specials and has had many new ones.

Here are seven of the funniest from the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.

Dave Attell: Captain Miserable (2007, 6.7 on IMDb)

Held at the Lincoln Theater in Washington DC, this adults-only stand-up special is David Attell's honest and daring account of his life, covering his fears, failures and triumphs. Although he talks about dark and somber subjects and reveals the most intimate parts of his soul, Attell manages to do it in such a light-hearted manner that it will make you laugh.

D.L. Hughley: Unapologetic (2007, 6.9 on IMDb)

The comedian's fourth stand-up special is an autobiography of sorts, telling the story from his early years in Los Angeles to becoming one of the most popular comedians of the 2000s. He tackles topics such as politics, immigration, crime, racism, and celebrity scandals in his trademark unapologetic manner.

Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder (2022, 7.2 on IMDb)

In her first HBO special, the comedian and actress shares her personal story as a half-Taiwanese, half Japanese who came to the US with her parents as a child and lived as an undocumented immigrant for seven years. Atsuko Okatsuka delves into her education and upbringing and how it continues to influence her adulthood.

Moses Storm: Trash White (2022, 7.3 on IMDb)

In his stand-up special debut, the young comedian peels back the layers of his personality by recounting his childhood spent in extreme poverty. Although he looks like the next Ivy League graduate, Moses Storm tells stories of dumpster diving for food and breaking into country clubs.

Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh (2019, 7.6 on IMDb)

Filmed in Brooklyn, this stand-up special is a candid account of the comedian's journey to cope with his mental health issues. Dealing with depression, Gary Gulman provides hilarious commentary on his condition, making the audience laugh while contemplating the importance of mental integrity.

Lewis Black: Red, White & Screwed (2006, 7.7 on IMDb)

Without a specific theme, this stand-up special is a series of the comedian's hilarious comments on everything and nothing. From the smallest everyday things to American politics and Dick Cheney's personal role in the creation of the performance, Lewis Black leaves no stone unturned.

Daniel Sloss: X (2019, 8.4 on IMDb)

Filmed in Australia, Daniel Sloss' first HBO special is the epitome of his iconic dark humor. In the special, Daniel discusses a variety of topics including children, gender roles, and what it's like to be a man in 2019.