Is this special 'anti-American'?

Not at all. In fact, it's a very pro-American special in the sense that it celebrates the diversity and the 'melting pot' ideal. Maz critiques specific policies and social attitudes, but he does it from the perspective of someone who loves his life in the U.S.

How much swearing is there really?

It's a standard Netflix special, so expect a moderate amount of F-bombs. It’s not as 'blue' as someone like Bill Burr, but it’s definitely not a clean set. If your kid is 13+, they've likely heard worse in the school hallway.

Does it feel too dated since it's from 2017?

The specific political references are definitely from a different era, but the core stories about being a dad and an immigrant are timeless. It works well as a look back at a very specific moment in American history.

Is there any sexual content?

Very little. Maz stays focused on family, culture, and politics. It's much 'cleaner' in terms of sexual content than your average HBO or Netflix comedy special.

Maz Jobrani: Immigrant – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Maz Jobrani: Immigrant

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Maz Jobrani turns the 2017 political pressure cooker into a masterclass on why being an immigrant is basically a superpower.

6.7/10

83%

77%

→

Maz Jobrani: Immigrant

movie

16, 2017

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Maz Jobrani turns the 2017 political pressure cooker into a masterclass on why being an immigrant is basically a superpower.

6.7

83%

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6.7/10

83%

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Screenwise Verdict

Maz Jobrani is a pro who knows how to walk the line between biting satire and genuine warmth. If you’re looking for a way to talk about identity and the immigrant experience without it feeling like a social studies homework assignment, this is it.

It’s a bit of a time capsule from the late 2010s, but the heart of it—wanting to belong while staying true to your roots—is timeless. It’s funny, it’s sharp, and it’s a great 'gateway' stand-up special for teens.

Age Fit

Best for teens (13+) and up. Not because it’s dangerous, but because the political nuance and observational humor about the 2010s will fly right over a younger kid’s head.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Maz models a warm, funny, and grounded approach to family life and cultural identity. He's a 'dad comic' in the best way, showing genuine affection for his kids even while roasting the chaos of parenting.

Imaginative

It's a standard stand-up format, but Maz's ability to flip perspectives—showing how an American 'looks' to an immigrant—requires a creative empathetic leap that's great for young minds.

Safe

It's a comedy special, so expect profanity (F-bombs included) and some political tension. However, it lacks the mean-spirited 'edge' or raunchiness found in many other specials.

Enriching

Excellent for building cultural empathy. It dismantles stereotypes about Iranian-Americans and Middle Easterners by making their struggles and joys universally relatable.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Humanizes the 'other' by using humor to dismantle stereotypes about Iranians and immigrants in a way that feels effortless.
Relatable parenting riffs that prove no matter where you're from, your kids are definitely going to find ways to embarrass you.
Top-tier crowd work that shows off Maz's ability to connect with a diverse audience without being a jerk or punching down.

⚠

What to Watch For

Heavy 2017 vibes—the Trump-era jokes were the main event then, but in 2026 they feel more like a time-capsule history lesson.
Standard stand-up profanity—there is regular swearing throughout, so it's not a 'family movie night' for the elementary school crowd.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Maz uses humor to talk about things that are actually pretty scary, like discrimination?"
"Which of Maz's stories about his parents reminded you of our own family?"
"Does seeing a different perspective on the 'American Dream' change how you think about our neighbors?"

Deep Dive

The 'Axis of Evil' Alum Grows Up

If you remember Maz Jobrani from the Axis of Evil comedy tour days, you know his brand: high-energy, physical, and deeply invested in showing the world that Middle Easterners have a sense of humor too. In Immigrant, recorded at the Kennedy Center, he’s still that guy, but he’s added the 'exhausted dad' layer that makes him even more accessible.

Recorded in 2017, the special is undeniably a product of its time. He spends a significant chunk of the set navigating the then-new reality of the Trump administration. From a 2026 perspective, some of these jokes might feel like 'Old News,' but Maz’s delivery keeps them from feeling stale. He isn't just complaining; he's dissecting the absurdity of the cultural moment through the eyes of someone who just wants to take his kids to school without being seen as a threat.

Why it works for families

For parents of teens, this is a solid pick because it’s smart without being pretentious. It opens the door to conversations about:

Representation: How often do we see an Iranian-American lead a special on a stage as big as the Kennedy Center?
The immigrant experience: The specific anxiety of navigating airports and public spaces when you don't fit the 'standard' American mold.
Parenting: His bits about his kids are universal.

The 'Watchability' Factor

Is it boring? No. Maz is too physical and high-energy for that. Is it dated? A little. But if your teen is into social commentary or just likes a good story about a dad being confused by his own life, this holds up. It’s a 52-minute set that moves fast and leaves you feeling a bit more empathetic than when you started.

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