Jo Koy has become one of the most popular stand-up comedians today thanks to his highly successful comedy specials on Netflix. The Filipino-American comic has released three Netflix specials so far – ‘Jo Koy: Live from Seattle’ (2017), ‘Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot’ (2019), and ‘Jo Koy: In His Elements’ (2020). But how much does Jo Koy actually make from his Netflix comedy specials?
Jo Koy’s Netflix Specials
Jo Koy released his first Netflix special ‘Jo Koy: Live from Seattle’ in March 2017. His second Netflix special ‘Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot’ premiered in November 2019. And his most recent Netflix comedy special ‘Jo Koy: In His Elements’ was released in October 2020.
All three of Jo Koy’s Netflix specials have been very successful and well received by audiences and critics alike. They have helped propel Jo Koy into major comedy stardom.
Jo Koy: Live from Seattle
‘Jo Koy: Live from Seattle’ was filmed at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington. It marked Jo Koy’s first Netflix special after having previously released three comedy albums and six stand-up specials on other platforms like Comedy Central and Showtime.
Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot
‘Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot’ was taped at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Hawaii show paid tribute to Jo Koy’s roots, as he grew up in Hawaii after moving there from Washington as a teen. This special proved to be an even bigger hit than his first Netflix show.
Jo Koy: In His Elements
Jo Koy made history with ‘Jo Koy: In His Elements’ by being the first stand-up comic to tape a Netflix special at the historic Forum in Inglewood, California. The special featured all new material and had a central theme of examining race and culture.
How Much Do Comedians Make for Netflix Specials?
When it comes to how much comedians are paid for Netflix comedy specials, the exact figures are usually kept confidential. However, we can get an idea based on various reports and estimates that are available.
In general, Netflix reportedly pays comedians at different experience levels differently for their specials:
- Newer comedians: $5,000 to $10,000
- Established comedians: $20,000 to $50,000
- Top-level comedians: $150,000 to $250,000+
However, some top comedians are rumored to be earning much more from their Netflix deals. For example, Chris Rock was reportedly paid $40 million for two comedy specials in a 2017 deal.
Factors That Determine Pay
Some key factors that influence a comedian’s pay for a Netflix special include:
- Their experience level and fame
- Their track record of success
- Their touring revenue and ticket sales
- Their social media following and popularity
So more famous and established comedians have more leverage in negotiating higher deals with Netflix.
How Much Did Jo Koy Earn from His Netflix Specials?
While Jo Koy’s exact earnings from his Netflix specials are not publicly known, we can estimate that he likely earned at least a six-figure payday for each special.
Given his rising popularity and tour ticket sales over the last decade, industry experts estimate Jo Koy’s compensation climbed with each subsequent Netflix special. Here is a breakdown:
Jo Koy: Live from Seattle
For his first Netflix special in 2017, Jo Koy likely earned around $100,000 to $200,000.
Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot
With a more established track record after his first successful Netflix special, Jo Koy likely earned somewhere between $200,000 to $400,000 for his second Netflix special in 2019.
Jo Koy: In His Elements
For his record-breaking third Netflix special taped at the prestigious Forum venue, industry insiders estimate Jo Koy likely earned $500,000 to $1 million or more.
In total, it is estimated that Jo Koy has earned somewhere in the range of $800,000 to $1.6 million for his three Netflix comedy specials so far.
Jo Koy’s Rising Net Worth
In addition to his lucrative Netflix comedy special deals, Jo Koy earns big money from his national stand-up tours and merchandising. He also has appeared in TV shows and films.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jo Koy’s total net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. His career really took off in 2011 when he had a breakthrough performance on The Tonight Show. He now sells out arenas and theaters on his stand-up tours. Jo Koy’s net worth will likely continue rising given his comedy success.
Other Comedians’ Netflix Earnings
Here is a look at estimated earnings for other top comedians on Netflix deals:
| Comedian | Estimated Netflix Earnings |
|---|---|
| Chris Rock | $40 million (2 specials) |
| Dave Chappelle | $20 million per special |
| Ricky Gervais | $40 million (2 specials) |
| Amy Schumer | $11 million (1 special) |
| Gabriel Iglesias | $250,000 to $500,000 per special |
Conclusion
While Jo Koy’s exact compensation from Netflix is undisclosed, he likely earned high six figures to low seven figures for each of his three very successful comedy specials so far. His rising fame has allowed him to negotiate increasingly lucrative deals with Netflix as his career has grown. Jo Koy’s comedy success, touring revenue, and Netflix specials have contributed to a current estimated net worth of around $8 million and growing.