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Josh Johnson: The Rising Star of Stand-Up Comedy
Josh Johnson has emerged as a notable figure in the U.S. comedy landscape, carving out a niche with an impressive volume of original content over the past year. Despite gaining recognition as a writer for The Daily Show since 2017, it wasn’t until early 2024 that he appeared as a correspondent on the show. Throughout that year, he actively engaged his audience by releasing new stand-up comedy videos on his YouTube channel multiple times a week, covering a vast array of topics from government satire to pop culture conflicts involving artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
What stands out about Johnson’s prolific output is not just the quantity of his material, but also the caliber of his humor. His YouTube videos regularly attract hundreds of thousands of views, with many surpassing the million mark; for example, his stand-up routine on Sean “Diddy” Combs, which is over an hour long, has garnered an impressive 5.6 million views. The interest has also led to appearances on major platforms like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, showcasing his swift ascent in the comedy scene, which is well-earned.
From The Comedy Cellar to ‘The Daily Show’
Johnson’s rise in the comedy world can be attributed to extensive touring and the production of two notable stand-up specials: # (Hashtag) (2021) and Up Here Killing Myself (2023). The former is accessible for free on Comedy Central’s YouTube channel, while viewers can find the latter on streaming platforms like Apple TV+ and Peacock. Additionally, Johnson is a familiar face at The Comedy Cellar, one of New York City’s most esteemed comedy venues.
Notably, many of Johnson’s YouTube clips originate from his performances at The Comedy Cellar. This intimate setting allows him to engage directly with his audience, as exemplified by his remarkable segment “How to Escape a Serial Killer,” where he humorously critiques the ethics surrounding serial killers and capital punishment.
Recently, Johnson’s performance talents caught the attention of The Daily Show. After serving as a writer during Trevor Noah’s tenure, Johnson stepped into a correspondent role in January 2024. His segments, such as “How Rich People Avoid Paying Taxes” and “Do Black Voters F**k With Trump?,” have become standouts on the show, highlighting his quick wit and relatability.
Joking About Almost Everything
One of Johnson’s most commendable traits is his fearless approach to comedy. He tackles a wide spectrum of topics, often merging serious themes with lighter, everyday issues. The previously mentioned routine on serial killers is a prime example of his ability to juxtapose dark humor with commonplace humor, as seen in his piece about “The Demure Trend.” His skillful engagement with contemporary cultural discussions, regardless of their sensitive nature, has earned him a dedicated fanbase that appreciates his thought-provoking yet humorous outlook.
Johnson’s diverse repertoire demonstrates his potential as a significant comedic voice, with expectations that his career will continue to flourish. He remains a prominent figure to watch in the industry. Fans seeking more of his humor can explore his Twitter, which is filled with performance clips, or follow him on Instagram. Johnson is taking the comedy world by storm, and his recent special, Josh Johnson: Live from Before, is available for streaming as an audio recording.
Source
movieweb.com