Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac - a daily briefing on comedians, and the comedy industry

Épisodes

• Best Comedy Specials of 2026 (So Far) 05.07.2026 13min

  Johnny Mac reviews his midyear picks for the best comedy specials of 2026, ranking Chris Fleming’s HBO debut “Live at the Palace” as his clear #1, followed by Ryan Hamilton’s bus-accident-themed special, Trevor Noah’s Netflix “Joy in the Trenches,” Katt Williams’ Netflix “The Last Report,” and Pete Holmes’ YouTube “Silly, Silly Fun Boy,” while also highlighting Derek Streep’s “Nostalgic,” Ramy Youssef’s HBO “In Love,” and Jackie Kashian’s YouTube “Altercation.” He then names a “good” tier including Sheng Wang’s “Purple,” Aaron Chen’s “Life in Questions,” Netflix’s “Roast of Kevin Hart,” Tony Hinchcliffe’s “Man of the People,” and Des Bishop’s Hulu “Bridge and Tunnel.” He lists several “pass” titles (including Louis C.K., Taylor Tomlinson, Josh Johnson, Marcelo Hernandez, Mark Normand, Nikki Glaser, Julio Torres) and notes Vulture’s recommended specials and the show’s Facebook group list.00:26 Top Pick Chris Fleming01:25 Number Two Ryan Hamilton03:19 Trevor Noah and Katt Williams03:52 Pete Holmes at Five06:08 Tier Two The Good Pile07:25 Watchable Picks and Hulu08:22 Pass List Starts Louis C K10:00 More Passes and Nikki Glaser11:54 Vulture Recommendations Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• George Carlin - America's Prophet 04.07.2026 13min

  On July 4, Johnny Mac discusses why George Carlin’s late-career material feels freshly relevant and calls him “America’s great prophet,” revising his own past view that Carlin had grown merely angry. He warns that many quotes attributed to Carlin online are fake, citing the misattributed “paradox of our time” (by pastor Bob Moorehead) and noting Carlin wanted only verified sources used. Mac centers on Carlin’s 2005 HBO special Life Is Worth Losing (“Dumb Americans”), emphasizing Carlin’s structural argument about willful ignorance, consumerism, and “owners” controlling politics, media, and education, including the “American Dream” line. He traces the “Nike sneakers and smiley shirts” fascism quote to a Sept. 9, 2005 Real Time with Bill Maher appearance after Katrina, and highlights Carlin’s 1992 Jammin’ in New York bit about environmental arrogance, arguing Carlin’s system-focused critiques outlast news cycles. 00:40 Carlin War Rant01:39 Fake Quotes Warning02:17 Dumb Americans Context04:16 American Dream Owners04:58 Education By Design06:06 Big Club Power07:54 Why It Still Hits08:21 Fascism Nike Quote09:58 Planet Vs People11:13 Endangered Species Bit12:08 Why Carlin Endures Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Chappelle Summer Camp, NYT Profiles Robby Hoffman, and the Comedy Stock Market 03.07.2026 10min

  Johnny Mac delivers holiday-weekend comedy news, opening with “Late Bot” heat jokes and noting late-night shows are off. He previews Dave Chappelle’s phone-free Summer Camp show in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and a local screening of the documentary “Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life.” He discusses Robby Hoffman’s New York Times Magazine profile and her comments on “rich weird” versus “poor weird.” Patton Oswalt shares his teen music tastes, what it feels like when a set is going well, and names Dana Gould’s Cobb’s set as the best he’s seen; Mac cites Ralphie May at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. Jeff Foxworthy describes his relatable, life-snapshot style and jokes about aging. The Comedy Stock Market buys Gianmarco Soresi, Ryan Hamilton, and Ben Gleib, and sells Louis CK, Nate Bargatze, Trevor Noah, James Corden, and Robby Hoffman. Other items include Pollstar data showing comedy’s tour strength, Brendan Eyre’s special “Alive and Well” debuting July 6 on Gorilla Comedy Plus (YouTube Aug 4), and upcoming episodes on George Carlin and top specials so far. 00:12 Late Bot Heat Jokes00:45 Chappelle Summer Camp Info01:26 Robby Hoffman Goes Mainstream02:34 Patton Oswalt Favorites03:29 Best Sets Ever Seen03:59 Jeff Foxworthy On Style04:47 Foxworthy Getting Older Bits05:39 Carlin Episode Tease05:49 Comedy Stock Market Picks08:11 Weekend Listening Tips08:30 Comedy Touring Is Hot09:19 Brendan Eyre Special Announcement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Ricky Gervais Skips BBC Office Reunion, and Reviews of Louis C.K.’s “Ridiculous” 02.07.2026 12min

