Jamie Foxx Returns to Comedy

After nearly losing his life to a brain bleed that resulted in a stroke, Jamie Foxx is back, ready to share his experiences and humor with audiences on Hulu and Disney+. His new material reflects not just his recovery over the years but also the changes in his perspective since his 2024 Netflix comeback special.

The Gist

Foxx initially gained fame as part of the iconic 1990s sketch show, In Living Color. He later showcased his acting skills, winning an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray.

His special, What Had Happened Was, earned him both Golden Globe and Grammy nominations. Yet, he knows there were mixed reactions to that comeback; some thought it was more about sentiment than comedy. He’s eager to demonstrate his comedic skills once again with impressions of Katt Williams, Shannon Sharpe, and others.

Memorable Jokes

Foxx kicks off his performance with energy, singing about “Mary Jane,” and playfully dismissing any assumptions that his lively demeanor stems from Adderall. This show definitely leans more into humor rather than sentimentality. He impersonates Katt Williams and mimics his famous interactions, expressing that, while he welcomes critique, he feels Cedric The Entertainer might have taken it a bit harder.

When it comes to Shannon Sharpe, Foxx doesn’t hold back, poking fun at his appearance and jokingly speculating about his personal life. He recalls a time in Texas when discussions about sexuality were less understood and whimsically considers whether being “gay” is something that flares up within people. Foxx delivers impressions of various celebrities, tracing a comedic thread through their fictional “gay flare-ups.”

Attending the Super Bowl gave him material, too, particularly regarding Bad Bunny’s halftime show, which allowed him to throw in a humorous take on Trump’s reaction, questioning why former President Trump would be upset since he loves to dance himself.

Foxx also shares humorous self-reflections about his life, such as how he enjoys listening to certain music while driving but feels out of place around actual gang members now. He depicts himself as an older figure in nightclubs, struggling with dizziness and failing to recognize many people in Hollywood, likely due to all the cosmetic changes happening around him.

Our Take

The title of the special might seem straightforward, yet Foxx jokes about the potentially threatening tone behind a man’s voice saying “take care of yourself.” Despite his high-energy act, some skits might come across as predictable, like his impression of Denzel Washington’s iconic monologue from Training Day or some of the more physical humor that feels beneath him at this stage of his career.

However, it’s a stark reminder that he’s only been three years removed from a life-threatening moment. His introspection often drives home the point about appreciating life, contemplating what he would want people to do in the event of his passing. He contrasts the mockery he faces now with his past, humorously sharing how a basketball player once referred to him as “triple OG” during an outing in Miami.

Ultimately, Foxx embodies a joyful father figure, often highlighting moments with his children. Introducing his daughter to perform alongside him brings a nostalgic touch, harkening back to earlier days when he succeeded on the same stage as a young man. Though he may not relate to the same crowd anymore, he embraces his new role, singing, “while they yelling out gang gang, I’m yelling out love.”

Our Call

This is what you’ve been waiting for, right? STREAM IT!