Matt Rifes Netflix Special Comedy: TikTok sensation Matt Rife is facing criticism after the release of his Netflix special, “Natural Selection.” The show, intended to be a comedic experience, opens with a domestic violence joke that has left many viewers disapproving. Despite having a predominantly female fanbase, Rife takes the opportunity to mock abuse against women and reinforce stereotypes.
The special begins with Rife recounting an incident at a Baltimore restaurant where his female server had a black eye. He suggests that she should have been assigned kitchen duties, implying that her cooking skills might have prevented the situation, stating, Yeah, but I feel like if she could cook, she wouldnt have that black eye.
The irony is stark as Rife, who has relied on female audiences for much of his comedy career, now faces backlash for making jokes at the expense of those who have supported him. In an interview promoting the special, he claims, I wanted to tackle in this special was showing people that, like, despite what you think about me online, I dont pander my career to women. I would argue this special is way more for guys.
The fallout has been swift, with criticism from notable figures like Hank Green, who calls it “depressing” to see a comedian jeopardizing his relationship with a significant portion of his fanbase for the sake of conforming to a particular style.
In contrast to comedians like James Acaster, who assert their right to say anything on stage, Rife’s approach seems defiant even in the face of criticism. His Instagram “apology” targets the disabled community, further escalating the controversy.
The article reflects on the historical role of gender in stand-up comedy, emphasizing that comedy is a unifying experience determined by relatability. Rife’s jokes, however, are criticized for lacking sensitivity to the potential pain they may cause, particularly in reinforcing power imbalances.
Despite some fans defending him, the prevailing concern is Rife’s recklessness in perpetuating violence against those who have supported him. The article concludes by questioning Rife’s comedic prowess, suggesting that his attempt to align with established comedians may be overshadowed by a lack of genuine humor and a focus on conforming to certain masculine values.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is Matt Rifes special called?
Matt Rife’s first Netflix special, Natural Selection, is making waves. Since its premiere on November 15, the show has maintained a top 10 spot for two weeks. However, it has also sparked controversy among viewers.
What comedy show was Matt Rife on?
Rife gained fame for his self-made comedy specials like Only Fans (2021), Matthew Steven Rife (2023), and Walking Red Flag (2023). He also starred in the 2023 Netflix special Natural Selection and had a recurring role on the sketch improv comedy and rap show Wild ‘n Out.
What is Natural Selection on Netflix?
Release Year: 2023 | Maturity Rating: TV-MA | Duration: 1 hour 4 minutes | Genre: Comedies. Comedian Matt Rife fearlessly tackles topics from his struggles with protection crystals to his confrontations with social media trolls in this lively stand-up comedy special. Starring: Matt Rife. Enjoy unlimited viewing.
What is the Netflix comedy about domestic violence?
Last week, the Netflix show Natural Selection sparked controversy with a joke that many found insensitive to domestic violence. The joke centered on a woman with a black eye taking a man’s order in a Baltimore restaurant.