Interview: Gary Owen Finally Makes It To Netflix

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Gary Owen – “Finally Makes It To Netflix”

Episode Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Gary Owen

Overview

In this vibrant and hilarious episode of The Breakfast Club, the team sits down with comedian Gary Owen to celebrate his long-awaited inclusion on Netflix, dissect his journey through comedy’s ever-changing landscape, and roast the industry, his peers, and himself. The episode is packed with candid insight, wild crowd work stories, honest reflections on “cancel culture,” and a torrent of comedy world callouts – all delivered in Gary’s trademark irreverence.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Gary Owen’s “Finally” on Netflix

[02:59] Charlamagne and the crew congratulate Gary on finally getting a special on Netflix after years of being snubbed.
[03:31] Gary jokes about the notorious gatekeeper, Robbie Prah:

“Take that, Robbie. That's the guy that makes all the decisions for the standup specials. Nobody ever wants to say his name, but he always says no, so f*** him. Robbie Prah.”
[13:24] Gary reflects on his YouTube success while acknowledging Netflix was “like a birthday party I wasn’t invited to.”

2. Comedy Clubs vs. Theaters & Touring

[04:22] Gary explains moving from clubs to theaters:

“I moved on from the comedy clubs... you mix it up, but now it’s just—I couldn’t go at that pace. We were doing like, 10, 11 shows at the club...”
[25:33] Details on his new 100-city theater tour, and the economics of working theaters versus clubs:

“My deal's nice... my touring deal goes into percentages... the most money I’ve ever made in my life.”
[31:30] On success and business logic of scaling up:

“Every theater is different. Depends on the seats, how much tickets are, how many you sell.”

3. Cancel/Outrage Culture & Career “Controversies”

[05:22] Gary recounts “the only time” he was nearly canceled, over a 2013 joke using the R-word.

“Special needs came after me hardcore... they flew me to DC, I had to speak with all these special needs people. It was wild.”
[06:40] Calls out advocacy outrage:

“The special came out in 2013... they came after me in 2016. And you're calling them slow. The special was out for three years!”
[07:19] The struggle of being “the perfect level of celebrity” for a controversy.

4. The Netflix Dilemma: Desire, Rejection & Streaming Alternatives

[13:56] Gary details Netflix’s evasive rejections (“they ran out of money”) and why he’s embraced YouTube:

“So now I’m just filming... If you want to take it off my hands, that’s fine – but gotta do it by March 7th, or we’re putting it on YouTube.”
[14:54] On Hulu’s entry into standup and “whiteballing” theories:

“Hulu said, ‘we’re going off Netflix analytics’... but some comics get specials with no Netflix presence.”
[15:09] Gary credits Facebook for massive social reach:

“That’s where I got the most followers, most interaction... One video’s got like 80 million.”

5. Open Roast: Comedy Specials, Peers & Industry Satire

A central, extended segment involves Gary humorously trashing Netflix stand-up specials and his peers, with Charlamagne and crew egging him on:

[19:00-21:15] Rapid-fire roasts:
- “All Black women? Some more, garbage. Let’s attack all of them.”
- “Mike Epps, latest one—Delusional garbage.”
- “Donnell's garbage... Nothing without Dave Chappelle.”
- “Andrew Schultz, garbage.”
- “Kat Williams coming up? Garbage, talking about farm animals or some. Nobody wants to hear that.”
[21:16] Gary clarifies (sort of): “They’re all terrible. Until I get one.”
[21:58] When asked if the lack of a Netflix special made him feel underestimated:

“I don’t need them. They need me.”
(Charlamagne: “You haven’t said that confidently not one time.”)

6. Personal Life: Divorce, Family, Proposal

[10:56 & 33:00] Gary navigates questions about divorce, using it for comedy, and his relationship with his children:

“Honestly, it doesn’t really come up anymore. It’s so in the past... There’s never malicious intent. Yeah, it’s just a joke.”
[34:53] Update on his daughter:
“She’s at an Ivy League grad school, crushing it, but we don’t speak. She’s just getting through her own process right now.”
[50:24] Proposal to his current girlfriend—confirmed:

“Yep.” (Jess: “You did.” Gary: “Okay. Okay, Gary. Big Gary.”)
[51:37] His wedding is TBD:

“We’re gonna get married when I get Netflix special one… Well, that’s up to Robbie Prah.”

