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The best stand-up comedy specials on HBO Max right now

Right now the best stand-up comedy specials on HBO Max in the United States are Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly (2000), Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger (2008) and Chris Rock: Never Scared (2004). This is the top 15 streaming there today, ranked by how well rated each one is, how many people have rated it, and what people are watching now.

Updated November 12, 2026 · streaming in the United States

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  1. 1. Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly2000

    Film · 57mComedy, TV Movie★ 8.1

    Dave Chappelle returns for a stand-up to D.C. and riffs on politics, police, race relations, drugs, Sesame Street and more.

    Stream onHBO Max

  2. 2. Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger2008

    Film · 1h 19mComedy★ 7.6

    An HBO special edited from three performances from Chris Rock's 2008 comedy tour: London (dark suit, dark shirt), Johannesburg (black suit, white shirt) and New York (shiny jacket).

    Stream onHBO Max

  3. 3. Chris Rock: Never Scared2004

    Film · 1h 20mComedy★ 7.5

    Chris Rock, the three-time Emmy Award-winner, comedian, actor, and host of HBO's acclaimed The Chris Show, stars in his fourth solo stand-up special for HBO, Chris Rock: Never Scared.

    Stream onHBO Max

  4. 4. Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker1999

    Film · 1h 5mComedy★ 7.4

    Chris Rock brings his critically acclaimed brand of social commentary-themed humour to this HBO Special, extolling his razor-sharp wit and wisdom on such topics as gun control, President Clinton, homophobia, racism, black leaders and…

    Stream onHBO Max

  5. 5. Daniel Sloss: X2019

    Film · 1h 29mComedy★ 8.0

    Daniel Sloss discusses a variety of topics, from his love of children, to being a man, in this tastefully dark comedy special.

    Stream onHBO Max

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  7. 6. Jim Jefferies: I Swear to God2009

    Film · 58mComedy★ 7.3

    Jim Jefferies: I Swear to God: The easily offended might do best to avoid Jim Jefferies’ raunchy, rude humor (or at least imbibe the two-drink minimum beforehand), but the Australian-born comedian provides plenty of laughs for everyone…

    Stream onHBO Max

  8. 7. Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die2024

    Film · 1h 0mComedy★ 6.7

    Comedian and actress Nikki Glaser is back in her second HBO special, diving into a wide range of topics including why she doesn't want kids, the harsh realities of aging, her sexual fantasies and more.

    Stream onHBO Max

  9. 8. Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel2022

    Film · 55mComedy, Documentary, TV Movie★ 7.0

    Features Jerrod Carmichael in a standup comedy show at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

    Stream onHBO Max

  10. 9. Jerrod Carmichael: 82017

    Film · 59mComedy, TV Movie★ 6.8

    Performing in the round and engaging audience members during his act, Carmichael addresses a wide range of subjects, including Trump’s victory, climate change, supporting the troops, animal rights, being a good boyfriend and his top four…

    Stream onHBO Max

  11. 10. Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles2013

    Film · 1h 0mComedy★ 6.7

    In her first-ever HBO solo special, Sarah Silverman takes the stage for an evening of adults-only stand-up comedy. Taped live in front of an intimate audience of 39 fans at Largo, a music and comedy club in Los Angeles, Sarah Silverman: We…

    Stream onHBO Max

  12. 11. One Night Stand1989

    Series · 5 seasonsComedy★ 8.1

    A series of stand-up comedy specials.

    Stream onHBO Max

  13. 12. Dane Cook: Vicious Circle2006

    Film · 2h 12mComedy★ 6.4

    Vicious Circle captures the hottest comic in America in his first HBO comedy event, a unique "in the round" performance before his hometown Boston fans.

    Stream onHBO Max

  14. 13. Dave Chappelle2017

    Series · 1 seasonComedy★ 7.3

    Comedy icon Dave Chappelle makes his triumphant return to the screen with a pair of blistering, fresh stand-up specials.

    Stream onNetflixHBO Max

  15. 14. Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo2015

    Film · 1h 1mComedy★ 5.8

    With her unique blend of honesty and unapologetic humor, Amy Schumer is one of the funniest, freshest faces in the industry today.

    Stream onHBO Max

  16. 15. 2 Dope Queens2018

    Series · 2 seasonsComedy★ 5.5

    A series of specials featuring Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams based on the hit comedy podcast of the same name. The show features the fun, fearless queens dishing on “Cocoa Khaleesis,” dating white baes, sex, New York-living, the…

    Stream onHBO Max

Questions

What are the best stand-up comedy specials on HBO Max right now?
In the United States, as of November 12, 2026: Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly (2000), rated 8.1 out of 10 on TMDB, then Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger and Chris Rock: Never Scared.
How is this list made?
Watchwalla asks TMDB for everything of this kind that streams in your country today, ranks it by rating (pulled toward the middle until enough people have rated a title), with a nudge for what's new and what people are watching now, and refreshes the list every day. Streaming availability comes from JustWatch, through TMDB.
Can it pick something for me?
Yes. The picker at watchwalla.com/tonight asks who's watching, how much time you have and what you're in the mood for, and gives three picks streaming where you are. Sign in and every title also gets a match score for your own taste.

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