Bert Kreischer‘s new Netflix show “Free Bert” has launched amid a wave of negative commentary from audiences, marking a significant shift in public perception of the comedian who rose to prominence within Joe Rogan’s comedy circle.
Recent appearances promoting his show have been met with overwhelmingly critical responses. During a podcast with Shannon Sharpe, the promotional post attracted almost exclusively negative comments, a stark contrast to reactions he received just 18 months prior. The criticism has spread beyond niche comedy forums to mainstream platforms, with even casual viewers expressing dissatisfaction.
The backlash follows the commercial failure of his movie “The Machine,” which lost substantial funds before Netflix acquired the rights. Despite this setback, the streaming platform has invested in his new series, which focuses on his family life and personal stories.
During his promotional tour, Kreischer addressed why he declined to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, stating the organizers would not allow him to perform without his shirt. He stated, “I got the offer, but they wouldn’t let me perform shirtless, so I passed.” However, it seems like it’s allegedly a lie since other comedians including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and Tom Segura performed at the event with minimal restrictions on their material.
Kreischer also discussed the viral Katt Williams interview on the same podcast, praising it as reminiscent of early Joe Rogan episodes. However, critics noted the irony, as Williams had specifically called out comedians in Rogan’s circle for lacking authenticity.
The comedian maintains confidence in his approach, describing his shirtless performance style as a “magic trick” that resets audience attention. He credits his material to observations from his family, particularly his daughters, though he acknowledges they have no interest in following his career path after witnessing the lifestyle firsthand.
Despite claims of being among the highest-grossing comedians, with reported earnings around $30 million, industry observers note this figure represents gross ticket sales rather than personal income. After venue costs, agent and manager fees, and extensive touring expenses including travel for multiple staff members and opening acts, the actual take-home amount is considerably lower.
Kreischer’s touring model involves bringing numerous comedians and crew members on the road, creating significant overhead costs. This structure may explain why he maintains such a rigorous schedule compared to other top-tier comedians who achieve similar earnings with fewer performances.
The comedian’s podcast network also appears to be underperforming, adding financial pressure that may require continued aggressive touring to maintain his lifestyle. Unlike peers who can take extended breaks to develop new material, Kreischer seems locked into constant content production and live performances.
As “Free Bert” rolls out on Netflix, the comedian faces a critical juncture. Whether he can reverse declining viewership and restore his standing remains uncertain, though he shows no signs of slowing his promotional efforts.