7. Other Memorable Anecdotes & Comedic Riffs

[09:03] On Black History Month:

“Just cranking out more mixed babies.”
(Charlamagne: “You’ve been getting back to the community for a long time.”)
[36:00] On being robbed after withdrawing from Bank of America:

“They call it 'jugging' in Texas… literally will wait and see who’s leaving the bank... I must’ve looked like an easy mark.”
[41:57] Wildest moments around Black people:

“Scariest I’ve ever been around black people? Honest to God—I took this girl, I’m like 17, 18, took her to see Menace II Society… my car wouldn’t start, everybody circling, I kid you not…”

8. Philosophy on Success & Industry Gatekeeping

[47:26] Charlamagne asks if Gary would see it as a loss if Netflix never calls:

“You don’t need... we’re in a great time for standup… you can literally—if you got the camera and whatever you’re saying resonates with people—that’s it.”
[47:58] Reiterates the power of direct-to-fan platforms:

“Netflix is on your phone… but so’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Netflix rejection ([13:30]):

“It does feel like a birthday party I wasn’t invited to.” — Gary Owen
On cancel culture ([05:15]):

“I think it’s more outrage culture. People get mad on social media, then everybody moves on.” — Charlamagne Tha God
On crowd work in theaters ([11:55]):

“Clubs are easier... Theaters a little tougher, because if they’re not lit, you can’t see a lot.” — Gary Owen
On touring deal ([25:11]):

“My touring deal goes into percentages. So, my first two weeks, I was like, whoa, yeah, hello!” — Gary Owen
On relationships after divorce ([49:54]):

“No hard feelings, baby. Yeah. We always think of the bad times. We had a lot of good times together.” — Gary Owen
On Netflix decision makers ([43:39]):

“You know what’s a joke? The people making the decisions on specials. They’re the joke. Robbie Prah. I’m the only one balls enough to say his name. He’s the one who says no.” — Gary Owen
On why he’ll keep trying ([47:19]):

“They say no anyway. They’re like a girl I’ve been asking out for 10 years that keeps saying no. I'm just gonna keep asking her out.” — Gary Owen

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:59]: Gary Owen’s Netflix breakthrough
[04:22]: Transition from comedy clubs to theaters
[05:22]: Near-cancellation over the “R-word” joke
[13:24]: Streaming strategies: Netflix, YouTube, Facebook
[19:00–21:15]: The “garbage” Netflix specials roast
[25:33]: Touring economics: theater deals vs. clubs
[33:00]: Update on relationship with daughter
[34:53]: Reflections on family estrangement
[41:57]: Wildest “black people” story (“Menace II Society” date)
[50:24]: Proposal to current girlfriend, wedding plans
[47:26]: Final word on Netflix and success

Tone & Style

The episode is fast, raucous, and sharply comedic—a mix of real talk, roasts, and behind-the-scenes truths. Gary Owen’s biting sarcasm and willingness to call out industry norms is balanced by moments of vulnerability regarding family and career ups and downs. The hosts match his energy, keeping it honest but light-hearted.

For New Listeners

This episode is a quintessential dive into both the humor and hustle of the stand-up world, as seen through Gary Owen’s unique lens. It deftly mixes actionable insight for industry-watchers, frank talk for fans of comedy drama, and enough wild digressions for anyone in search of a good laugh. If you haven’t caught Gary Owen’s work—or you’re curious about what it really takes to thrive outside the “industry machine”—this episode serves up all the realness.

