Comedy enthusiasts may feel a bit disappointed this holiday season as Netflix prepares to release a new crowd work special featuring comedian Matt Rife. Following the debut of his previous crowd work special in August 2024, Rife’s Christmas-themed performance, titled “Matt Rife: Unwrapped — A Christmas Crowd Work Special,” is slated to premiere on December 2. The special promises to delve into holiday themes such as “gifts, traditions, and who’s made it on the naughty or nice list this year,” according to a release from Netflix.
Filmed in Phoenix during October, well ahead of the actual holiday season, some audience members are likely to find the timing amusingly out of place, especially considering the non-seasonal backdrop. Comments circulating on social media platforms indicate mixed feelings among fans. Many expressed a preference for something other than another crowd work special, suspecting that the creative choices surrounding the special, including its promotional image, may not resonate positively with the audience. One fan remarked on Rife’s heavily made-up appearance in a publicity photo, suggesting it made him look “more plastic” than natural and even joked that he could have been a Ken doll in the Barbie movie instead.
Despite Rife’s popularity, particularly with his earlier special “Natural Selection,” which garnered much attention and acclaim, reactions to his latest project “Lucid” have not been as favorable. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have largely assigned negative reviews to “Lucid,” while fans have reciprocated with low ratings, indicating a sharp contrast in reception compared to his previous work. “Lucid” managed to barely remain in Netflix’s global top ten for two weeks, while “Natural Selection” enjoyed a more successful run.
This latest special seems to be a fulfillment of Rife’s two-special deal with Netflix, raising questions about the necessity of another crowd work performance so soon. Fans and critics alike are left to ponder whether the decision was motivated more by contract obligations than by distinct comedic creativity. As audiences await this holiday offering, they will be watching to see whether Rife can serve up a humorous helping of seasonal cheer or if they’ll be left yearning for something more original.