  Johnny Mac delivers daily comedy news with heat-themed jokes, then reports that Ricky Gervais will skip the BBC’s 25th anniversary Office documentary (with Mackenzie Crook and Martin Freeman) to release his own affectionate YouTube documentary July 9, while the BBC special airs July 8 on BBC Two/iPlayer. Weird Al Yankovic says he turned down a lucrative commercial after learning it promoted AI. Dave Chappelle visited the Islamic Center of San Diego after a May 18 mass shooting that killed three, meeting community members and boosting fundraising. Trevor Noah, with Don Lemon, critiques the Kevin Hart Netflix roast for white comedians joking about Black people. John Oliver guest stars on General Hospital. The Onion begins rolling out parody “Infowars” programming with Tim Heidecker. Michael Che posts a joking birthday message to Colin Jost. The episode ends with mixed critical reactions to Louis C.K.’s new Netflix special, “Ridiculous,” which Mac hasn’t yet watched. 00:14 Late Bot Heat Jokes00:40 Gervais Skips BBC Reunion03:07 Weird Al Rejects AI Ad03:32 Chappelle Mosque Visit03:59 Trevor Noah Roast Talk04:19 John Oliver Soap Cameo05:13 Onion Launches Infowars Parody06:05 Michael Che Birthday Roast07:06 Louis C K Special Reviews Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Trevor Noah World Cup Politics, Bill Maher Mark Twain cap, and Nate Bargatze gets labeled MAGA Comic 01.07.2026 12min

  Johnny Mac recaps Bill Maher receiving the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize, featuring Maher’s remarks about mocking both political sides, “lunatic left/right,” censorship debates around Huckleberry Finn, and praising his audience for valuing truth over pandering; the event included clips from Politically Incorrect, stand-up, and podcasts, appearances by Louis C.K. (crediting Maher for supporting him), Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson, Jay Leno, and Matt Friend’s Trump impression, and will stream on Netflix July 21, though a Washingtonian writer described the room as sedate with empty seats. Mac also covers backlash framing Nate Bargatze as “MAGA” after Cheryl Hines liked an Instagram clip, Michelle Wolf saying she’d be meaner at the 2018 WHCD and criticizing “podcast bros” platforming Trump, recommends Ryan Hamilton’s Netflix special, comments on Des Bishop’s Hulu special, notes Trevor Noah’s World Cup bias remarks and YouTube view counts, and reports David Letterman’s Just for Laughs debut with Will Arnett on July 21. 00:17 Maher Wins Mark Twain01:26 Tributes And Left Critique02:48 Woody Leno And Vibes05:27 Host Health And Nate06:21 Michelle Wolf Reflects07:58 Specials Soccer And Hulu08:52 Trevor Noah Numbers10:47 Letterman JFL Plans11:40 Wrap Up And HousekeepingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Mark Normand Admits Netflix Censorship Story Was Fabricated; Nate Bargatze Comments Deleted; Mencia, Louis C.K., and Late-Night Ratings 30.06.2026 14min

  Johnny Mac covers Mark Normand admitting on Maury Povich’s podcast that he fabricated a story about Netflix censoring a Muslim bit, prompting criticism from humorism.xyz and Mac’s uncertainty about whether Netflix had partly influenced the situation. He notes Nate Bargatze returning to social media to promote Texas dates after backlash over UFC photos with figures including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Mike Johnson, and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with The Daily Beast claiming critical comments are being deleted; he also cites Steve Byrne’s jab at W. Kamau Bell. Mac recaps Carlos Mencia’s post-arrest appearance at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, new jail/tax material, and allegations of owing California back taxes, then discusses Louis C.K.’s new Netflix special amid commentary questioning what he’s done to earn mainstream return. He runs through late-night ratings, mentions a Donkey spinoff and Shrek 5, The Paper Season 2, Columbus Comedy Festival lineup, and an Australian comic praising Popeyes.00:27 Mark Normand Netflix Story 02:13 Nate Bargatze UFC Backlash02:52 Comments Getting Deleted03:49 Comedians Feud Over Nate04:09 Carlos Mencia Karaoke Return05:22 Mencia Tax Case Material07:27 Louis CK Netflix Comeback09:19 Late Night Ratings Rundown12:53 World Cup Popeyes Rant  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Bad Friends Andrew Santino Bobby Lee Naked Stunt, Fallon Jokes About Trump Again, and Larry David Teams Up With Obama 29.06.2026 9min

