Cat Williams, a comedian known for his edgy humor and unabashed commentary on Hollywood, recently released his latest comedy special on Netflix titled Woke F. Following his highly publicized interview with Shannon Sharpe, where he hinted that 2024 would be a “year of truth,” fans eagerly awaited this new material, anticipating fresh insights and the expected celebrity call-outs. While the special did feature moments of Williams’ trademark biting humor, particularly aimed at figures like Lizzo, Oprah, and Diddy, the overall reception has been mixed, with many fans finding it less impactful than expected.
Setting the Stage: Williams’ Signature Style
The special opens with Cat Williams addressing the attention he’s received since his interview with Shannon Sharpe. Known for his willingness to tackle controversial topics and Hollywood’s hidden agendas, Williams makes it clear that he isn’t afraid to expose what he sees as uncomfortable truths. He even jokes about infiltrating the “Illuminati” and bringing back their secrets to share with his audience.
However, as the special unfolds, it becomes apparent that while Williams maintains his comedic edge, some of the expected fire and depth may be lacking. For fans accustomed to his raw, no-holds-barred approach, this special doesn’t fully live up to the standard set by his previous performances.
Targeting Lizzo, Oprah, and Diddy
One of the key sections of Williams’ special is his commentary on celebrities, with Lizzo, Oprah, and Diddy being among his notable targets.
Lizzo: Williams critiques society’s treatment of the singer, pointing out the contradictions in how Lizzo is perceived. He notes that while it is acceptable for her to be Black and overweight, the line is drawn when someone like her achieves success and doesn’t conform to society’s expectations of how she should act. He mockingly demands that Lizzo “play the flute,” implying that she is expected to entertain in a specific way rather than be herself.
Oprah: Williams delivers one of his sharper jokes when he addresses Oprah’s alleged drug use, suggesting that the effects were so strong that even her close friend, Gayle King, lost weight. The joke plays on the widely circulated rumors about drug problems in Hollywood, but Williams takes it to another level by naming one of the most respected figures in media, Oprah. This willingness to go after such a public figure showcases Williams’ fearlessness, even if the joke feels extreme for some viewers.
Diddy: In what was perhaps the most anticipated moment of the special, Williams hints at Diddy’s alleged sexuality, suggesting that Diddy could be described as “pansexual,” making a humorous link between the word and the literal meaning of “pans.” Williams stops short of fully exploring this line of thought, but the joke lands for some as it taps into long-standing rumors about the rapper-mogul’s personal life.
Audience Reaction: A Mixed Bag
Despite these moments, the overall reception of Woke F has been tepid. Fans took to social media to express disappointment, with many commenting that the special fell flat and didn’t meet the high expectations they had for Williams. While there were laughs and standout moments, such as the Oprah and Diddy jokes, much of the material seemed to lack the bite and polish that Williams is known for.
One viewer noted that the special felt like “background noise,” with only a few laughs scattered throughout. Others described it as “mid,” suggesting that while it wasn’t terrible, it was far from Williams’ best work. Some even mentioned that the special felt “safe,” a surprising description given Williams’ reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
One of the most repeated critiques was that the special didn’t feel as “live” as advertised. Given the current state of pop culture, with plenty of ongoing drama in Hollywood, fans expected Williams to dive deeper into current events. However, many felt that he missed the opportunity to address more timely and relevant issues, opting instead for broader, less impactful jokes.
Comparison to Past Performances
Comparisons to Williams’ earlier work were inevitable, with many fans harkening back to some of his most iconic performances, such as his “Everyday I’m Hustlin’” bit, which cemented his status as one of the greats in comedy. In contrast, Woke F seemed to lack the raw energy and biting social commentary that defined his earlier specials.
Some viewers mentioned that they enjoyed Williams’ recent appearance on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe more than the Netflix special itself. In that interview, Williams appeared sharp and engaged, dropping hints about the kind of material fans could expect in Woke F. However, the special didn’t deliver on that promise for many, leaving them wanting more.
Final Thoughts: What Went Wrong?
It’s clear that while Cat Williams’ return to the stage brought moments of brilliance, the special as a whole left something to be desired. The comedian’s ability to take on taboo topics and tackle celebrity culture remains intact, but the execution didn’t fully live up to the hype. The lack of cohesion in the jokes, coupled with the missed opportunity to address more current and relevant issues, contributed to a special that felt underwhelming for many.
In the end, Woke F may not go down as one of Cat Williams’ finest hours, but it still demonstrates his ability to stir the pot and entertain with his sharp, unapologetic style. For those who have followed his career closely, this special is a reminder that even the greats sometimes stumble, but Williams’ undeniable talent ensures that he will remain a fixture in the comedy world for years to come. Fans can only hope that his next outing will bring back the fire and edge that once made him one of the most electrifying comedians on the planet.
