"Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota" Review – Staying True to His Comedy Roots

"Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota" Review – Staying True to His Comedy Roots

Four-time Emmy winner Michael Che returns to Netflix with his third comedy special, “Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota.” Che also directs the special, which he filmed at Minneapolis’s iconic First Avenue.

Given Che’s current standing in the industry and his connections to mainstream Hollywood, I expected him to embark on larger tours. Instead, he takes the stage in jeans and a hoodie, reminding audiences that he hasn’t lost touch with his roots. Stand-up comedy remains his foundation, and he continues to adapt to the evolving comedic landscape.

One principle I maintain in my reviews is to avoid giving away every joke, allowing audiences to discover the humor for themselves. From the start, Che’s dry wit stands out. Since he performed in Prince’s hometown, I expected a joke or two about the music legend. Instead, Che focuses on how the city has transformed since a certain individual took office.

Throughout the hour-long set, Che exudes the relaxed confidence of a seasoned headliner. Whether he’s discussing his friendship with Colin Jost and the latter’s marriage to an Oscar nominee or poking fun at not knowing who Charlie Kirk is, Che's dry humor consistently resonates.

I saw Che perform live in 2018, and my biggest compliment from that show was how well-crafted and rehearsed his jokes felt. Given that Che also writes for “Saturday Night Live,” this wasn't surprising. However, in this special, Che’s self-deprecating humor feels more natural and spontaneous. He knows how to work a crowd without making it look like he's working at all.

While he hasn’t broken into mainstream films or stepped away from the familiarity of SNL, “Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota” affirms that he's a comedian who knows his strengths and leans into them. Che isn't trying to reinvent himself or prove anything to anyone. He knows his audience, understands what makes them laugh, and delivers exactly what they came for. Sometimes, that's more than enough.

Final Grade: B

“Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota” is streaming on Netflix now.