Listen for:

The comedy industry’s inner workings and streaming revolution
Humor around cancel/“outrage” culture
Gary’s notorious string of “garbage” reviews
Unfiltered discussion of personal life, relationships, and reinvention
Candid, laugh-out-loud debate on what it means to “make it” in today’s comedic landscape

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Gary Owen – “Finally Makes It To Netflix”

Episode Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Gary Owen

Overview

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Gary Owen’s “Finally” on Netflix

[02:59] Charlamagne and the crew congratulate Gary on finally getting a special on Netflix after years of being snubbed.
[03:31] Gary jokes about the notorious gatekeeper, Robbie Prah:

“Take that, Robbie. That's the guy that makes all the decisions for the standup specials. Nobody ever wants to say his name, but he always says no, so f*** him. Robbie Prah.”
[13:24] Gary reflects on his YouTube success while acknowledging Netflix was “like a birthday party I wasn’t invited to.”

2. Comedy Clubs vs. Theaters & Touring

[04:22] Gary explains moving from clubs to theaters:

“I moved on from the comedy clubs... you mix it up, but now it’s just—I couldn’t go at that pace. We were doing like, 10, 11 shows at the club...”
[25:33] Details on his new 100-city theater tour, and the economics of working theaters versus clubs:

“My deal's nice... my touring deal goes into percentages... the most money I’ve ever made in my life.”
[31:30] On success and business logic of scaling up:

“Every theater is different. Depends on the seats, how much tickets are, how many you sell.”

3. Cancel/Outrage Culture & Career “Controversies”

[05:22] Gary recounts “the only time” he was nearly canceled, over a 2013 joke using the R-word.

“Special needs came after me hardcore... they flew me to DC, I had to speak with all these special needs people. It was wild.”
[06:40] Calls out advocacy outrage:

“The special came out in 2013... they came after me in 2016. And you're calling them slow. The special was out for three years!”
[07:19] The struggle of being “the perfect level of celebrity” for a controversy.

4. The Netflix Dilemma: Desire, Rejection & Streaming Alternatives

[13:56] Gary details Netflix’s evasive rejections (“they ran out of money”) and why he’s embraced YouTube:

“So now I’m just filming... If you want to take it off my hands, that’s fine – but gotta do it by March 7th, or we’re putting it on YouTube.”
[14:54] On Hulu’s entry into standup and “whiteballing” theories:

“Hulu said, ‘we’re going off Netflix analytics’... but some comics get specials with no Netflix presence.”
[15:09] Gary credits Facebook for massive social reach:

“That’s where I got the most followers, most interaction... One video’s got like 80 million.”

5. Open Roast: Comedy Specials, Peers & Industry Satire

A central, extended segment involves Gary humorously trashing Netflix stand-up specials and his peers, with Charlamagne and crew egging him on:

[19:00-21:15] Rapid-fire roasts:
- “All Black women? Some more, garbage. Let’s attack all of them.”
- “Mike Epps, latest one—Delusional garbage.”
- “Donnell's garbage... Nothing without Dave Chappelle.”
- “Andrew Schultz, garbage.”
- “Kat Williams coming up? Garbage, talking about farm animals or some. Nobody wants to hear that.”
[21:16] Gary clarifies (sort of): “They’re all terrible. Until I get one.”
[21:58] When asked if the lack of a Netflix special made him feel underestimated:

“I don’t need them. They need me.”
(Charlamagne: “You haven’t said that confidently not one time.”)

6. Personal Life: Divorce, Family, Proposal

[10:56 & 33:00] Gary navigates questions about divorce, using it for comedy, and his relationship with his children:

“Honestly, it doesn’t really come up anymore. It’s so in the past... There’s never malicious intent. Yeah, it’s just a joke.”
[34:53] Update on his daughter:
“She’s at an Ivy League grad school, crushing it, but we don’t speak. She’s just getting through her own process right now.”
[50:24] Proposal to his current girlfriend—confirmed:

“Yep.” (Jess: “You did.” Gary: “Okay. Okay, Gary. Big Gary.”)
[51:37] His wedding is TBD:

“We’re gonna get married when I get Netflix special one… Well, that’s up to Robbie Prah.”

