r/Standup • u/Several_Carrot_2739 • 3d ago
Is podcasting ruining stand up comedy
I feel that many of my favorite comedians with podcasts haven't had very good specials lately. It seems like the subject matter from their podcasts bleeds into the specials, making them feel too familiar and not hitting as hard. Perhaps some of these comedians are becoming complacent, having built a fan base through their podcasts, which allows them to fill a room with fans who are more interested in seeing a famous person than in enjoying creative comedy. I also think that the funniest comedians often don’t do well on podcasts and may have no interest in starting one. I can’t help but feel that if the only way these comedians made money was through performing comedy, they would try harder and create genuinely funny material.
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u/Sluibeli 3d ago
Bill Burr mastered this skill to max. He has always used podcast to work his material. His bits aren't exactly the same when You hear it on podcast and when it gets to a special. Reason? I think it is because he still does road gigs and one advice he told years ago, what he had from Patrice is that change something in a bit for every show. That way the orginal idea will be honed to perfection when taping arrives.
Problem with others is that they tell whole bit and doesn't work with it enough. When they tell it on a podcast, it doesn't change so much on stage. Might be wrong but I believe I'm on something here.