Bill Burr Special Debuts on Hulu as Streamer Expands Stand-Up Comedy Content

EXCLUSIVE: Earlier this year, Hulu revealed its ambitious plans to dive deeper into the stand-up comedy scene, directly competing with giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Hulu Launches Stand-Up Comedy Banner With Jim Gaffigan Set To Host First Special

The Disney-backed streamer has now roped in another heavyweight in the comedy world – Bill Burr.

Burr’s next comedy special, taped in June at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, will air on Hulu under its Laughing Now banner.

Joining Jim Gaffigan, whose special “The Skinny” will be the first to kick off on November 22, Hulu plans to release a total of 12 specials, one each month, throughout the year.

Sources indicate that Hulu is in discussions with other notable names and is close to finalizing additional deals.

Hulu’s move is a strategic response to Netflix’s dominance in the stand-up comedy realm. The streaming giant has been investing heavily, presenting specials from Chris Rock, Hannah Gadsby, Pete Davidson, Katt Williams, as well as Hannah Berner’s “We Ride At Dawn.” Netflix also aired “The Roast of Tom Brady” during its “Netflix Is A Joke” festival and announced an upcoming special with the controversial podcaster Joe Rogan.

Sam Morril Takes Stand-Up To New Highs With ‘You’ve Changed,’ Talks Parallels Between The Comedian & The Private Eye & His Ambitions In Film And TV

In addition to Netflix, other platforms like Amazon have been active in the comedy space. Amazon recently released specials featuring Marlon Wayans, Rachel Scanlon, and Sam Morrill, whose “You’ve Changed” special debuted this week. Max, another streaming contender, launched specials from Nikki Glaser, Hannah Einbinder, and Ramy Youssef. Meanwhile, Peacock entered the scene with “Mike Birbiglia’s Good One: A Show About Jokes.”

Bill Burr’s transition to Hulu is particularly noteworthy given his history with Netflix. He has previously released seven specials on the platform, including “Live At Red Rocks,” “Friends Who Kill,” “Paper Tiger,” “Walk Your Way Out,” and “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way.”

Burr has been busy on the road with his Bill Burr Live tour. Last year, he became the first comedian to perform at the ancient Roman amphitheater, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. In 2022, he also made history as the first comedian to perform at Fenway Park.

Apart from stand-up, Burr has been active in films and television. He appeared in Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix film “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story” and starred in his own film “Old Dads,” which launched on Netflix last October. Burr also acted in “Leo” alongside Adam Sandler and “The King of Staten Island” with Pete Davidson. His TV credits include roles in “The Mandalorian” and “Reservation Dogs.”

2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming