Amy Schumer: Growing

Amy Schumer’s Raw and Personal Stand-Up Special: The Story Behind Growing

Amy Schumer’s 2019 Netflix special Growing wasn’t just another comedy hour—it was a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the comedian’s life during a transformative period. Filmed live at the Chicago Theatre, the 60-minute special captured Schumer in her second trimester of pregnancy, blending her signature provocative humor with deeply personal reflections on womanhood, marriage, and self-acceptance. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what made Growing stand out—and the behind-the-scenes details that shaped it.

A Comedy Special Filmed While Pregnant

Schumer’s pregnancy wasn’t just a footnote in Growing—it was central to the material. The special was filmed in December 2018, during her second trimester, a detail confirmed by . This timing added a layer of vulnerability to her performance, as she joked about bodily changes, societal expectations of mothers, and the surreal experience of growing a human while still being expected to be "funny." Unlike many comedians who might shy away from pregnancy-related material, Schumer leaned into it, using her condition as a springboard for jokes about everything from swollen feet to the absurdity of prenatal care.

The special’s title, Growing, played on multiple meanings—her physical growth during pregnancy, her career evolution, and her personal journey toward self-acceptance. It was a departure from her earlier, more raunchy work (like The Leather Special ), signaling a shift toward more introspective, though still sharp, humor.

A Netflix Exclusive with High Stakes

Growing premiered on Netflix on March 19, 2019 , marking Schumer’s second stand-up special for the streaming giant. The platform had become a go-to for comedians looking to reach global audiences, and Schumer was no exception. The special’s release was accompanied by two trailers—one official cut and a "dignified promo" —hinting at the tonal range of the material, from self-deprecating jokes to biting social commentary.

While Netflix doesn’t release viewership numbers, the special’s reception was mixed but notable. On SensCritique, it earned a 6.7/10 rating from 111 votes , a modest score that reflected both its fans and detractors. Some critics praised its honesty, while others felt it lacked the edge of her earlier work. The special’s runtime—just 60 minutes—was shorter than some of her peers’ Netflix specials, possibly due to the physical demands of performing while pregnant.

Behind the Scenes: Schumer’s Creative Control

Schumer didn’t just star in Growing—she co-directed it with Marcus Raboy , a veteran director known for his work on comedy specials and music videos. This creative control allowed her to shape the special’s visual style, from the stage setup to the camera angles, ensuring the performance felt intimate despite the large venue.

The Chicago Theatre, where Growing was filmed, is an iconic venue with a rich history in stand-up comedy. Schumer’s choice to perform there—rather than a more traditional comedy club—suggested confidence in her material and a desire to elevate the production value. The special’s live audience played a key role, with Schumer feeding off their energy, particularly during her pregnancy-related bits.

One unverified but widely discussed aspect of Growing was Schumer’s decision to address her husband, chef Chris Fischer, in the special. While the evidence doesn’t confirm specific jokes about their relationship, her 2018 marriage was a frequent topic in her comedy during this period, including in clips like the one where she roasted Fischer’s painting of her . Whether Growing included similar jabs remains unclear, but it’s likely given her tendency to mine her personal life for material.

**The Legacy of *Growing***

Growing arrived at a pivotal moment in Schumer’s career. By 2019, she had already achieved mainstream success with Inside Amy Schumer (a sketch series rated 6.3/10 on SensCritique ) and films like Trainwreck. However, the special marked a turning point, as she transitioned from being primarily known for raunchy, boundary-pushing humor to exploring more mature themes.

The special’s release also coincided with a broader cultural conversation about women’s bodies, pregnancy, and comedy. Schumer’s willingness to perform while visibly pregnant—and to joke about it—challenged industry norms and sparked discussions about what female comedians "should" or "shouldn’t" talk about on stage.

While Growing may not have been her most commercially successful project, it remains a key part of her evolution as a comedian. For fans, it’s a snapshot of Schumer at her most raw and relatable—a moment where she traded shock value for something deeper.