Michelle Buteau is making waves in the comedy world with her Netflix special, Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall. Unlike some of her contemporaries, Buteau is crafting her comedic narrative without resorting to the marginalized punching bags that have irritated fans and activists alike. In a landscape where Netflix seems to be leaning toward anti-trans comedy specials from the likes of Dave Chappelle, Buteau’s approach is refreshingly inclusive, taking aim at those who use their stage to peddle transphobia.
In her special, Buteau tackles the issue head-on with her signature humor, tackling themes around why comedians shouldn’t need to disparage entire communities for laughs. She uses Dave Chappelle as an example, quipping that someone should inform him just how dangerous his comedic choices can be. Describing him with a snarky new acronym, Buteau refers to Chappelle as “the GOAT” — or “going off about trans people.” It’s a gutsy move, especially considering that Netflix’s roster is increasingly populated with right-wing comedians like Joe Rogan and Ricky Gervais, whose humor similarly draws criticism for harmful stereotypes.
This comedic approach by Buteau comes amidst an era where anti-trans sentiment is surging, influencing not just stand-up stages but also legislative measures and social safety. The humor in her special calls for a shift in how these narratives are treated; instead of jokes that perpetuate violence or exclusion, Buteau is offering a way to include everyone, making people feel “safe, seen, secure, heard, and entertained.”
Closing Credits
Michelle Buteau is not just carving out a niche for herself but is opening doors for more inclusive stories on mainstream platforms like Netflix. While the industry continues to spotlight different voices, Buteau’s stance resonates as a call to action for how comedy can evolve without resorting to harmful tropes. For those eager to find comedy that doesn’t exploit marginalized groups, Buteau—alongside few others—offers a refreshing alternative. This is a pivotal moment for comedy as an industry, one where the audience’s changing expectations may steer the content offered by major players like Netflix. As Buteau continues to challenge norms, her efforts signal a potential shift toward more responsible storytelling in entertainment.
