So this is a bit of an odd one for us, as reviewing a Netflix special is not really our thing at all (nor will it become our thing), but I hope that my reasoning for doing it on this occasion becomes clear and justifies the departure. Over the last few years Netflix has been churning out stand-up comedy specials like iPhone variants, and to suggest they have been a mixed bag in terms of quality would be generous.

In fairness, I understand their reasoning. These specials make for perfect streaming content. They’re relatively cheap to produce and there is a stockpile of talented clowns waiting for their shot to win over that massive Netflix crowd. As I say though, the quality has definitely been “varied” – For instance, we recently reviewed a clown who’s own Netflix special is currently averaging the equivalent of a 2 star review from the likes of Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB – not sure that’s really the exposure they were hoping for.

But we don’t want to focus on the negative, we want clowns to succeed, so we’re taking a look at Taylor Tomlinson, a clown truly on the rise. With two much-lauded comedy specials to her name she has just been announced as the replacement for James Corden in the ‘Late Late’ talk show slot on CBS.

My plan was to try and catch Taylor on tour this year but, with the announcement of her new gig, I’m pretty sure that she will be remaining stateside for the foreseeable.

And that, in a very wordy nutshell, is why we are here reviewing a Netflix special! So let’s get into it…

Our clown appears from the wings and walks on to a stage that is dramatically bathed in purple and turquoise. She starts fairly slowly with a very weird half-attempt at audience interaction that she quickly bails on before it truly has the chance to go anywhere. This is her first showcase so there may be a few nerves at play but these quickly disappear as she gets into her flow.

The hour-long performance becomes a delightful blend of self-deprecating observational humour punctuated with moments of faux arrogance that keep the audience on their toes. An early bit comparing first-time sex to manoeuvring a straw into a Capri Sun sets the tone, but the material only gets stronger. By the time Taylor delves into the ‘sport’ of being judgmental at weddings, the audience is thoroughly engaged and entertained.

Taylor’s material is robust, but its impact is greatly amplified by her delivery – more precisely, her choreography. She utilises the entire stage to craft her jokes, selling every line with her expressions and performance. It’s a strategic move, especially for television, and not a skill every 25-year-old clown possesses.

This special is undeniably fun, and Taylor’s style bodes well for her new chat show. Undoubtedly, her performance should deliver something far funnier – and less self-indulgent – than her predecessor. ‘After Midnight‘ is scheduled to launch in early 2024.

We wish her all the very best of luck with the new gig and hope that one day we have the opportunity to see this clown perform her stand-up live.

Clown Stars * * * *

@The Aladdin Theater, Portland, USA

  • Both Taylor Tomlinson specials ‘Quarter-Life Crisis’ and ‘Look At You’ are currently available on Netflix.