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‘Roastmaster General’ Jeff Ross is set to bring his intimate Broadway debut to streaming audiences as Netflix prepares to capture his one-man show “Take a Banana for the Ride” for a 2026 release. The taping will occur during two performances this Saturday, September 27, at the Nederlander Theater, just one day before the show closes.broadwayworld
The filming represents a major milestone for Ross, whose Broadway run has offered audiences a strikingly personal side of the comedian known for his ruthless celebrity roasts. Unlike his typical rapid-fire insult delivery, “Take a Banana for the Ride” blends humor with heartfelt family stories, musical elements, and reflections on loss and resilience.playbill
This Netflix acquisition builds on Ross’s recent streaming triumphs with the platform. Earlier this year, he co-hosted “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady,” which earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). The Brady roast became a cultural phenomenon, though Brady later expressed regret about how the jokes affected his family.usatoday
The partnership underscores Netflix’s continued investment in comedy specials, with Gabriel Iglesias’s “Legend of Fluffy” leading the platform’s comedy viewership in the first half of 2025 with 7.8 million views. Ross joins a roster that has included major names like Kevin Hart, Ali Wong, and Ricky Gervais releasing specials throughout 2025.deadline
“Take a Banana for the Ride” marked Ross’s long-awaited Broadway debut after decades of dreaming about performing on the Great White Way. The show, which began previews August 5 and officially opened August 18, has drawn praise for its emotional depth and Ross’s willingness to show vulnerability.youtube
Critics have noted the show’s departure from Ross’s typical roasting style, with The New York Times calling it a “very funny, willfully upbeat show” that reveals Ross “at his most unguarded”. The production focuses on his Jewish upbringing, family losses including his parents’ deaths during his teenage years, and recent cancer scare, all woven together with his signature humor.nytimes
The show’s title comes from practical advice Ross’s grandfather gave him about always being prepared for life’s unexpected turns – wisdom that has taken on deeper meaning as Ross has navigated personal losses and health challenges. The 90-minute performance combines “dangerous jokes, touching family stories, and songs,” with no two shows exactly alike.jeffrossbroadway
While the specific Netflix release date remains unannounced, the streaming special will preserve Ross’s Broadway moment for global audiences, continuing the comedian’s evolution from roastmaster to storyteller.broadwayworld