
Comedian Ryan Davis Calls Out Netflix for Snubbing His Comedy Special “Underrated”
Comedian Ryan Davis isn’t holding back when it comes to calling out Netflix for what he believes is a blatant disregard for his hard work. During an interview on Shade 45’s The Punchline Academy with Da Inphamus Amadeuz, Davis revealed that Netflix refused to consider his self-produced comedy special, “Underrated,” without even watching it.
Davis, who has built a dedicated fan base through his sharp comedic takes and viral social media presence, expressed frustration over the streaming giant’s lack of interest in his project. “They didn’t even watch it, bro. That’s the part that really got me,” Davis explained. “How do you turn something down when you won’t even press play?”
The Battle for Independent Comedians
“Underrated” is a self-funded project that Davis poured his energy into, determined to prove that independent comedians can create high-quality content without the backing of major networks. However, his experience with Netflix highlights what many comedians have voiced concerns about—the barriers to entry for independent artists in mainstream streaming platforms.
Davis further elaborated that he didn’t just pitch his special casually—he had a full presentation, a polished product, and numbers to back up his success. “I put in the work. I invested in myself. But they act like if it ain’t coming from the usual suspects, it ain’t worth their time.”
A Pattern in Comedy?
Netflix has faced backlash in the past for its selective choices in comedy specials. Industry veterans like Mo’Nique have called out the platform for its treatment of Black comedians, alleging bias in its decision-making and pay structure. While Netflix has housed specials from major names like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Ali Wong, up-and-coming independent voices often struggle to break through.
Ryan Davis, however, isn’t letting Netflix’s rejection slow him down. He emphasized that he’s moving forward with or without the streaming service. “I don’t need their validation. The people who rock with me are gonna rock with me regardless,” he stated.
What’s Next for Ryan Davis?
Despite Netflix’s rejection, “Underrated” has already gained traction through independent distribution and social media buzz. Davis hinted that he’s exploring other platforms and alternative ways to ensure his fans get to see the special.
Meanwhile, his appearance on The Punchline Academy not only shed light on the struggles of independent comedians but also reinforced his commitment to staying true to his craft.
“I’ll be damned if I let some suits tell me I’m not worth watching,” Davis said. “They’ll catch up later. I’ll keep doing me.”
With his talent and determination, it’s only a matter of time before Netflix—or another major platform—realizes they missed out on something special.
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