The illustrious alumnus of 'Broad City,' Ilana Glazer, gracefully joins a star-studded monthly lineup already adorned with the likes of Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, and Roy Wood Jr., as Hulu's relentless pursuit of stand-up comedy excellence gains another formidable ally.
The platform's dedication to laughter reaches new heights with Glazer's highly anticipated second special, 'Human Magic,' premiering on December 20th. This hour-long masterpiece, crafted by Rotten Science and Starrpix under the skilled direction of Jeff Tomsic, was captured on tape in the vibrant city of Toronto in early May. Beyond Hulu's borders, this magical comedy experience will enchant international audiences on Disney+.
Just a month after Jim Gaffigan's November spectacular ignited Hulu's monthly stand-up showcase, aptly named "Hularious," Glazer's 'Human Magic' arrives, adding yet another luminous chapter to the platform's comedy legacy. Alongside Burr, Daily Show veteran Roy Wood Jr., and potential additions like Sebastian Maniscalco, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Jessica Kirson, Hulu is meticulously crafting a stand-up lineup that promises both depth and diversity.
Moreover, Hulu is embarking on a curated journey of licensed specials, a blend of timeless classics and fresh releases, underscoring its commitment to "quality over quantity," as eloquently articulated by Jordan Helman, Hulu's head of scripted content. With a selective annual offering of just 12 specials, Hulu aims to distinguish its comedy brand from Netflix's weekly onslaught, which, despite its unparalleled success, is often criticized for its daunting volume.
To attract these iconic names, Hulu is shrewdly leveraging its extensive Disney ecosystem, introducing its comedians to the vast network of film and TV studios within the company. This strategic move highlights Hulu's dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships that transcend the traditional stand-up realm.
As streaming giants like Amazon vie for a share in the stand-up comedy market, once dominated by Netflix, stand-up specials have emerged as a beacon of hope in an otherwise challenging entertainment landscape. Offering lucrative eight-figure paydays, these specials represent a cost-effective alternative to premium scripted series, attracting loyal fanbases and tapping into comedians' innate promotional prowess.
For Glazer, this new endeavor follows the triumphant release of her critically acclaimed film 'Babes,' which she co-wrote and starred in earlier this year. Amidst the film's success, she traversed the country, honing 'Human Magic' through 52 shows across 48 cities. Her debut special, 'The Planet is Burning,' premiered on Amazon Prime Video in early 2020, setting the stage for this latest, eagerly awaited chapter in her illustrious comedy career.
