Welcome to Jokebook News, your update on comedy.
Two quick updates as we head into the new year: starting in January, The Jokebook will move to a Sunday release schedule, and we’ll be taking this next week off. Wishing everyone a great holiday season and Merry Christmas.
This week:
Comedy 2025 Wrapped
Reddit on Weird Comedy Performances
Interview: Rebecca Kaplan on Stand-Up With Autism
Comics in the News
Tours & Specials
Submission Calls
Comedy 2025 Wrapped
The New York Times, in a piece by Jason Zinoman, looked across television and stand-up to identify the comedy that mattered most this year.
Los Angeles Times highlighted the stand-up specials that stood out most in 2025.
Deadline released its annual Comics Who Won 2025 list, spotlighting performers who broke through culturally, commercially, or creatively over the past year.
Deadline also published its Comics to Watch in 2026, flagging emerging names poised for bigger stages in the year ahead.
Billboard ranked the top comedy tours of 2025, underscoring how live stand-up continued to thrive, with comics filling theaters and arenas nationwide.
Billboard also took a longer view, naming the best stand-up comedians of the 21st century and placing today’s stars alongside modern legends.
Reddit on the Weirdest Shows
Source: Nano Banana |
I took a look at what Reddit users recently said were the most unique stand-up shows they've performed at. For example, there's a comedy show at a morgue in Ozark, Missouri. Here's some standout answers: → "Red Lobster. It did not go well." → "Dave and Busters in the dining area." → "In the garage of a sober living facility." → "On a stage in the middle of a beach at Lake Michigan. Nothing like your own voice echoing off the waves to make you consider all previous life decisions." → "Laundromat, Grocery Store, Krispy Kreme donuts. There were a couple of producers in NYC late 90s, early 2000s that were pushing it." → "Benefit show at an Italian Heritage Center at 1 or 2 PM on a Sunday afternoon. Performing on the middle of a dance floor, under a disco ball. There's 300-400 people there (of literally all ages, little kids zooming around and old people with walkers) and mayyybe 10 are paying attention to the comedy show portion of the evening (er. afternoon). My friend has a great picture of me trying to tell jokes while a grandma hugs a little kid directly in front of me, (hopefully) oblivious to me talking about dicks or whatever. We got compensated for our time and humiliation with access to the all you can eat Italian buffet (which looked delicious, but I was so anxious about the hell gig that I didn't even indulge) and "Late Show with David Letterman" two-sided eraser (replicas of the "pencils" that he threw)." → "A local swingers club tried a weekly comedy show for about a month. Fun show, but wasn’t appreciated by most of the audience. → "Tattoo shop lobby or airplane hangar." → "Done a few in a brewery parking lot. We had one in Atlanta at a Waffle House parking lot that was thrown together by one of our local legends.” → "A deadhead/biker gang farm property in upstate NY. Our band was hired to play from 9pm - 2am, ended up accepting LSD and an Oz to play until dawn. During one of the breaks, I did 15 minutes while tripping to a handful of biker dudes. They did not like it. When I talked about the necessity of rimming a girl while you’re down there, one guy walked up to the stage and said, 'Shut. Up.'" → "8am at the LinkedIn headquarters in San Francisco." → "A barn in the middle of nowhere Texas. When I pulled up I thought I got the wrong address and just rolled up on some guys farm. Sound system was built for music not standup. Locals were rowdy and wanted to be a part of the sets during the show but treated all of us great after the show like we were celebrities. Would do again." |
What It’s Like Performing Stand-Up Comedy With Autism
Source: Rebecca Kaplan via Instagram.
I spoke with Rebecca Kaplan, a New York–based comedian, on how she got started in comedy, how she learned to move beyond open mics, and what it’s like performing stand-up while autistic. We talked about the challenges of navigating the social side of comedy and how autism shapes her writing and perspective onstage. See a quick joke from her at the New York Comedy Club here. |
How did you get started in stand-up comedy?
I’ve always written funny things. When I first did stand-up, it was at my college’s comedy club. Some friends kept encouraging me to try an open mic. They were like, “You’re so funny in conversation.” And honestly, the rush of delivering material on stage is so much better than just writing. I think I got hooked on that endorphin rush pretty quickly.
When I started, there wasn’t much information about how to go from open mics to booking shows. I spent a few years just doing mics and not really knowing what I was doing. A few years back, someone took me under her wing and showed me the basics: how to ask for spots, that you need to produce a show to give yourself stage time, things like that. Nobody’s ever totally happy with where they are in comedy, because there’s always a level above you that feels out of reach, but for now I feel like I’m doing okay.
