Matt Rife has released a new Netflix special titled Matt Rife: Lucid – A Crowd Work Special, but the decision to feature the comedian again has sparked outrage among some viewers. Rife, who rose to fame on social media for his crowd work, faced significant backlash after his first Netflix special last year, where a joke about domestic violence offended many. Despite the controversy, Netflix decided to team up with Rife for another special, which has left some fans questioning the platform’s choice.
Critics took to social media to express their disappointment, with some describing Rife’s humor as juvenile and wondering why Netflix would continue to promote his work. One viewer commented, “Why are you doing another Matt Rife special? I cringed so hard seeing his face pop up on my TV,” while another questioned Netflix’s standards in choosing comedians for their specials. At the time of writing, the new special has garnered a 48% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the mixed reactions.
However, not all feedback has been negative. Some fans have praised Rife’s new special, highlighting his skill in engaging with the audience and creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories. One positive reviewer noted, “I haven’t laughed so much for a very long time! Everyone needs to remember, it’s comedy!” This division among viewers underscores the polarizing nature of Rife’s comedy.
In response to previous criticism, Rife has taken a defiant stance, posting a sarcastic “official apology” on Instagram that linked to a website selling helmets for people with special needs. This response has only fueled the controversy surrounding his humor, as some see it as dismissive of valid concerns. Despite the backlash, Rife’s specials continue to draw attention, keeping him in the spotlight.