  Johnny Mac recaps Daily Comedy News, including Jimmy Fallon’s jokes about President Trump headlining an America’s 250th rally after musical acts dropped out, tied to a 16-day Great American State Fair on the National Mall. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, on her podcast, warns of disputed facts, propaganda, and an “attack” on trust that makes comedy and artists essential and potentially endangered, while Mac argues figures like Stephen Colbert aren’t being censored. Mac then highlights Larry David discussing collaborating with former President Obama on HBO’s sketch series Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness and criticizing airlines, plus a Rob Schneider anecdote about David flying private. Tim Dillon critiques Pride Month corporate branding on Joe Rogan. TMZ reports Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino promoted Bad Game Show with 40 underwear-clad runners. Des Bishop discusses finding his American comedic voice and his special Bridge and Tunnel. Fiona O’Brien promotes her album Fiona 51. 00:14 Fallon Takes on Trump01:17 Julia Warns on Comedy02:47 Larry David Meets Obama04:01 Tim Dillon on Pride04:47 Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee Bad Game Show Stunt05:29 Des Bishop Finds Voice07:25 Fiona OBrien Spotlight08:25 Wrap Up and ScheduleBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Bill Maher Gets the Mark Twain Prize; Patton Oswalt’s Double Breakfast Sunday 28.06.2026 13min

  Johnny Mac reports that the John F. Kennedy Center will present the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Bill Maher at a gala featuring comedians including Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, and Jay Leno, plus John Mellencamp and Stephen A. Smith, with the program later airing on Netflix. He reads the official praise of Maher’s political-comedy influence and Mediaite’s ranking, then reviews past Mark Twain Prize recipients from Richard Pryor through Conan O’Brien, noting Bill Cosby’s 2018 rescission and other observations about the list. He riffs on bios for Louis C.K. and Jay Leno, including checking Leno’s voice-acting credits. He also covers Jo Koy hosting the filmed showcase series “Martin Lawrence Presents: Pass the Mic” in Albuquerque, and summarizes an LA Times piece on Patton Oswalt’s ideal Sunday routine.00:00 Bill Maher Wins Twain01:28 Past Winners Rundown02:16 Cosby Rescinded Context02:57 Modern Era Winners04:23 Louis CK and Leno Bios05:57 Jay Leno Voiceover Deep Dive07:42 Jo Koy Hosts Pass the Mic08:46 Patton Oswalt Perfect Sunday12:45 Star Trek Rant and WrapBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Louis C.K.: The Fall, the Independent Years, and Why Netflix Just Took Him Back 27.06.2026 10min

  Nine years after a New York Times report and his own direct admission ended his career almost overnight, Louis C.K. is back on Netflix on June 30 with a new special called Ridiculous. Johnny Mac lays out the full, sourced timeline — the allegations, the statement, the uncomfortable Comedy Cellar return — but also the parts of the story that get skipped: the 2011 five-dollar Beacon Theater experiment that invented his independent model years before he needed it, his own on-camera tribute crediting George Carlin with rebuilding his entire approach to writing, and an honest reckoning with why, like it or not, you can't tell the real story of 21st century stand-up without him in it.What happened with Louis CK in 2017?" – "Why is Louis CK compared to George Carlin?" – "How did Louis CK sell his own comedy specials?" – "What did Louis CK say in his apology statement?" – "How many specials has Louis CK released since 2017?" – "Did Louis CK win a Grammy after the scandal?" – "Is Louis CK one of the best comedians of the 21st century?" – "Why is Netflix working with Louis CK again in 2026?"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Is Fallon going after Trump to chase down Jimmy Kimmel? 26.06.2026 17min

