Netflix Just Got "Super Funny": Nate Jackson's Tacoma Takeover
By Omari Salisbury
Tacoma, Washington - The City of Destiny buzzed with excitement Tuesday night as Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club hosted an exclusive premiere for Nate Jackson's first Netflix special, "Super Funny" The invite-only event was a testament to Jackson's journey, drawing close friends, family, and industry peers who gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in his career.
The atmosphere was electric, a blend of celebration and reflection on Jackson's two-decade-long grind. Nate Jackson himself expressed the overwhelming positive reception: "I think it was a unanimous win. And I've had messages all day. People are sending me goat emojis and being like, 'Get ready for the next level.'" He recounted the journey of putting the special together, emphasizing the importance of his deal with Netflix, which gave him significant leverage. "Because of the nature of the deal, I knew that it was my deal... Netflix wanted me," he stated, highlighting his power position. The production process, although not entirely smooth, spanned nearly a year, with filming taking place in January and the release scheduled for July.
……The deeply personal nature of the event was evident, with 15 family members, including his mother and an uncle who rarely attends events, present. His older sister, Debrena Jackson Gandy, a co-owner of the club, shared her immense pride. "Tonight was the long-awaited Netflix special debut viewing party," she said, noting that "We had 15 family members here. It was just a night of celebration, reflection, and triumph." She also touched on the "Jackson values" that prioritize black excellence, legacy, and business ownership, explaining her part-ownership in the club as part of those values. "Investing back in each other... it's full circle."
Childhood friend Tanisha Macklin, who has known Jackson since high school, reflected on his early days. "He's holding it in Tacoma, Washington, at his Super Funny Comedy Club." She described him as "silly, goofy, the class clown, always being the silly one, always standing out in the crowd." Macklin also recalled him selling DVDs out of his car after shows in the early 2000s, a testament to his persistent hustle. "I already knew he was going to be here, and this is just the starting point."
Chukundi Salisbury, a long-time friend and DJ, echoed similar sentiments, recalling their early days performing in "real small rooms... in the late 90s." He praised Jackson's incredible work ethic: "He didn't just get like this overnight. He has been working at this... he most certainly has, and it shows." Salisbury urged attendees and fans to support the club, emphasizing that "we can't just support Black businesses online. We most certainly can do that. We can click and share, but we need people to come into the space and spend money."
Allison Fine, an aspiring comedian and a "student of Nate Jackson," highlighted his impact on her career. "Nate provides opportunity to people that maybe don't believe in themselves, don't know where they want to go, but he's going to give you space to try." Fine, who started her comedy journey at Jackson's open mic in 2021, expressed how his guidance transformed her life. "My life changed because of Nate Jackson's opportunities." She found inspiration in watching Jackson watch his own special. "It drives me to continue to work hard at what I do because where I want to go eventually is where he is."
The significance of the event for Tacoma was also a recurring theme. Warnessa Victorian, owner of Lizzy Lou’s Too, emphasized how Jackson is "putting on not just for our city, but for our state." She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for being courageous enough to go out there and be from the small town of Lacy, but represent Tacoma, represent Washington the way that you do, bringing joy and laughter when a time like this."
Jackson spoke passionately about his connection to Tacoma, a city he calls "the City of Industry," with a "condensed area of African-Americans." He sees it as a growing, blossoming city with "wonderful, fantastic people." He extended an invitation: "Come see the Super Funny Comedy Club in Tacoma, Washington. And while you're here, come support some other businesses."
Looking ahead, Jackson remains grounded yet ambitious. He believes this Netflix special is a "starting line, not a finish line,". He aims for ownership in his ventures and wants to use his platform to uplift others, much like Kevin Hart and 50 Cent have done. "If I'm on, then low key, we all are, right? Cuz I got the handle in my hand and I can open the door for you." He also candidly expressed his frustration with industry hurdles and the "Hollywood no," but finds power in self-creation. "Every no led me to find a yes that I basically created myself."
The evening was a powerful demonstration of talent, perseverance, and community. Nate Jackson's Netflix special marks not just a personal triumph but a moment of pride for Tacoma and an inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere.
Now get out there and tell a friend to tell a friend, and let’s run those Netflix numbers up!
