Comedian, writer, and actor Mary Beth Barone is making her Netflix debut with Galaxy Brain, her first hour-long stand-up comedy special set to film in New York City next spring.
The special, directed by Ky Newman, will tape at the Skirball Center on March 19. It marks Barone’s most ambitious project to date, following the success of her 2024 self-released 40-minute special Thought Provoking, which earned critical praise for its sharp wit and self-aware humor.
Barone, known for her darkly comedic, post-modern style, has become one of the most distinctive voices in the modern stand-up landscape. Her blend of personal storytelling, cultural critique, and offbeat observations has drawn fans from across the comedy and queer communities alike.
In addition to her stand-up career, Barone recently showcased her talents as both a writer and actor on the Amazon MGM Studios and A24 comedy series Overcompensating, created by Benito Skinner. The series, which premiered on Prime Video in May, follows Benny (played by Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king navigating college life at the fictional Yates University. Barone stars as Benny’s older sister, Grace, bringing warmth, chaos, and biting humor to the role. The show quickly became a fan favorite for its mix of heartfelt queer storytelling and outrageous campus antics, and it has already been renewed for a second season.
Beyond television, Barone has built a devoted following through her stand-up tours and her podcast Ride, which she co-hosts with Skinner. The podcast blends pop culture commentary with deeply relatable conversations about relationships, identity, and modern life.
Barone’s live performances have drawn sold-out crowds at major comedy events including the New York Comedy Festival, Netflix Is a Joke Fest, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has also performed stand-up twice on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, further solidifying her reputation as one of comedy’s most exciting rising stars.
With Galaxy Brain, Barone is expected to deliver the same sharp, self-reflective humor that has defined her work, diving into themes of dating, self-image, and the contradictions of being “chronically online.” Her voice, irreverent yet empathetic, has made her a standout figure in both mainstream comedy and queer entertainment spaces.