  Johnny Mac covers Jimmy Fallon posting more political jokes about Trump, suggesting Fallon is taking advantage of Colbert being off the air and Jimmy Kimmel’s summer break (guest hosts start July 6 with Tiffany Haddish). He reacts to Megyn Kelly criticizing Kimmel’s two-month vacation and discusses her reported real estate and private flying. Leslie Jones says she confronted SNL writers about being typecast as angry, loved the show but not the mental toll. Robbie Hoffman recounts storming out of the 2025 Emmys after losing, then returning to present. Rob Schneider is set to headline Freedom Fest’s Punching Up Comedy Festival in Las Vegas (July 8–11). Mac disputes a Pajiba review of Ryan Hamilton’s Netflix special, notes Adam Sandler’s anniversary skywriting, and gives “Comedy Stock Market” picks: buy Fallon, Hamilton, Moshe Kasher; hold Louis C.K.; sell Nate Bargatze, Carlos Mencia, Sebastian Maniscalco. He lists new and upcoming releases and announces a Louis C.K. deep-dive episode. 00:13 Fallon Goes Political03:29 Late Night Summer Shuffle03:51 Megyn Kelly Vacation Take04:41 Who Should Guest Host05:18 Leslie Jones SNL Typecast06:02 Robbie Hoffman Emmy Exit06:53 Rob Schneider Freedom Fest07:55 Ryan Hamilton Review Debate10:33 Adam Sandler Anniversary Skywrite11:03 Comedy Stock Market Picks13:16 New Specials Out Today14:22 Sally Ann Hall Clip15:20 More Specials And New Podcast16:03 Tomorrow Deep Dive on Louis CKBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• W. Kamau Bell Slams Nate Bargatze, Mencia Bail Fight, and Letterman’s Archive Expands 25.06.2026 10min

  Johnny Mac covers comedy news including W. Kamau Bell’s Substack criticism of Nate Bargatze for being photographed “partying with fascists,” plus Bell’s comments about avoiding places where “fascists coagulate” and his sharing a 2014 photo with Joe Rogan. Rogan recounts telling Donald Trump backstage at a UFC event he hoped they wouldn’t die in a terrorist attack, to which Trump replied, “We gotta go somehow.” Carlos Mencia’s lawyers file an emergency motion seeking release from bail in his felony tax case, arguing prosecutors staged an excessive raid and that jail is causing major financial harm. Roy Wood Jr. discusses Pittsburgh plans and his Daily Show experience; Michael Che teases a new standup special and asks what promo platforms matter now. Johnny Mac critiques Bob Iger’s claim Kimmel’s post–Charlie Kirk joke was removed for “bad taste,” not politics. Worldwide Pants expands Letterman’s 6,000-episode archive distribution, Colbert’s writers make their own Emmy FYC video, Canal+ develops a French SNL special, and Jemaine Clement says more Flight of the Conchords is unlikely though a film idea lingers. 00:23 Bargatze UFC Backlash01:43 Rogan Backstage Story02:07 Carlos Mencia Bail Fight03:22 Roy Wood Jr Weekend Plans03:55 Michael Che Special Tease04:31 Iger Kimmel Controversy06:34 Letterman Archive Expansion07:33 Colbert Writers Emmy Push08:25 French SNL Attempt09:54 Conchords Future Update Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Moshe Kasher Shares Cancer Diagnosis; Mark Twain Prize Honors Bill Maher 24.06.2026 11min

  Johnny Mac reports that Moshe Kasher revealed on Instagram he was diagnosed with HPV-positive tonsil cancer, underwent a procedure in Los Angeles, expects a high cure rate around 95%, is awaiting news on whether he needs radiation, and urged followers to get checked and vaccinate kids; he and Natasha Leggero recorded an Endless Honeymoon podcast episode right before surgery. Sebastian Maniscalco told The Wall Street Journal he blew out both calves during performances and discussed his current routine. TMZ says Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce saw Dave Chappelle in San Diego, and reports fireworks near Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island estate amid July 3 wedding rumors. The Mark Twain Prize honoring Bill Maher tapes June 28 and airs on Netflix July 21 with guests including Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson, Jay Leno, and others. Ricky Gervais previews Netflix’s animated Alley Cats (August), Alan Carr discusses cut Last One Laughing UK bits and doppelgangers, Jay Leno addresses late-night politics, and Jimmy Kimmel’s summer guest hosts are named. 00:13 Moshe Kasher Cancer Update01:54 Sebastian Maniscalco Injuries03:42 Kelce Chappelle Party Rumors04:29 Bill Maher Twain Prize05:34 Ricky Gervais Alley Cats06:29 Alley Cats Trailer Clip07:08 Last One Laughing Secrets08:11 Creator Notes and Thanks08:30 Jay Leno on Late Night10:35 Kimmel Summer Guest Hosts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Dave Chappelle at the Obama Center, Chris Pratt History Shorts, and Elmo’s Betting Problem 23.06.2026 16min

