Giggle Fit

While many stand-up comedians lean on cynicism, anger, or general misery to construct an hour, Ron Funches builds his set on an unabashed love for weed, reality TV, and professional wrestling. The show kicks off with a sketch featuring a cameo from pro wrestler Ric Flair, setting up a theme of self-confidence that carries through the performance. Funches walks out in a velvet robe, literally tearing through a giant photo of his formerly heavier self, a nod to his recent 140-pound weight loss, before settling into his signature, soft-spoken delivery.

Filmed at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle, this 2019 release was Funches’ first full-length, one-hour special, coming thirteen years into his comedy career. At the time, his profile was growing through voice work in films like Trolls and a co-starring role on the sitcom Undateable. Rather than take the typical path to Netflix, he opted for a Comedy Central premiere because the network offered a better payout. The strategy worked out; the show became Comedy Central’s highest-rated special in two years and hit number one on iTunes shortly after.

The set succeeds by keeping things personal and positive. Funches jokes about his preference for women in winter coats, details the surprisingly spiritual vibe of throwing a vision board party, and explains why RuPaul’s Drag Race is essentially a mix of UFC, The Voice, and Say Yes to the Dress. He also spends considerable time talking about raising his autistic teenage son, mining the daily frustrations of parenting for gentle, affectionate stories rather than complaints.