Rickey Smiley is stepping back into the spotlight—and this time, he’s bringing the funny like only he can. The beloved comedian, radio host, and cultural staple is returning to the stage for Fool-ish, his first stand-up comedy special in over ten years. And the best part? It’s dropping on Hulu May 30.
This isn’t just any comeback—Fool-ish sparked a bit of a bidding war behind the scenes before landing at the streamer. That’s how strong the demand was. Taped live at the historic Lyric Theatre in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, the special promises all the Rickey-isms we know and love: the sharp wit, the unforgettable characters, and that real-life commentary that hits close to home—and still manages to make you laugh out loud.
Smiley hasn’t released a comedy special since Open Casket Sharp in 2011, so this is big. Even bigger? Fool-ish marks the first-ever comedy special directed by David E. Talbert, the multi-hyphenate behind Baggage Claim and First Sunday. Talbert and Smiley have history, and this reunion feels like a full-circle moment—except now, they’re bringing a little more life, a little more edge, and a whole lot more heart to the stage.
“I knew after over ten years I had to offer something that would satisfy my fans,” Smiley shared. “I’ve been through a lot of transformation and trauma these past few years… I think I’ll have a deeper connection with my audience because of it. We can find humor in so much of life. FOOL-ISH is for people of all ages—from those who grew up playing with Etch A Sketch to those raised on iPads.”
The special is executive produced by Talbert and Lyn Sisson-Talbert under their Golden Girl Inc. banner, alongside Laura Lizer, Judi Marmel, Matt Beales, and John Bravakis.
Of course, Smiley’s no stranger to the stage—or the screen. He’s spent the last two decades hosting The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the #1 nationally syndicated urban radio show in America. Before that, he hosted Comic View on BET and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at his life in Rickey Smiley For Real.
And beyond the mic, Smiley’s been using his voice in deeper, more personal ways. Last fall, he released his book Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith, an intimate reflection on grief and growth following the tragic loss of his eldest son. The book isn’t just a memoir—it’s a message of hope, faith, and perseverance.