- Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh (2019)
- Daniel Sloss: X (2019)
- Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me (2012)
- Pete Holmes: Dirty Clean (2018)
- Laurie Kilmartin: 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad (2016)
- Rachel Feinstein: Only Whores Wear Purple (2016)
- Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time (2019)
- Hannah Gadsby: Douglas (2020)
- Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)
If you loved Leah Rudick's raw and hilarious stand-up special 'Spiraling' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same blend of sharp wit, relatable chaos, and unfiltered humor. Whether you're a fan of self-deprecating comedy or crave stories about life's messy moments, these picks will keep you laughing and nodding along.

Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh (2019)
Description: A poignant and hilarious look at mental health struggles, using comedy to destigmatize depression and anxiety while offering hope and relatability.
Fact: Gary Gulman's special was inspired by his own battles with severe depression, making it both a personal and universal story.


Daniel Sloss: X (2019)
Description: A dark and thought-provoking stand-up special that blends humor with existential musings, challenging audiences to think while they laugh.
Fact: Daniel Sloss's comedy often tackles heavy topics like relationships and morality, delivered with a sharp wit and unflinching honesty.


Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me (2012)
Description: A raw and unfiltered stand-up special that blends sharp observational humor with deeply personal storytelling, often touching on taboo subjects with fearless honesty.
Fact: Joan Rivers was known for her boundary-pushing comedy and became one of the first female comedians to host a late-night talk show.


Pete Holmes: Dirty Clean (2018)
Description: A mix of self-deprecating humor and philosophical musings, delivered with an energetic and conversational style that feels both intimate and universal.
Fact: Pete Holmes is known for his podcast 'You Made It Weird,' where he blends comedy with deep, often spiritual conversations.


Laurie Kilmartin: 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad (2016)
Description: A deeply personal and darkly humorous exploration of grief and family dynamics, using comedy as a coping mechanism for life's toughest moments.
Fact: Laurie Kilmartin wrote this special while her father was dying, turning her pain into a cathartic and relatable performance.


Rachel Feinstein: Only Whores Wear Purple (2016)
Description: Features a mix of self-deprecating humor and sharp social commentary, delivered with a conversational yet biting style that resonates with audiences looking for authenticity.
Fact: Rachel Feinstein's comedy often draws from her experiences growing up in a large, eccentric family, adding a unique personal touch to her performances.


Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time (2019)
Description: A masterclass in observational comedy that finds humor in everyday life, delivered with a warm and relatable style that makes even mundane topics hilarious.
Fact: Jim Gaffigan is known for his clean comedy, often focusing on food, parenting, and his own laziness, which has earned him a wide fanbase.


Hannah Gadsby: Douglas (2020)
Description: A follow-up that continues to blend sharp wit with deeply personal narratives, challenging audiences to rethink traditional comedy structures while delivering laughs and insight.
Fact: Hannah Gadsby named this special after her dog, Douglas, and it further cements her reputation as a trailblazer in comedy.


Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)
Description: A fresh and relatable take on the struggles of young adulthood, delivered with a sharp, self-aware humor that resonates with millennials and Gen Z audiences.
Fact: Taylor Tomlinson was one of the youngest comedians to headline a Netflix special, showcasing her rapid rise in the comedy world.
