Matt Rife’s latest holiday-themed crowd work special, “Unwrapped,” has debuted on Netflix, delivering an entertaining but controversial mix of humor just ahead of Christmas. Known for his skillful crowd interactions, Rife invites audience members to share odd family traditions and gift exchange stories while navigating the delicate balance of holiday-themed jokes.
Since rising to fame during the pandemic through his engaging crowd work clips on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Rife has steadily gained prominence, following his 2023 Netflix debut “Natural Selection” with a summer special, “Lucid.” However, “Unwrapped” takes a different direction, as audience participation is highly orchestrated, mirroring formats like the Dropout series, “Crowd Control.”
Rife does not shy away from touchy subjects, poking fun at cultural traditions with remarks that often push boundaries. For instance, he makes questionable jokes regarding Kwanzaa and references to past tragedies such as 9/11, which have elicited both laughter and critical backlash. On one occasion, he recalls an unorthodox gift he once gave his grandfather, a mention that further underscores his tendency towards boundary-pushing humor.
The special was filmed in Tempe, Arizona, where Rife, humorously dressed in Santa-themed attire, jokes about embracing the holiday spirit despite the warm climate. However, some critiques have surfaced regarding the crafted nature of the crowd work. Critics argue that Rife occasionally relies on clichés and avoids more profound, organic responses—choosing instead to take comedic routes that often veer towards the stereotypical.
Rife’s humor seems to thrive on provocative topics, occasionally blurring the line between comedy and insensitivity. For instance, he often uses racial or gender stereotypes as punchlines, leaving some audience members questioning the responsible use of such humor in a live setting. As a performer, he attempts to shift the responsibility of humor onto audience engagement but often returns focus to himself.
Though many Rife fans may tune in to “Unwrapped” out of loyalty, the critique remains that the special lacks depth and originality. With a call to skip this particular hour of comedy in favor of more substantial crowd work found online, it seems Rife’s holiday offering, while entertaining, may not meet the expectations of a wider audience seeking thoughtful humor.
The blend of lighthearted jokes and controversial commentary makes “Unwrapped” a conversation starter in the comedy world, embodying the essence of Matt Rife’s rise in the industry while also prompting discussions about the evolution of comedic boundaries in a diverse society.