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 power and traditional roles, even as she skyrockets to stardom. Does being a ‘good wife’ still define her, even when she’s the star of the show? Let’s dive in.
For her second Netflix stand-up special, Leanne Morgan finds herself in uncharted territory—navigating the glitz of Hollywood as a sitcom star while staying true to her roots as a 60-year-old Christian, wife, mother of three, and grandmother. Her humor is as relatable as ever, but this time, there’s a deeper layer. She’s not just cracking jokes; she’s inviting us to reflect on how her life has shifted—and how much hasn’t. The title itself, Unspeakable Things, is a playful nod to the lengths she goes to please her husband, Chuck Morgan, whom she affectionately (and humorously) refers to by his full name. And this is the part most people miss: beneath the laughs, Morgan is grappling with the complexities of aging, fame, and the dynamics of her relationships.
Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things comes on the heels of her wildly successful 2023 special, I’m Every Woman, which Netflix claims is the most-watched stand-up special globally by any woman since the start of the year. That success didn’t just earn her another special—it landed her a sitcom deal with Chuck Lorre and Susan McMartin, Leanne, which has already been renewed for a second season. Add to that her role alongside Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell in Amazon Prime’s You’re Cordially Invited, and it’s clear Morgan is having a moment. But here’s the twist: even as she’s rubbing elbows with A-listers, she’s still the same self-deprecating, down-to-earth comedian who can’t help but poke fun at her own ‘big ol’ Mamaw’ breasts’ or her newfound love-hate relationship with craft services.
The special opens with Morgan’s signature humility. ‘Thank y’all for watching my first Netflix special,’ she says. ‘That changed my life.’ But her self-awareness shines through as she admits to cringing at her own appearance, joking that one of her breasts is the size of Reese Witherspoon’s head. She doesn’t hold back on the challenges of Hollywood either, sharing how the endless downtime on set and the allure of craft services led to unexpected weight gain. ‘If I have time, I’ll talk about my reflux,’ she teases—a line that perfectly captures her ability to find humor in life’s less glamorous moments.
One of the most memorable segments takes place at Atlanta’s Clermont Lounge, the city’s oldest and most eclectic strip club. Morgan’s description of the experience is equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking. ‘This is more like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not,’ she quips, painting a vivid picture of both the dancers and the patrons. Here’s the controversial bit: as a devout Christian, she grapples with the moral implications of being there, but as a mother, her biggest concern is wanting to launder one of the dancer’s outfits. It’s a moment that highlights her unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt reflection.
The second half of the special takes a nostalgic turn as Morgan reflects on her early days as a mother, contrasting them with her daughter-in-law’s parenting style. She admits, ‘I think I said some crazy mess,’ a relatable sentiment for any parent. She also shares stories from her pre-marriage days, including a time when her kids’ Christian school prayed for her and sent her meatloafs after she replaced her IUD—a moment that feels both absurd and tender. These stories aren’t just funny; they’re a reminder of how much she’s grown, both as a person and as a comedian.
But here’s the question that lingers: as Morgan’s fame grows, why does she still feel the need to prioritize her husband’s needs over her own? It’s a dynamic that feels at odds with her status as a global star. When she brings Chuck and her three kids onstage at the end of the special, he’s treated no differently than anyone else—just one of the flock. It’s a subtle but powerful moment that raises bigger questions about gender roles and personal identity.
Our take? Unspeakable Things is a must-watch. Morgan’s humor is as sharp and relatable as ever, but it’s her willingness to explore deeper themes that makes this special stand out. Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: In a world where women are breaking barriers, why do traditional roles still feel so hard to shake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Our call: STREAM IT. And if you’re like us, you’ll be eagerly awaiting her next special to see where her journey takes her next.