You’ve talked about being autistic. How does that show up for you in comedy?
I feel like a lot of people who pursue stand-up are atypical in some way. People are often drawn to comedy because they feel like an outsider, and that can come from your brain working a little differently. For me, one of the biggest challenges is the social side. I’m constantly second-guessing whether I’ve offended someone or misread something. Having social connections in comedy helps a lot.
In writing, one pitfall I’ve had to learn to watch for is assuming other people know the same things I know. My brain makes connections very quickly, and sometimes I assume everyone else made that same leap. When a joke doesn’t land, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s not that the idea is bad, it’s that I didn’t explain something simple enough.
Does being autistic help you as a comedian?
One of the goals in comedy is to have a unique perspective, and autism can really help with that. Everyone’s brain works a little differently, but I think being autistic gives me a viewpoint that isn’t as common. Comedy at its best is about sharing the hidden parts of yourself: thoughts you’d never normally say out loud. When people hear that and think, “I feel like that too,” that’s really powerful.
Is being autistic something you talk about onstage?
I don’t mention it in every set. I’ve had people come up to me after shows and say things like, “You’re obviously autistic or ADHD.” I have what’s now called Level One autism, so it’s more borderline than what people think autism looks like based on pop culture. If someone isn’t attuned to what autism can look like, I think I might just come off as a little bit strange.
What advice would you give to someone trying to start in comedy?
It probably depends a little on what city you live in. Some people live in places where there just isn’t a local comedy scene, and in that case maybe the advice is to try to start your own scene. But generally, one of the best things you can do is get a videotape of your set, which is hard, because it’s difficult to get a tape without first getting on a show.
If you don’t have a tape yet, the best way to get on a show is to talk to someone who runs one and ask really nicely. You can say, “I’m new to comedy, I’d really love a chance to do a five-minute set. I’m happy to help with seating, barking, or making posters, or I can bring friends.” Also, record yourself at every open mic. You never know when you’re going to have a really good set, and you don’t want to not have been recording when that happens.
Comics in the News
Bowen Yang. Source: Frazer Harrison / WireImage via Getty Images
→ Bowen Yang announced that he is exiting SNL ahead of his final episode, sharing a farewell message reflecting on his eight seasons with the show. His final episode was a holiday sendoff hosted by Ariana Grande, who helped with his farewell on air. → Finn Wolfhard will host the first episode of SNL in 2026 on January 17, timed to the release of the final episodes of Stranger Things. A$AP Rocky is set as musical guest. → SNL paid tribute to Rob Reiner during the closing moments of its Christmas episode, honoring his role as host of the show’s third-ever episode. You can watch his 1975 skit here. → Jerry Seinfeld appeared on the We Might Be Drunk podcast with hosts Mark Normand and Sam Morril for a conversation about stand-up craft, joke writing, bombing, and comedy longevity. Watch the full interview on YouTube here. → David Zucker broke down State Farm’s new YouTube series with Jimmy Fallon, arguing that despite massive follower counts from Fallon and Chance the Rapper, the show flopped because it lacks a clear, compelling concept. The piece frames "Neighborhood Beats" as a case study in why perceived reach means little without genuinely watchable and shareable content. → Comedian Jonathan van Halem shared a breakdown of what happened when he committed to posting stand-up clips and memes four times a week, showing consistent growth across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube over six weeks. The post frames disciplined posting cadence and a deep clip bank as essential for career momentum and audience growth. → Writer Owen Gleiberman warned in Variety that the film industry may be approaching an extinction-level tipping point, driven by the Netflix–Warner Bros. merger and continued erosion of theatrical windows. He argues that streaming dominance and cultural downgrades like the Oscars moving to YouTube could hollow out what movies have been for over a century. → Some SNL viewers were frustrated that the show likely used A.I.-generated art during a recent Weekend Update segment. The backlash reflects broader anxiety in comedy and entertainment about A.I. replacing human creative labor. → The Paramount Pictures X/Twitter account was briefly hacked by someone appearing to reference Nathan Fielder’s long-running feud with the studio, changing the bio to mock the company as politically compromised. |
A Few Tours and Specials
Marcello Hernández. Source: Netflix
