Chris Fleming debuts his comedy special on HBO. It’s titled CHRIS FLEMING: LIVE AT THE PALACE. It premieres on Friday, February 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The special will debut on HBO. It will also be available to stream on HBO Max. This will bring his singular, high‑energy stand‑up to a wider audience than ever.
About the special
Filmed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. CHRIS FLEMING: LIVE AT THE PALACE showcases Fleming’s trademark blend of sharp storytelling. The performance features wild physicality and rapid‑fire shifts between topics. In his first HBO stand‑up special, he jumps effortlessly from everyday obsessions. He transitions from Trader Joe’s and Oreos to NPR and dog breeds. Then, he delves into more abstract riffs on masculinity, conga lines, and social awkwardness.
Fleming is a restless, almost acrobatic presence on stage. He bounds, dances, and flings himself through each bit. This turns the show into a full‑body performance rather than a static stand‑up set. The hour combines relatable observational humor, choreographed movement, and even a song. It offers a bright, off‑beat, and genuinely laugh‑out‑loud experience. The performance feels as visual as it is verbal.
What Chris Fleming says
Chris Fleming announces the special as he embraces the theatricality of the event. He “decrees” that his first HBO hour is finally ready for audiences to consume. Besides, he invites viewers not just to watch. He encourages them to “feel free to dance along.” This underscores how much the special leans into movement, rhythm, and play as part of the comedy.
What HBO says
Nina Rosenstein, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Late Night & Specials, highlights Fleming’s uniqueness as a performer. She notes that once you’ve seen him, nothing else quite compares. She praises the way his exquisitely precise jokes combine with dynamic physical comedy. This combination reveals new details on repeat viewings. Whether he’s nailing a crab‑walk impression or crafting a multi‑layered joke about Tillamook cheese, his work, she suggests, acts as an informal masterclass in stand‑up. It also serves as a masterclass in physical performance.
Creative team and credits
- Written and performed by: Chris Fleming
- Executive producers: Chris Fleming, Alex Bach, Daniel Powell, Molly Mandel, Olivia Doud, Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross
- Director: Bill Benz
The production team brings together experienced comedy producers and collaborators. They frame Fleming’s eccentric, kinetic style with strong direction. This pacing is suited to a premium cable special.
Chris Fleming: about the comedian
Chris Fleming is a comedian, actor, and writer. His singular voice makes him one of the most distinctive performers in contemporary comedy. In 2025, The New York Times named him “Best Range” in its Best Comedy of the Year roundup. This highlighted his ability to shift between characters, tones, and formats.
On stage, Fleming has toured theatres across the United States. His shows include “Chris Fleming Live,” “Showpig,” “Boba Everyday” and “Tricky Tricky.” He has been featured in Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch. He was also named among Vulture’s Comedians You Should and Will Know. This recognition cements his status as a cult favourite breaking into the mainstream. His debut stand‑up special “Hell,” produced by Jax and Jen Statsky, is currently available to stream on Peacock.
On screen, Fleming has appeared in series such as “Abbott Elementary,” “Loot,” “Corporate”. He has also appeared in the feature film “The Last Laugh,” alongside Richard Dreyfuss and Chevy Chase. As a voice actor, his work includes credits on “The Great North,” “Twelve Forever,” “Summer Camp Island”. His voice roles in “Adventure Time: Distant Lands” also showcase the same oddball timing. This character work fuels his stand‑up.
CHRIS FLEMING: LIVE AT THE PALACE will premiere on Friday, February 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
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