Tom Segura began stand-up shortly after graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne University, starting in local clubs and small venue shows, honing his craft. Now, he is one of the most recognizable stand-up comedians, with several specials, podcasts, and a book reflecting his decades at the forefront of the medium. Known for his dry delivery and blunt humor, he has become a Netflix staple, having made several comedy specials for the streaming service. He also hosts the popular podcast “Your Mom’s House” with fellow comedian and wife Christina Pazsitzky and “2 Bears, 1 Cave” with Bert Kreischer. Segura also proved himself an adept TV writer and creator with his hilarious Netflix show, Bad Thoughts.
Segura would also release two album specials (remember those?), including 2010’s Thrilled and 2012’s White Girls With Cornrows. The American stand-up has also appeared on the long-running stand-up comedy shows Live at Gotham and Comedy Central Presents. However, for this article, we will focus solely on the full comedy specials you can watch, all of which are currently streaming on Netflix.
6
‘Teacher’ (2025)
Dropping on Netflix right before Christmas 2025, Teacher saw Segura turn his special more introspective as he reflects on parenthood, family, and the lessons he had learned as a father. Of course, there is still room for hilarious party stories and exploring the unfortunate bodily functions that happen as one grows older. Where many of Segura’s earlier specials were structured around storytelling, Teacher strings together a series of observations and anecdotes across its 67-minute runtime.
The Teacher undoubtedly has moments of charm, with Segura’s exploration of parenthood among the special’s best bits. However, many fans found the special to be underwhelming, split on whether his bits on bodily fluids were entertaining, crass comedy or just childish observations. Others felt that the special delved too deeply into previous material, with his bits on Guantanamo Bay and Jared from Subway covered on prior tours and podcasts. For superfans, this one was a definite letdown, but for viewers simply looking for laughs, the Netflix special is still serviceable for those less familiar with Segura.
5
‘Mostly Stories’ (2016)
Mostly Stories is often considered a ‘mid’ Segura special by fans. While the Netflix original has many of the comedian’s signature wit and observational humor, the material does not quite stack up with other specials. Others have pointed to the pacing of the humor as feeling rushed and not fully hitting the stride and beats that fans of Segura have come to appreciate from his best work.
I hate who I’m becoming, socially. Like, all my social interactions, I’m disintegrating into somebody I want to punch in the mouth.
There are some great bits within that tackle subjects ranging from awkward social interactions around awkward small talk to hating himself for commenting on the weather. The best bit comes from his observations on generational differences. The line that Segura outlines that he could tell an old man “never hugged his children” by the sound of his voice becomes one of the most memorable pieces in Mostly Stories.
4
‘Ball Hog’ (2020)
Where many of Segura’s stand-up specials focus on storytelling and weaving relatable anecdotes, Ball Hog is notably one of Segura’s more ‘shock-heavy’ specials. For some audiences, leaning into his more unapologetic humor with crass punchlines was a treat, while many others found it more predictable and less relatable than his other specials.
Some notable bits from the stand-up that fans will appreciate are Segura’s anecdote about a friend wanting to sleep with the Wu-Tang clan and the breakdown of the logistics and chance of this friend being with all nine members of the iconic rap group. Still, the special lacks memorable bits, as seen in other stand-up specials, and the harshest critics have called it ‘lazy’ and ‘uninspired.’ Entertainment value for existing fans, but a bad jumping-off point for new ones.
3
‘Disgraceful’ (2018)
With a title like Disgraceful, fans knew that Segura would get a bit ‘edgy.’ This special got him in hot water for his use of the ‘r-word’ and a bit that poked fun at Cajuns. There will be a divide between those who believe comedy should have no boundaries and those who think punching down is unacceptable. At the same time, the special feels perfectly in step with the timeframe when vocalizations about such concerns were becoming more common. Oddly, this makes the special feel slightly dated despite being less than a decade old, but otherwise, it has some of his best material.
You want to know how big of a pig your man is? He’s however big of a pig you give him permission to be.
Putting controversy aside, which Segura has been adamant was ‘absurd,’ the special has some of his best anecdotal stories, including ones taking a dig at himself. His attempts at weight loss and how that played out as a public persona, with comments from others, are relatable and hilarious. His bit on Foreign language syndrome (which does exist) also sees him at his most animated and absurd. Disgraceful is a great comedy special, but it’s just not his best.
2
‘Sledgehammer’ (2023)
This one is tricky, as Sledgehammer won’t universally be seen as his best stand-up special, depending on how it is approached. Notably, those jumping into Segura for the first time will find it rather underwhelming, as the special serves as a love letter to the existing fanbase familiar with his work outside of stand-up. This one feels like a gift to the fans who have kept up with Segura’s online antics and podcasts like “Your Mom House.” It’s a bad place for new fans to start, but it’s one of the best for a Segura superfan.
TikTok virality is one of the few subjects that new fans might not enjoy, with Segura’s anecdote about meeting a famous neighbor already providing context for the joke through his social media. At the same time, his stories about parenting and his relationship with his father add a personal touch, ensuring that not all the humor will be lost on new fans.
1
‘Completely Normal’ (2014)
While Tom Segura had released two previous specials in album format, Completely Normal feels like it was a build-up of years of honing skills on the road to deliver an explosive performance. The special showcases Segura at his best, with his flow from quick-witted jokes to more extended anecdotes near perfection. Completely Normal also presents Segura as more of an ‘everyman,’ giving viewers an insightful look at his inner comedic workings. For an introduction to the masses, Completely Normal feels perfectly planned and executed, capturing the attention of Netflix viewers.
Every week, it’s another city for me. … ‘Are people the same everywhere?’ No. Some places suck and they have s**ttier people. I just gave you a sociology degree.
Highlighting the more introspective comedy are bits like Segura’s struggles with his weight, including a visit to the doctor when not only was his weight pointed out, but the physician assumed he was gay, sparking an awkward exchange. Segura’s honesty makes this special the perfect introduction; it is the perfect ‘breakout’ special that frames much of his current success and why Netflix was so charmed by the comedic icon.
Tom Segura’s best work can be subjective; whether you are a super fan who is in on some of the jokes or a casual viewer, it can really shape how you see each special. So, let us know your ranking and which is your favorite stand-up special from Tom Segura.
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