7. Other Memorable Anecdotes & Comedic Riffs

[09:03] On Black History Month:

“Just cranking out more mixed babies.”
(Charlamagne: “You’ve been getting back to the community for a long time.”)
[36:00] On being robbed after withdrawing from Bank of America:

“They call it 'jugging' in Texas… literally will wait and see who’s leaving the bank... I must’ve looked like an easy mark.”
[41:57] Wildest moments around Black people:

“Scariest I’ve ever been around black people? Honest to God—I took this girl, I’m like 17, 18, took her to see Menace II Society… my car wouldn’t start, everybody circling, I kid you not…”

8. Philosophy on Success & Industry Gatekeeping

[47:26] Charlamagne asks if Gary would see it as a loss if Netflix never calls:

“You don’t need... we’re in a great time for standup… you can literally—if you got the camera and whatever you’re saying resonates with people—that’s it.”
[47:58] Reiterates the power of direct-to-fan platforms:

“Netflix is on your phone… but so’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Netflix rejection ([13:30]):

“It does feel like a birthday party I wasn’t invited to.” — Gary Owen
On cancel culture ([05:15]):

“I think it’s more outrage culture. People get mad on social media, then everybody moves on.” — Charlamagne Tha God
On crowd work in theaters ([11:55]):

“Clubs are easier... Theaters a little tougher, because if they’re not lit, you can’t see a lot.” — Gary Owen
On touring deal ([25:11]):

“My touring deal goes into percentages. So, my first two weeks, I was like, whoa, yeah, hello!” — Gary Owen
On relationships after divorce ([49:54]):

“No hard feelings, baby. Yeah. We always think of the bad times. We had a lot of good times together.” — Gary Owen
On Netflix decision makers ([43:39]):

“You know what’s a joke? The people making the decisions on specials. They’re the joke. Robbie Prah. I’m the only one balls enough to say his name. He’s the one who says no.” — Gary Owen
On why he’ll keep trying ([47:19]):

“They say no anyway. They’re like a girl I’ve been asking out for 10 years that keeps saying no. I'm just gonna keep asking her out.” — Gary Owen

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:59]: Gary Owen’s Netflix breakthrough
[04:22]: Transition from comedy clubs to theaters
[05:22]: Near-cancellation over the “R-word” joke
[13:24]: Streaming strategies: Netflix, YouTube, Facebook
[19:00–21:15]: The “garbage” Netflix specials roast
[25:33]: Touring economics: theater deals vs. clubs
[33:00]: Update on relationship with daughter
[34:53]: Reflections on family estrangement
[41:57]: Wildest “black people” story (“Menace II Society” date)
[50:24]: Proposal to current girlfriend, wedding plans
[47:26]: Final word on Netflix and success

Tone & Style

For New Listeners

Listen for:

The comedy industry’s inner workings and streaming revolution
Humor around cancel/“outrage” culture
Gary’s notorious string of “garbage” reviews
Unfiltered discussion of personal life, relationships, and reinvention
Candid, laugh-out-loud debate on what it means to “make it” in today’s comedic landscape

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Summary

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Gary Owen – “Finally Makes It To Netflix”

Overview

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Gary Owen’s “Finally” on Netflix

2. Comedy Clubs vs. Theaters & Touring

3. Cancel/Outrage Culture & Career “Controversies”

4. The Netflix Dilemma: Desire, Rejection & Streaming Alternatives

5. Open Roast: Comedy Specials, Peers & Industry Satire

6. Personal Life: Divorce, Family, Proposal

7. Other Memorable Anecdotes & Comedic Riffs

8. Philosophy on Success & Industry Gatekeeping

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

For New Listeners

Summary

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Gary Owen – “Finally Makes It To Netflix”

Overview

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Gary Owen’s “Finally” on Netflix

2. Comedy Clubs vs. Theaters & Touring

3. Cancel/Outrage Culture & Career “Controversies”

4. The Netflix Dilemma: Desire, Rejection & Streaming Alternatives

5. Open Roast: Comedy Specials, Peers & Industry Satire

6. Personal Life: Divorce, Family, Proposal

7. Other Memorable Anecdotes & Comedic Riffs

8. Philosophy on Success & Industry Gatekeeping

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

For New Listeners