Leanne Morgan, the now-famous comedian from Tennessee, is back with her second Netflix stand-up special, Unspeakable Things, and it’s a wild ride that blends humor, humility, and a touch of controversy. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite her skyrocketing fame, Morgan still portrays herself as a devoted wife, mother of three, and grandmother, going to great lengths—including the titular “unspeakable things”—to please her husband, Chuck Morgan. Is this a refreshing nod to her roots, or a relic of outdated gender dynamics? That’s the question this special subtly invites us to ponder.
Morgan’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Her first Netflix special, I’m Every Woman (2023), became a global sensation, reportedly the most-watched stand-up special by a woman since the start of 2023. This success led to two more Netflix deals, a sitcom (Leanne) co-created with Chuck Lorre and Susan McMartin, and high-profile roles like her recent turn in Amazon Prime’s You’re Cordially Invited alongside Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell. Yet, amidst all this, Morgan remains grounded, opening Unspeakable Things with a mix of gratitude and self-deprecating humor. “Thank y’all for watching my first Netflix special,” she says. “That changed my life.”
And this is the part most people miss: Morgan’s humor isn’t just about laughs; it’s a window into her evolving identity. She jokes about her “big ol’ Mamaw” breasts, compares one to the size of Reese Witherspoon’s head, and candidly discusses the challenges of aging and fame. Her stories range from misadventures on movie sets to a visit to Atlanta’s Clermont Lounge, where she quips, “This is more like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.” But beneath the laughs, there’s a deeper tension. Morgan’s Christian faith and her role as a wife and mother often clash with her newfound celebrity, creating a tonal whiplash that’s both relatable and thought-provoking.
One of the most striking moments comes when Morgan reflects on her relationship with Chuck. She jokes about his cluelessness at home, from bringing her ill-fitting clothes after a hospital stay to mishaps on the ski slopes. Yet, she still feels compelled to prioritize his needs, even as her star rises. This dynamic raises questions: Is Morgan’s commitment to her husband a heartwarming testament to her values, or does it reinforce outdated expectations of women, especially those in the spotlight? Here’s a bold question for you: In an era of female empowerment, should a woman of Morgan’s stature still feel the need to play second fiddle to her husband?
The special also highlights Morgan’s family-centric approach. Her youngest daughter, who tours with her as her full-time makeup artist, introduces her onstage, and the entire family joins her for the finale. It’s a heartwarming touch, but it also underscores Morgan’s struggle to balance her public persona with her private life. As she jokes, “If times get bad, I think I’d be a big deal [at the Clermont Lounge].” But the truth is, she’s already a big deal—both on stage and off.
Controversial take: While Morgan’s humor is undeniably charming, the special occasionally feels like a tug-of-war between her old life and her new one. Her insistence on pleasing Chuck, even as she navigates Hollywood, might rub some viewers the wrong way. Is she stuck in the past, or is she simply staying true to herself? That’s for you to decide.
Our verdict? STREAM IT. Morgan’s ability to blend laughter with introspection makes Unspeakable Things a must-watch. But we’re even more curious to see how she’ll evolve in her next special. Will she continue to juggle her roles as wife, mother, and superstar, or will she embrace a new chapter? Only time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Morgan’s approach to marriage and fame is relatable, or is it time for her to rewrite the script?