→ Marcello Hernández will release his first Netflix stand-up special, Marcello Hernández: American Boy, on January 7, following his rise on Saturday Night Live. The hour, filmed in Miami, centers on Hernández’s experience as a first-generation American, and comes as he kicks off a California tour in early 2026, with shows in Brea already sold out. → Bobby Lee is set to release his first-ever stand-up special, marking a major milestone after more than 30 years as a headlining comic. The Hulu special, expected in 2026, comes as Lee continues touring nationally this winter, with dates in Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Bakersfield, and Fresno. |
Winter Specials
Courtesy of the Special Release Radar from @comediandiscovery. |
Charlie Berens – YouTube (December 1)
Matt Rife – Netflix (December 2)
Georgia Civeris – Prime/Apple TV (December 2)
Carter Deems – Comedy Dynamics (December 2)
Sam Evans – YouTube (December 4)
Daniel Sloss – For Purchase (December 6)
Kunal C. Arora – YouTube (December 10)
Darius Daye – YouTube (December 12)
Sarah Sherman – HBO Max (December 12)
Robby Hoffman – Netflix (December 14)
Sarah Perry – Prime/Apple TV (December 16)
Kumail Nanjiani – Hulu (December 19)
Paul Valdes-Rodriguez – YouTube (December 20)
Ali Siddiq – YouTube (December 21)
Caroline Rhea – Veeps (December 22)
Ty Barnett – Prime/Apple TV (December 23)
Cat Ce – Prime/Apple TV (December 23)
Tom Segura – Netflix (December 24)
Godfrey – PPV (December 24)
Timmy No Brakes – YouTube (December 24)
Ricky Gervais – Netflix (December 30)
Submissions
These submissions close very soon!! |
HarCo Comedy Festival is February 9–15, 2026, in Harford County, MD. Submissions require a 5–10 minute unedited YouTube set (no crowd work, recorded within six months). Standard submissions are $25 through November 19; late $35 through December 5. Local Harford County comedians can apply for free through November 19. Apply here.
Athens Comedy Fest runs May 1–2, 2026, in Athens, GA. The second annual event lights up the Classic City’s Morton Theatre and surrounding venues. Early bird submissions are $25 through December 1, 2025. Apply here.
Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival 2026 is accepting submissions. The early bird fee is $99 through Friday, December 12, 2025 at 5:00pm PST. Applications must be fully completed with payment to be processed, and confirmation is sent once received. Submit here.
Mobile Improv Comedy Carnival runs April 17–18, 2026, in Mobile, AL. Open to all improv formats. Improv only (no stand-up or sketch). Accepted acts get free weekend passes, swag bags, hotel discounts, after-parties, and green room snacks. Regular submission $25 (Nov 1–Dec 13), late $35 (Dec 14–28). Apply here.
Good Vibes Comedy Festival in Memphis, Tennessee accepts submissions from Thanksgiving to mid-February. Early submissions: Nov 26–Dec 25; regular: Dec 26–Feb 1; late: Feb 2–Feb 15. Entering its third year with more shows and national headliners. Apply here.
Asheville Comedy Festival is still looking for comedians through January 1, 2026. This is a competitive festival to enter, but great exposure. Learn more about it from my interview with the festival founder here. Submit your content here.
Happy Valley XL Improv Festival runs May 14–17, 2026, in State College, PA. Hosted by Happy Valley Improv, the event features long-form, short-form, and ensemble improv acts. Submissions are $25 through January 1, 2026, and $40 from January 1–15. Deadline is January 15, with notifications by February 15. Apply here.
Lil Rhody Laugh Riot returns March 26–29, 2026, in Providence, Rhode Island. Experienced comics can submit a 5–10 minute live stand-up tape by January 2, 2026, with notifications on February 6 and a $40 submission fee that goes toward paying and promoting selected performers. The festival offers paid spots, industry presence, complimentary food and drink, and optional lodging for those traveling more than 60 miles. Tape reviewers are only guaranteed to watch the first five minutes. Apply here.
Good Karma Mid-Atlantic Regional Comedy Festival runs February 20–March 1, 2026, across the Eastern Seaboard. Submissions opened December 1 and close January 5. Comics submit a bio, a 5-minute video, a list of preferred shows, and a $25 Venmo fee. Alumni may submit again. Apply here.
Laugh After Dark ComedyFest returns to Las Vegas on October 26-28, 2026, with Early Bird submission pricing ending January 5 and final submissions closing June 30, 2026. Comics may submit for filmed stand-up tapings or the comedy film festival. Apply here.
SLO Comedy Festival returns to San Luis Obispo, CA, February 27–March 2, 2026. Performers get hotel, food, and drinks provided. Submission fees start at $35 (through October) and rise monthly until the January 6 deadline. Open to comics at all levels; "follower counts don’t matter". Submit here.
Traverse City Comedy Fest takes place April 16–18, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan. Submissions opened December 1 and close January 5, with notifications on January 26. Stand-up submissions are $35; improv/specialty shows $70. Apply here.
