The documentary “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is set to premiere globally on June 18 on Netflix. The feature-length documentary, the first of its kind to address this topic, examines the history of queer stand-up comedy as — according to its logline — “an instrument for social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values.”
The film combines stand-up performances and talking head interviews, as well as archival materials featuring LGBTQ+ comedians, and includes Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel.
Historians interviewed for the documentary include Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, Susan Stryker and Kate Aurthur, Variety‘s Editor-at-Large.
“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. “I’m excited for the film to premiere, particularly at this time, because comedy has the power to unite, and the comedians in this film have been doing that for years with their trailblazing work,” said Hurwitz in a statement. “It’s also a chance for audiences to discover comedians that may not have been on their radar and to hear compelling untold stories from some of their comedy heroes.
“The history of LGBTQ+ stand up is ultimately about queer liberation,” she continued. “We don’t normally think of comedians when we think of social movements but the talented artists in this film helped to shift the culture in significant ways, sometimes having to make great personal sacrifices. I hope this film honors and celebrates their contributions to LGBTQ+ history and to the larger community. This film has been a true labor of love and I’m grateful to Netflix for their support.”
Among other comedians interviewed are Bruce Vilanch, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, James Adomian, Jim David, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, KJ Whitehead, Mae Martin, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, River Butcher, Robin Tran, Robin Tyler, Roz Hernandez, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Todd Glass.
Before its Netflix release, “Outstanding” will have its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival on June 7.
The project was greenlit by the streamer almost two years ago, and was intended to complement Netflix’s comedy special “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration.” The special — taped at the Netflix Is a Joke Fest in Los Angeles, and hosted by Eichner — also featured Bernhard, O’Donnell and Cho.
Executive producers include Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions, Katherine LeBlond for Union Editorial, and Brian Graden, Dave Mace and LB Horschler for Brian Graden Media.
Watch the trailer below.
