New Comedy Specials and Albums to Enjoy in August 2024

While Netflix continues its quest to support absolute trash (Joe Rogan, Matt Rife), there are still some incredibly talented stand-ups putting out fresh comedy specials and albums on their own or through smaller platforms. These folks tend to face more obstacles on the road to releasing their material, and time and time again I find that their work is funnier and ultimately more satisfying. There’s no resting on any laurels here or seven-figure deals—just hard-working comics who are devoted to their craft.

Below, check out four of the comedy specials and albums we’re most excited about in August, listed in chronological order:

Carmen Christopher: Live from the Windy City

Where to stream: Veeps
Release date: August 1

Comedy fans will recognize Carmen Christopher from his appearances in The Bear, Joe Pera Talks With You, and I Think You Should Leave, but now it’s his time to step into the limelight. In case the title didn’t clue you in, Christopher’s new stand-up special is dedicated to his hometown of Chicago. This promises to be an excellent hour, with Chrisopher joking about what he would do if he ever got rich and turning an incident where he got stabbed at a party into a one-man show. Add in Marty Schousboe (Joe Pera’s Slow & Steady) as director, and you’ve got a winning combo.

Andy Rider: The Get Together

Where to stream: Wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: August 2

Raised in Charleston, South Carolina and currently living in Los Angeles, comedian Andy Rider cuts a striking figure with his long mutton chops. Unfortunately we don’t get to see them in his new comedy album The Get Together, which will be released via Burn This Records, but his jokes are good enough to make up for that loss. Expect bits about looking like George Washington, high school mascots, going to an incompetent speech therapist, and much more.

Tommy Dassalo: Scam Artist

Where to stream: YouTube
Release date: August 11

What do you do when a scammer steals your identity and uses it to get $10,000? If you said craft your debut comedy special around it, then you’ve totally stolen Australian comic Tommy Dassalo’s idea, and he’s had enough stuff taken from him already. Dassalo’s hour draws on this story as well as his colorful, cartoonish illustrations to create a stand-up special that looks utterly unique. And there’s also a Garfield phone involved—what more could you ask for?

Chris Calogero: Husky Boy

Where to stream: wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: August 29

You may know Chris Calogero from his popular videos on social media in which he plays various characters who embody tropes from movies or his home state of New Jersey. Now, though, we get to hear from the man himself, as he discusses just how disgusting our corporeal forms are, scheduling sex, visiting the farmers market, and the trials and tribulations he faces as a Sweaty Man.

Clare Martin is a cemetery enthusiast and Paste’s assistant comedy editor. Go harass her on Twitter @theclaremartin.