Hi-Desert Comedy Campout returns for its second year at The Palms in Wonder Valley, California, running April 10–11, 2026. Stand-up, sketch, improv, music, theater, drag, and film in a desert campout setting. Submission deadline is January 30, 2026, with notifications sent by February 20, 2026. Selected performers will receive a stipend, and the event is open to both returning and first-time artists. The festival may also include additional programming on April 12, 2026, depending on scheduling. Submit here.
Big Pine Comedy Festival runs April 8–11, 2026, in Chandler, AZ. Now in its 12th year, Big Pine unites comics, bookers, and industry professionals for four days of showcases, education, and networking at Mic Drop Comedy Chandler. Submissions require a 5-minute unedited set and short bio. Submissions close January 31, 2026; lineup announced February 15, 2026. Apply here.
Dallas Indie Comedy Fest runs April 9–12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. Submissions close January 31, 2026. Categories include improv, sketch, musical improv, clown, characters, and alt comedy. Apply here.
Saratoga Comedy Festival takes place September 11–12, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Submissions for the 2026 festival are officially open, with tiered pricing: Early Bird ($20) runs December 1, 2025–January 31, 2026, Mid-Pack ($25) runs February 1–March 31, 2026, and Late Bloomer ($30) runs April 1–June 1, 2026. No submissions are accepted after June 1, 2026. Comics must submit a short bio and a 5–10 minute continuous YouTube set. Apply here.
Midsummer Comedy Fest takes place June 24–28, 2026, in Stockholm, Sweden, with submissions accepted until February 9, 2026 (rolling decisions; early international submissions encouraged). Apply here.
Vail Comedy Festival runs May 22–24, 2026, in Vail, Colorado. Accepted comedians get lodging assistance and multiple showcase spots, with a focus on “unique material” (no repeat sets). Fees start at $25 and rise monthly until February 14, 2026. Volunteers also accepted for free event access. Submit here.
Badgerland Comedy Festival runs April 30–May 3, 2026, with shows across Wisconsin. The main hub is in Janesville, WI, with possible additional shows in Milwaukee, Mauston, and other cities. Submissions cost $25 and close on February 15, 2026. Swag, meals, and accommodations for comedians, and every accepted comic will receive at least two performance spots. Priority given to new performers. Submit here
Corkscrew Comedy Festival takes place June 19–21, 2026, in Santa Ynez Valley, CA. The second annual event invites comedians to perform in California wine country, offering performer discounts at wineries and restaurants, swag, and industry networking. Early bird submissions are $15 through December 31, 2025, and $20 after January 1. The deadline is February 28, 2026. Apply here.
Mountain Fresh Comedy Festival runs October 8–10, 2026, across the Colorado Mountains. A clean-comedy event from the creator of the Vail Comedy Festival, it features top national talent, mentorship opportunities, and stunning venues during peak leaf season. Submissions are $20 through February 14, $25 after, and close June 30, 2026. Apply here.
Derby City Comedy Festival runs July 9–August 1, 2026, at Planet of the Tapes in Louisville, Kentucky. Comics can submit for the contest, the party weekend, or both with a single $15 fee; deadline February 15, 2026. The festival features a multi-week competition with knockouts, quarter-finals, semis, and a final round, with 100% of submission fees paid out to the top three winners. Selected performers receive pro video, festival headshots, and a festival t-shirt, while non-selected comics get a free digital headshot coupon. Apply here.
Windy City Comedy Festival runs August 6–9, 2026, in Chicago, IL. Accepted comedians perform at top Chicago venues and receive free headshots, swag, and access to panels, workshops, and after-parties. Submissions are open, with an early bird fee of $15 (late fee $30). Submit a 5–7 minute unedited set. Apply here.
Meadowlands Comedy Festival runs April 23–27, 2026, in Secaucus, New Jersey (near NYC). Early bird submissions are $20, increasing closer to the festival. Submit a 4–7 minute YouTube set, short bio, and social links via email after payment. Selected comics may be invited to live showcase auditions. Apply here.
You can submit for the Netflix Comedy Series with Kevin Hart. Apply right here.
Funny Under Fifteen Minutes runs March 27–29, 2026, in Hamilton, NY. A comedy film festival for short films fifteen minutes or less, featuring Q&As, panels, and filmmaker meet-and-greets. Two “Wicked Funny Winners” (Comedy and Student Comedy) receive awards and a free entry for next year. Early submissions are $10. Submit here.
LouddMouth Comedy Festival returns for its second year in Temecula Valley, California, running April 1–4, 2026. A four-day, multi-venue event set in Temecula wine country. The festival benefits Anthonie’s Voice, a local nonprofit supporting autism awareness. Submission deadline: unknown. Submit here