Comedian Hannah Berner, who was named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch in 2023, is set to release her first comedy special for Netflix today (9th July). She rose to prominence in the comedy world with her viral ‘Han on the Street’ segments and with her podcasts ‘Berning in Hell’ and ‘Giggly Squad’, which showcase her quick wit and pop culture knowledge.

Hannah, your comedy special on Netflix is being released today. Tell us more about it and what inspired it.

I'm so excited to show this special to the world. It encompasses different phases of my life, my mental health, my love life, pop culture, and politics. I like to make people question norms and make fun of everything, especially myself. I get inspired by what makes my best friends laugh and I like my comedy to feel like you're on a hilarious facetime with your friend. I enjoy saying what I feel like a lot of people are thinking, but don't know if it's appropriate to say out loud. 

What can the audience expect from the special when it hits our screens?

I hope that everyone can forget about their problems for an hour and hopefully for some people who don't normally watch comedy specials to give it a try.

You filmed it at the Filmore. Why did you choose this location and what makes it so special to you?

I had recorded a live ‘Giggly Squad’ podcast at the venue before and I remember the chandeliers being beautiful and the laughter being contagious. I also hadn't performed in Philly in over two years and I know the East coast audience is always loud, smart and sassy.

How would you describe yourself as a comedian?

I like to be a mouthpiece for goofy girls everywhere.

What peaked your interest in comedy and made you decide to start a career in it?

I had no idea that you could make a job out of being silly, but I fell in love with writing tweets and sketches that were relatable to my friends. Getting into stand up wasn't my original goal, and it's a difficult space for women to feel comfortable in, but the internet has helped me find my audience and share all my content without traditional gatekeepers.

Before comedy became your life, you were a junior tennis player. What made you decide to leave tennis behind, and how hard was this decision for you?

Tennis was the longest relationship I was ever in and retiring after college felt like a horrible breakup, but I knew I had a creative side that I was suppressing. I was sick of the strict rules and competition of sport and wanted to explore a different side of myself. I did cold calling sales, marketing and sports modeling before discovering comedy.

Variety named you one of 10 Comics to Watch last year. How proud are you of being included in this list, and what does it mean to you?

Comedy can be a lonely career, so being recognized next to other great comedians and friends made me feel like I'm not secluded on this journey. Getting a shout out for your art always feels awesome.

What usually inspires your new work the most?

I try out a lot of material and stories on my two podcasts each week, ‘Giggly Squad’ and ‘Berner Phone’. When something resonates with the audience or my co-host, I immediately know that I have a new premise to work with.

When you’re not entertaining people, how do you enjoy spending your free time?

I love watching disturbing documentaries in a dark room with my cat.

After the special comes out on Netflix, what is coming up next for you?

I wrote my first book, that is coming out next year, with my best friend, Paige DeSorbo. I am also working on new material, going on a podcast tour and getting into acting.