Here’s a bold statement: Leanne Morgan’s latest Netflix special, Unspeakable Things, isn’t just another comedy show—it’s a raw, hilarious, and surprisingly vulnerable look at how fame, family, and identity collide. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Morgan’s humor is as sharp as ever, the special subtly raises questions about the balance between personal sacrifice and public success. Is it possible to be both a ‘good Christian wife’ and a global comedy star? And this is the part most people miss—Morgan’s jokes about pleasing her husband, Chuck, aren’t just shock comedy; they’re a window into the complexities of power dynamics in relationships, even as her career soars.
For her second Netflix stand-up special, Leanne Morgan finds herself in uncharted territory—navigating the glitz of Hollywood while staying grounded in her roots as a wife, mother of three, and grandmother. At 60, she’s not just a comedian; she’s a cultural phenomenon, thanks to her 2023 special I’m Every Woman, which Netflix claims is the most-watched stand-up special by a woman globally since its release. That success led to two more specials, a sitcom deal with Chuck Lorre and Susan McMartin (already renewed for a second season), and roles alongside stars like Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell in You’re Cordially Invited. Yet, amidst all this, Morgan’s humor remains deeply personal, often revolving around her family and her efforts to keep her husband happy—even if it means doing the titular ‘unspeakable things.’
The Gist: Morgan’s rise to fame began with her 2018 Dry Bar Comedy special, which racked up over 5 million YouTube views and paved the way for her Netflix debut. Her ability to blend self-deprecating humor with relatable stories about motherhood, marriage, and aging has made her a fan favorite. In Unspeakable Things, she riffs on everything from her experiences on movie sets to her misadventures with CBD gummies, all while reflecting on how her life has changed since becoming a household name.
Memorable Moments: Morgan kicks off the special with a mix of gratitude and humor, thanking her audience for watching I’m Every Woman and joking about her ‘big ol’ Mamaw’ breasts, which she compares to the size of Reese Witherspoon’s head. She also pokes fun at her weight gain after discovering craft services on set, quipping, ‘If I have time, I’ll talk about my reflux.’ Spoiler: she doesn’t. Instead, she dives into a hilarious recounting of her visit to Atlanta’s Clermont Lounge, where she grapples with her Christian values while marveling at the strip club’s eclectic crowd. ‘This is more like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not,’ she deadpans, leaving the audience in stitches.
Controversy Alert: While Morgan’s jokes about her husband are laugh-out-loud funny, they also spark a deeper conversation. At one point, she admits to sharing a hotel room with her youngest daughter on tour—until Chuck visited, at which point she booked a second room to accommodate his expectations. It’s a lighthearted moment, but it raises questions: Why does she feel the need to prioritize his comfort over her own, even as she’s headlining sold-out shows? And does her willingness to play the ‘good wife’ undermine her status as a comedy powerhouse?
Our Take: Morgan’s humor is as relatable as ever, but Unspeakable Things feels like more than just a comedy special. It’s a reflection on how women, especially those in the public eye, navigate societal expectations while staying true to themselves. The tonal shifts—from self-deprecating jokes to heartfelt stories about her family—keep the audience engaged, but they also highlight the tension between her public persona and private life. When she brings Chuck and her kids onstage at the end, it’s a sweet moment, but it’s hard not to wonder: Is she still playing second fiddle, even as the star of her own show?
Our Call: STREAM IT. Morgan’s ability to find humor in the mundane while tackling bigger questions about identity and relationships makes this special a must-watch. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As Morgan’s fame continues to grow, will she ever fully step out of the shadow of being ‘Chuck’s wife’? Let us know what you think in the comments—agree or disagree, this is one conversation worth having.
