In the midst of everything crazy happening in the world, we could all use a good laugh, and Netflix is definitely no stranger to the world of comedy. It seems that almost every stand-up comedian aspires to have their own Netflix comedy special, with some being funny and others not quite landing.
Last month, “Saturday Night Live” comedian Marcello Hernández premiered his own special. It’s rather well documented that a Netflix comedy special can either be the death of a career or a blossoming upward trajectory. With that being said, is Hernández only funny with the help of SNL?
Some people say yes, preferring his work on the show and not finding his stand-up to be for them. That’s understandable; not every joke is for everyone. However, I find not only his material in this special to be enjoyable, but also the delivery and presentation of his jokes.
Ultimately, my favorite thing about the special is his delivery. Hernández jokes about his own experiences, which is incredibly entertaining. It feels less like he’s making fun of other people and more like he’s finding the humor in his own life. He’s in on the joke instead of going for low-hanging fruit.
While Hernández references women, it’s in a way that doesn’t feel mean or mocking; it feels more like admiration. He’s really mastered how to respectfully joke about various groups of people, which is what most comedians who have fallen out of favor fail to do.
One of the key rules of comedy is to punch up, meaning to make fun of those who are higher up and more privileged. This usually means white people, and he nails that. Again, he doesn’t come across as mocking. He makes inside joke that most viewers are in on.
I also love how even though he makes jokes about his specific life and culture, the content still feels relatable for just about everyone.
As I said, not everyone likes Hernández’s special. That’s okay — it’s not going to be for everyone. However, I find it to be one of the most genuinely funny specials out there, especially if you compare it to others like Matt Rife’s show. Hernandez’s special is funny and tasteful. I say “American Boy” is definitely worth checking out if you’re into stand-up comedy. It’s a refreshing take on stand-up, and proves that people aren’t that sensitive; some comedians just aren’t funny.
If you’re a fan of Hernández’s work and want to see for yourself if he can stand on his own, the special will be on Netflix for awhile. Who couldn’t use a laugh right now?
