The Greatest Roast Of All Time: Unpacking The Tom Brady Netflix Special

When you hear the name Tom Brady, images of Super Bowl rings, legendary comebacks, and an unparalleled career as the greatest quarterback of all time (GOAT) immediately come to mind. But in May 2024, the world saw a different side of the football icon. The Roast of Tom Brady streamed live on Netflix, a three-hour comedic onslaught that promised unfiltered jabs and an unprecedented look at the man behind the legend. It was an event that had everyone talking, from the jokes that soared to the moments that made us cringe, and it certainly delivered on its promise of a memorable and entertaining spectacle.

The Unprecedented Spectacle: Why Brady Agreed to Be Roasted

Leading up to Netflix’s roast of Tom Brady on Sunday night, there were a lot of unanswered questions. Which celebrities would show up to roast the GOAT? How far would they go? And perhaps the biggest question echoing across social media: “Why would Brady agree to this?” and “Why would Brady subject himself to this?” The answer, as many concluded, was simple: because it’s fun. And for a man who has achieved everything imaginable in his professional life, perhaps a night of self-deprecating humor and friendly fire was a welcome change.

The stage was set for an epic night. Former American football quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers served as the night's roastee with many celebrities in attendance, in addition to former teammates and even his longtime coach, Bill Belichick. The lineup of roasters included comedic heavyweights like Kevin Hart (who also hosted), Nikki Glaser, Jeff Ross, and Tony Hinchcliffe, alongside sports figures like Rob Gronkowski, Drew Bledsoe, and Julian Edelman. The sheer star power alone guaranteed eyeballs, but it was the promise of raw, uncensored comedy that truly captivated the audience.

The Jokes That Landed (and Some That Didn't)

A roast, by its very nature, is designed to push boundaries. “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady” was a clinic of comedic genius, making jokes about all of the sensitive topics in which people have been canceled, ousted and shamed. Nothing was off-limits, from Brady’s career decisions and perceived deflategate scandal to his personal life, including his highly publicized divorce. Indeed, in a three-hour event it seemed that at least one whole hour was devoted to jokes about his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen. This became a recurring theme, with many comedians, including Nikki Glaser, taking aim at the situation.

Some jokes were universally praised for their wit and sharpness. For instance, the Tom Brady roast featured some unforgettable jokes that had everyone laughing. One standout line joked about Brady’s many Super Bowl wins, saying he still struggles to win at… well, life after football. The humor often walked a tightrope between hilarious and uncomfortable, as is typical for a roast. Tom Brady took his share of barbs from comedians, former teammates and his longtime coach during a made-for-streaming comedy live event on Netflix — but one joke…

This brings us to the moments that truly stood out for their awkwardness. While Tom Brady was a good sport during his Netflix celebrity roast, but… there were definitely some lines that seemed to cross a personal boundary. So when a legendary NFL quarterback sat down for Netflix's The Roast of Tom Brady, there were definitely some awkward moments amidst all the laughs. One particular joke, which targeted Robert Kraft, the Patriots owner, seemed to genuinely upset Brady. Tom Brady took his lumps with a smile during Netflix's live roast in his honor, but the celebrated athlete drew the line at one joke in particular. The 46-year-old NFL alum stood up and… intervened, a clear sign that even the GOAT has his limits.

Roast expert Nikki Glaser, who delivered some of the night's most cutting lines, later shared her thoughts on the awkward moment. Roast expert Nikki Glaser shared thoughts on awkward Tom Brady moment and why she thinks he was so shocked beyond his expectations. She also touched on the broader implications of such an event, noting that The Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die star told Today co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager that Brady "maybe didn't consider the backlash from his family and how would affect" them. This sentiment resonated with many viewers, especially given the intense focus on his ex-wife and children.

It's worth noting that ET has learned that Tom Brady had no idea what the jokes would be in advance of Netflix's The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady. As with any roast, a participant does not know the material beforehand, which adds to the genuine reactions captured on screen. This lack of prior knowledge likely contributed to some of his visibly uncomfortable moments, as he was truly hearing these unfiltered jabs for the first time.

Notable Jokes and Roasters:

Nikki Glaser: Known for her sharp wit, Glaser delivered some of the most memorable and brutal lines, including: "Tom, the only thing dumber than you saying 'yes' to this roast was when you said, 'Hey babe, you should try jiu-jitsu'." This jab, referencing Gisele's current partner, landed with a noticeable thud.
Jeff Ross: The "Roastmaster General" was in his element, delivering classic roast humor.
Bill Belichick: His appearance was a surprise and a highlight, offering rare comedic glimpses from the notoriously stoic coach.
Rob Gronkowski: True to form, Gronk brought his signature goofy charm and lighthearted jabs.

Brady's Own Performance: How Did the GOAT Fare?

The question on everyone's mind was, "How did Brady himself fare?" As the roastee, Brady's role was to take the hits, but also to deliver his own comeback. He kicked off his segment with a self-aware quip: “Here’s what New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had to say during his roast on Netflix Sunday night: “I’ve had a lot of tequila. I’ve been up.” This immediately set a relaxed tone, showing he was ready to embrace the chaos.

And embrace it he did. Brady fired back with jokes about Deflategate and even got in a dig at Bill Belichick, making for a memorable and entertaining event. His ability to turn the tables, even briefly, demonstrated his competitive spirit and willingness to play along. Despite the intense scrutiny and the personal nature of some of the jokes, Brady maintained a remarkable composure, often laughing along with the audience. Tom Brady took his lumps with a smile during Netflix's live roast in his honor. His good-natured demeanor, for the most part, helped keep the atmosphere from becoming overly hostile.

The Aftermath and Reflection: A "Parenting F--- Up"?

While the roast was undeniably a ratings success and a cultural phenomenon, its impact on Brady himself has been more complex. Months after the event, Brady openly admitted to some regrets. It's been 12 months since Tom Brady let his friends roast him for a Netflix special, but he's still beating himself up over it... openly admitting it was a mistake. The primary reason for his remorse? The effect on his children. Tom Brady described his Netflix roast, which aired in May 2024 and featured many jokes about Brady's ex Gisele Bündchen, as a parenting 'f--- up'. He expressed concern about how the jokes, particularly those targeting his family, would be perceived by his kids as they grow older and encounter the content online.

This candid admission highlights the fine line between entertainment and personal boundaries. While the roast was designed for laughs, it also served as a stark reminder that even public figures have private lives that can be impacted by such spectacles. The event sparked widespread debate about the nature of celebrity roasts and the responsibility of comedians when personal lives are involved.

Conclusion

Who had the best set in the Netflix roast of the GOAT? Which lines landed, and which flopped? These are the definitive questions that continue to be debated. "The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady" was a bold experiment in live comedy, bringing the raw, uncensored nature of a traditional roast to a massive global audience. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring moments of brilliant comedic timing, genuine laughter, and undeniable awkwardness. Tom Brady, the man who has faced down countless defensive lines, bravely sat in the hot seat, absorbing punch after punch. While he emerged with a few bruises, both literal and metaphorical, he also showcased a side of himself rarely seen: vulnerable, human, and willing to laugh at his own expense. The roast will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant cultural event, pushing the boundaries of celebrity entertainment and sparking conversations about humor, privacy, and the enduring legacy of a true legend.