  Johnny Mac delivers comedy news, starting with Dave Chappelle speaking at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, calling it “medicine” amid dark political times and joking that people miss scandals as small as Obama’s tan suit, noting multiple ex-presidents smiling together. He covers a US State Department–funded public-diplomacy series of untitled “Pratt shorts” pairing Chris Pratt with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to teach constitutional values through short live-action/animation episodes. Mac laments the lack of excitement around the upcoming USA 250 compared with the 1976 bicentennial. He reports Ricky Gervais confirmed another Netflix special, and Carlos Mencia was charged with 12 felony tax counts for allegedly not filing returns and not reporting $8.7 million. He mentions Rob Schneider’s posts about paying players’ Pride Night fines, Ryan Hamilton’s Netflix special after being hit by a bus, and highlights Jon Stewart’s Elmo/Knicks segment plus Triumph at a Knicks parade. 00:14 Chappelle at Obama Center00:44 Tan Suit Throwback01:56 Pratt History Shorts03:30 USA 250 Nostalgia04:34 Gervais and Mencia News06:12 Rob Schneider Pride Rant06:50 Ryan Hamilton Bus Story08:41 Elmo Picks Team USA09:38 Jon Stewart vs Elmo15:29 Triumph at Knicks Parade Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Jay Leno talks about the Death of Late Night, everyone gets mad 22.06.2026 11min

  Johnny Mac recaps comedy and late-night news, spotlighting Jay Leno’s Deadline interview. Leno says podcasts are the new talk shows and calls Joe Rogan the new Johnny Carson, arguing late night lost swagger due to excessive commercials, fragmented segments, and the end of appointment viewing as audiences move to YouTube and streaming; he also recounts being dropped by an agent, negotiating for himself, and getting a call from Jeff Zucker saying he made a mistake during the Tonight Show/Conan era. Mac also critiques a Late Nighter piece on YouTube show Outside Tonight for low views, notes Good Night with Ben Gleib’s strong numbers, and highlights Variety’s profile of Josh Johnson, who posts hour-long weekly YouTube sets and writes 125 jokes a day. Other items include a new Willie Mack special, Bert Kreischer on pandemic timing, and Bill Lawrence discussing Scrubs production costs and legacy.00:00 Jay Leno Sparks Episode00:55 Leno on Leaving Tonight01:25 Agent Drop and Conan03:06 Why Late Night Faded05:27 Podcasts Replace Talk06:15 YouTube Late Night Experiments06:52 Ben Gleib Numbers Jump07:24 Josh Johnson YouTube Grind09:11 More Comedy Industry Bits Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
•  Netflix Renews Kevin Hart’s Funny AF; Chris Tucker’s Celibacy Reveal and Robby Hoffman's real name 21.06.2026 8min

  Johnny Mac covers Netflix’s announcement of season two of Kevin Hart’s comedy competition series Funny AF with Kevin Hart, noting Hart returns as host, the show and Hart have Emmy nominations, and the new season won’t arrive until 2027. Chris Tucker revealed during a Las Vegas set that he has been celibate for more than three years while focusing on finding lasting love and marriage. Marc Maron discusses his special Panicked as his best work, describing its arc, editing process to 73 minutes, and concerns that platform-driven viral culture lowers the bar and makes comedy disposable. Jeff Ross tells Deadline how roasts have grown globally on Netflix, remain a rare “anything goes” outlet, help launch comics like Nikki Glaser, and says more Bumping Mics depends on Dave Attell. Robbie Hoffman explains changing her name from Rivka Sarah. Janelle James is developing Hulu’s Rock City. A music-use fee from The Late Show will be donated to World Central Kitchen. Comedian Bita Judaki describes her style and influences. 00:13 Kevin Hart Show Renewed00:45 Chris Tucker Celibacy  01:22 Marc Maron Panicked Craft02:18 Maron on Comedy Business03:08 Jeff Ross Roast Evolution04:10 Roasts Launching Stars04:35 More Bumping Mics04:53 Robbie Hoffman Stage Name05:52 Janelle James Hulu Series06:19 Colbert Music Donation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Kill Tony Explained: How Tony Hinchcliffe Became the Biggest Comedy Show in America 20.06.2026 11min

