Thoughts on Gen Z Comedians | Sebastian Maniscalco
12 Jul 2024 · 1 min

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In this monologue, Sebastian Maniscalco critiques the current trend where comedians gain rapid viral fame through short, attention‑grabbing social‑media clips—what he calls “flash‑in‑the‑pan” videos. He argues that these viral moments often lead to large live shows (e.g., 2,000‑person audiences) before the performer has honed the craft of stand‑up through years of stage practice. Maniscalco emphasizes that the internet does not teach the essential skills of timing, audience reading, and material refinement required for a polished, seasoned comedian. While it’s possible to bypass the traditional apprenticeship, he warns that doing so risks disappointing live audiences and undermines the long‑term sustainability of a comedy career.










