Cristela Alonzo’s latest Netflix special, Upper Classy, hits at a time when comedy, politics, and social issues are deeply intertwined—making her perspective not only entertaining but urgently relevant. But here’s where it gets controversial: amid a major censorship debate sparked by Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension and reinstatement on ABC, Cristela’s work highlights a crucial conversation about free speech, Hollywood, and how comedians can wield their platforms for real change.
Cristela Alonzo, the trailblazing Latina comedian who broke barriers by creating, writing, and starring in her own U.S. sitcom, has spent the last decade mastering the powerful art of timing in comedy—and now, with her third Netflix special Upper Classy, she weighs in on issues shaping America today. Released on September 23, the special coincided with the uproar over Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s brief removal from ABC, followed by a quick reversal after tensions involving the FCC and major media players. This backdrop of controversy perfectly mirrors the themes of censorship and political pressure Cristela has navigated throughout her career.
Reflecting on how politics have shaped her comedy, Cristela shares a deeply personal story: her birthday falls on January 6, the day of the Capitol insurrection, directly impacting her schedule for her second special. She even contracted COVID afterward, joking that it seemed like "this man really has it out for me." The emotional toll of President Trump’s first election led Cristela into a year-and-a-half hiatus from stand-up, overwhelmed by the weight of current events. However, this struggle also opened her eyes to comedy’s potential beyond laughter—using it as a platform to uplift immigrant communities and advocate for justice.
Cristela has actively supported legal aid for immigrants facing ICE detentions, raising tens of thousands for the Immigrant Defenders Law Center through intimate “Room Temperature” shows. Her own upbringing in a Texas border town with an undocumented mother fueled her passion, motivating her to use her voice as a means of resistance and empowerment. As she puts it, “We all have to act when it counts. Otherwise, we lose the right to complain later." This call to action challenges audiences to engage and stand with marginalized groups before damage is done.
In an exclusive discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Cristela explores her trilogy of comedy specials—Lower Classy, Middle Classy, and now Upper Classy—which examine class mobility, identity, and the American dream from a fresh, relatable perspective. Inspired by classic story arcs like those in "Back to the Future," she intentionally mapped her specials to reflect authentic experiences rather than idealized wealth. Cristela explains that for her, “class” isn’t about fancy possessions but access to essentials like healthcare—illustrating this with her own diagnosis of diabetes and the financial realities many face affording medications.
Upper Classy, the culmination of this journey, delves into the challenge of transitioning from survival to truly living, highlighting how toxic our culture’s obsession with constant work can be. Cristela asks an important question: when do we get to enjoy life for what it is, rather than seeing pleasure as a luxury reserved for retirement?
The pandemic reinforced these reflections, forcing her to rethink traditional life paths and encouraging people to define their own happiness outside societal norms. This insight comes through strongly in her comedic storytelling, blending humor with heartfelt critique.
Cristela’s close friendship with director Page Hurwitz—who also helmed Middle Classy—adds a deeper layer to the special. Page’s background as a comedian turned director meant she could capture Cristela’s voice with authenticity, pushing creative limits while providing honest feedback. This partnership also helped Cristela confront her social anxiety, as Page encouraged her to attend public events like the Netflix Emmy party despite her fears, demonstrating the importance of support networks even for established artists.
A particularly emotional moment in Upper Classy touches on Cristela’s brother’s long citizenship journey—symbolizing the dual hardships and resilience of immigrants trying to find their place in America. She highlights the painful reality that many immigrants face systemic exclusion even while striving to belong, and criticizes the country’s hypocrisy when it claims to welcome the “tired and poor” but enforces harsh immigration policies and detentions.
This critique extends to the recent Jimmy Kimmel controversy, which Cristela sees as a clear example of how “free speech” is often conditional rather than truly free in Hollywood and beyond. She fears the dilution of First Amendment rights when corporate interests and government pressures dictate who gets to speak and what they can say.
Cristela also calls out the confusion between censorship and cancel culture in comedy circles, emphasizing that words carry real power and comedians should be mindful of who they punch down on. She insists that humor should punch up and challenge systems of power, not further marginalize vulnerable groups. Despite this complex landscape, she boldly proclaims having no fear of her own voice, ready to defend her material relentlessly.
While Hollywood’s history of censorship—from blacklists to self-imposed codes—is well documented, Cristela sees current challenges as linked to business interests aiming to placate audiences they misinterpret. Her lifelong passion for news and politics informs her sharp observations about media and power dynamics.
Beyond comedy, Cristela’s activism shines through her “Room Temperature, No Ice” shows, which raised over $50,000 to provide legal support for immigrants detained by ICE. She shares how growing up in the 1980s in a border town with an undocumented mother etched lasting trauma that fuels her commitment. By hosting affordable, multiple shows instead of a single large event, she invites the community to participate in change tangibly.
She stresses the importance of personal connection in overcoming stereotypes about immigrants, arguing that humanizing individual stories breaks down hatred and fosters empathy. Refusing to compromise her values or dilute her message to appease critics, Cristela challenges the entertainment industry and audiences alike to choose authenticity over popularity.
Upper Classy is not just a comedy special but a reflection of one woman’s journey through personal, cultural, and political upheaval. It’s a call to laughter, resistance, and advocacy—all at once.
Upper Classy is now available to watch on Netflix.
What do you think about the role of comedy in political activism? Should comedians be held accountable for their jokes or given full freedom to challenge norms? Join the conversation below!
