Jo Koy's 'Blue in the Face' Celebrates Filipino Culture and Personal Triumphs on Netflix

Comedian Jo Koy’s sixth Netflix stand-up special, "Blue in the Face," offers a deeply personal hour filmed in Stockton, California, a city historically significant as an early hub for Filipinos immigrating to America. In the special, Koy explores themes of Filipino culture, his family life, and his journey in comedy, touching on personal anecdotes and career milestones.

Koy, who grew up in Washington state and lived in Las Vegas, chose Stockton for its connection to Filipino-American history, aiming to shine a spotlight on the community. This follows his 2020 Netflix special, "Jo Koy: In His Elements," which also highlighted Filipino culture and featured other Filipino-American comedians.

The special features Koy’s signature humor, including stories about his early dental issues and his love for his dogs. A significant portion of "Blue in the Face" is dedicated to his late stepfather, Sgt. Fred Harrison, a Vietnam veteran. Koy shares anecdotes about his stepfather's military background, his influence on Koy's life, and a memorable trip to a Los Angeles Dodgers game that left his stepfather feeling the strain of an extended match.

Koy also addresses past criticisms, including comments about laughing at his own jokes, explaining that his on-stage laughter often stems from unexpected tangents and shared insights he may not have realized he was voicing until they are spoken. The special also revisits his early career struggles, such as his first job at McDonald's and his initial embarrassment about his comedic performances, which he used to cover with his hand. A turning point in his career came after his appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," which led to a significant advertising deal.

Reflecting on his financial success, Koy shares humorous thoughts about how he initially envisioned wealth in terms of material treats like Cinnabon or Carl's Jr. burgers. He recounts his mother’s guidance and a visit to a Beverly Hills dentist, recommended through "Oprah," who corrected his teeth after an accident involving a childhood mishap in the woods. The special offers a lighthearted takeaway: "Don’t worry about flossing. Just get a good job and buy your teeth."

"Blue in the Face" encourages viewers to counter negativity prevalent on social media, advocating for a quicker embrace of positive moments. The special aims to provide an hour of uplifting entertainment, with critics recommending it for its humor and heartwarming personal narratives. As the review concludes, "Smiling is great. Making millions of other smile, priceless."