Bobby Lee Finally Set to Release His First Comedy Special

Bobby Lee: A Comedy Veteran Without a Special

Bobby Lee has been headlining comedy clubs since 1994 and has become a household name thanks to Mad TV and his podcasts TigerBelly and Bad Friends. Despite his long career and devoted fan base, Bobby has never released a stand-up special—a rare choice for someone of his stature in the comedy world.

The decision not to record a special wasn’t due to a lack of offers. Bobby has shared that his hesitation stemmed from insecurity and a desire for someone to make him feel truly wanted. “I need someone to ask me,” he’s said, emphasizing his reluctance to actively pursue a deal. After years of waiting, Hulu recently stepped in, offering Bobby the opportunity to release his debut special as part of their new comedy initiative.

Hulu’s Comedy Push and Bobby’s Big Moment

Hulu’s entry into stand-up comedy aims to compete with Netflix, which has dominated the genre for over a decade. Originally rumored to call its new division "Hulu's Laughing Now," the streamer settled on the name “Hulularius,” a choice that sparked mixed reactions.

Bobby Lee’s special is part of Hulu’s strategy to release one new special per month. The platform has signed other notable comedians, including Bobby’s podcast co-host Andrew Santino, and plans to expand into animated comedy projects. Bobby’s special is set for 2026, giving him plenty of time to prepare—or, as some skeptics joke, back out.

Why Bobby Lee Finally Said Yes

One reason Bobby ultimately agreed to Hulu’s offer is their willingness to make him feel appreciated. Bobby has criticized other platforms for not valuing him, contrasting their treatment with Hulu’s more personal approach. The deal also allows him to overcome a significant career hurdle: the weight of expectation after three decades of stand-up.

In his typical self-deprecating style, Bobby has joked about his anxiety over the project but has also expressed excitement. Possible titles for the special include My First Special and the humorous My Last Special, though nothing has been finalized.

What Can Fans Expect?

Bobby’s live act is known for its physicality, unpredictability, and deeply personal humor. Translating that energy to a recorded special could be challenging, but Bobby seems determined to stay true to his style. In a podcast appearance, he teased an unconventional approach, including creating a sweaty, raw environment for the audience to match his high-energy performance.

The stakes are high for Bobby, but he’s not alone in making the leap to specials late in his career. Many veteran comedians have resisted releasing specials, preferring to maintain control over their material and encourage fans to see them live.

Hulu vs. Netflix: A Growing Rivalry

Hulu’s comedy ambitions are ambitious but measured. Releasing one special per month ensures each comedian gets a spotlight, unlike Netflix's crowded roster. While Hulu’s late entry into stand-up means it has a lot of catching up to do, its partnership with Disney could provide the muscle needed to compete with Netflix’s established dominance.

Whether Hulu’s comedy lineup succeeds in reshaping the stand-up landscape remains to be seen, but Bobby Lee’s long-awaited debut special could be a significant step in that direction.