Some comedians just make you laugh. Daniel Sloss does that too. But he’s also adept at making you cry, question your life choices, and then laugh again. Across his six specials, the Scottish comedy giant has built a body of work that’s surprisingly versatile and always hits the spot—whether you’re nursing a broken heart, dealing with grief, raging at the world, or just feeling a bit smug about your own brilliance.

We took it upon ourselves to curate a watch-list for the many moods people go through. Think of this as an emotional playlist, but instead of songs, you’ve got brutally honest standup that hits harder than therapy. Or you can just treat it as something to tide you over before he lands in India for the third time as part of The Loop by DeadAnt Live. Check these out before you catch him live. Don’t worry about spoilers, he’s coming here with a brand new hour. And besides, one can never get enough of Sloss’ standup.

‘DARK’ (2018) – For Those Dealing With Loss

The only certain things in life are death and taxes. Sloss might not have given us tips to deal with the latter but he’s got tons of advice to deal with loss. His 2018 special serves as a warm embrace for anyone dealing with the passing of a loved one. He’s unflinchingly honest as he waxes poetic about the unfairness of death, grappling with issues of pain and acceptance. He possesses the comedic nous to find humour in these discomfiting subjects, while maintaining the ease of having a conversation with a friend. DARK teaches us that it’s not about “moving on,” but about finding the laughs in the human condition.

Available on Netflix

‘Jigsaw’ (2018) – For The Heartbroken

This is arguably the special that put Sloss on everyone’s radar. An anti-love anthem, Jigsaw is fit for anyone who is nursing a heartbreak or has finally given up on swiping right on their soulmate. The comedian masterfully dissects this messy puzzle (or jigsaw) called love—complete with the lies, illusions and self-deceptions that come with it. He says every horrible thought we’ve had about our exes out loud. Each intrusive thought is delivered with brutal honesty and met with laughs or enthusiastic cheers. It’s a bittersweet watch as Sloss slowly highlights our inherent flaws and demolishes the idea of “the one”. He does it with such sincerity that Jigsaw has achieved a quasi-mythical reputation for allegedly sparking over a million breakups worldwide.

Available on Netflix

‘X’ (2019) – For Those Angry At The World

The world is coming apart at the seams. Every other headline strips away any hope we have left in humanity. If you’re seething at the callousness with which toxic masculinity is being paraded online, how misogynists have the attention of the youth and the complicity of the “decent” men, X will come across as your inner voice. It’s raw, confrontational and deeply personal as Sloss looks inwards and comes to terms with some uncomfortable truths. It’s the most sincere form of standup—funny, but also calling for people to reflect and do better.

Available on danielsloss.com

‘Socio’ (2022) – For Those Who Have Embraced Cynicism

This one isn’t for the faint-hearted. To be fair, none of Sloss’ standup is. But this one in particular stands out, as the comedian analyses his own behaviour to zero in on whether or not he’s a sociopath. It gets uncomfortable, it gets messy and it’ll have you at the edge of your seat. But most importantly, it’s going to make you laugh at how deeply he engages with some very disturbing ideas. We got a glimpse of this tendency in his previous specials, but this one is completely unapologetic. It’s less about soul-searching and more about the absurdity of human behaviour. A visceral, smart and edgy watch.

Available on danielsloss.com

‘Hubris’ (2024) – For Those Humbled By Life

Hubris is Sloss’ take on pride, arrogance, and the inevitable crash that follows. Written and performed in the strange aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns, the special captures both, the absurdity of returning to “normal” and the self-awareness that comes when life pulls you down a peg. It’s sharp, vulnerable, and self-deprecating in a way that makes you laugh while confronting uncomfortable questions. Perfect for when you’ve flown too close to the sun—or just need a reminder not to take yourself (or the world) too seriously.

Available on danielsloss.com

Sloss returns to India 18 – 21 September in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Tickets here.