  Kill Tony fills arenas. Tony Hinchcliffe hosts. Open micers do one minute. How did this become the most important comedy show in America? Johnny Mac explains.Kill Tony fills arenas. A show where strangers do one minute of standup in front of thousands of people somehow became one of the most watched comedy properties in the country. Johnny Mac looks at how Tony Hinchcliffe built it, what Joe Rogan's Austin move actually did and didn't do for the show, why the arena format works when it shouldn't, and what Kill Tony tells us about what comedy audiences actually want right now.What is Kill Tony?" – "How did Kill Tony get so big?" – "Who is Tony Hinchcliffe?" – "Why does Kill Tony fill arenas?" – "Is Kill Tony good for comedians' careers?" – "What is the Kill Tony format?" – "Joe Rogan and Kill Tony connection"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Bargatze Gate, Late-Night Ratings, and Knicks Mania 19.06.2026 12min

  Johnny Mac covers backlash over Nate Bargatze attending a UFC event after photos surfaced with RFK Jr., Cheryl Hines, Bettina Trump, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Mike Johnson, and Joe Rogan, while noting Bargatze’s Esquire comments about avoiding voting opinions and sharing Rogan’s take that the fight isn’t partisan. He pivots to Will Ferrell joking about his burdens as an LA World Cup ambassador, late-night World Cup jokes, and Nielsen ratings showing Jimmy Fallon boosted by Knicks-related episodes but still trailing Jimmy Kimmel. Kevin Hart says Spike Lee deserves a Knicks championship ring; Ben Stiller will direct an A24/HBO Knicks documentary, prompting “why not Spike Lee?” HartBeat announces 12 Hulu LOL Live half-hour specials, Nick Swardson shares an appendix update, and the “comedy stock market” recommends buying Ryan Hamilton and selling Bargatze and Nikki Glaser. Additional items include Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch at NY Comedy Festival, Guillermo joining Dancing With the Stars, and an animated Survivor movie executive produced by Jeff Probst.00:00 Nate UFC Photo Drama01:40 Rogan Weighs In02:45 Will Ferrell World Cup Bit03:30 Knicks Ratings Surge05:17 Share The Show Warning05:56 Knicks Doc Debate07:11 Kevin Hart Hulu Specials07:48 Nick Swardson Health Update08:03 Producer Nostalgia09:11 Comedy Stock Market Picks10:11 Festival And TV Odds10:52 Survivor Goes Animated Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Fake Shane Gillis Alert, Mulaney Sells Out Wrigley, and Mikki Glaser Plays Into Type 18.06.2026 11min

  Johnny Mac reports that Watertown, NY police arrested a man after he allegedly pointed a BB gun at a scooter rider who told dispatch the suspect looked like Shane Gillis, though Gillis was not involved. John Mulaney became the first comedian to sell out Wrigley Field (July 11) and joked to Deadline about watching Mark Grace. Nikki Glaser joins Netflix Animation’s Cinderella reimagining Steps as villain Priscilla alongside Ali Wong and Bette Midler. Mike Myers told Trevor Noah “Yes” about Austin Powers 4. James Corden’s Fox post-World Cup show drew 418,000 viewers. Marc Maron said he isn’t retired, is developing a film to direct, and misses some podcast-driven improvisation. Eric Andre was pulled into a WWE Raw segment and hit with a splash. Items also include Amy Schumer hosting a kids Knicks parade, late-night jokes, Des Bishop’s Hulu special, 800 Pound Gorilla’s Comedy Central Records audio deal, and new releases from Willie Mack and Kate Zazowski.00:00 Fake Shane Gillis Alert00:51 Mulaney Sells Out Wrigley01:35 Nikki Glaser Stepsisters Role03:28 Austin Powers 4 Tease04:29 Corden After Soccer Ratings05:32 Marc Maron Life After Podcast06:49 Eric Andre WWE Incident07:30 Knicks Parade Late Night Jokes08:43 Kimmel Reflecting Pool Roast09:08 New Specials And Releases10:38 Wrap Up And Share The ShowBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Louis C.K. Drops Netflix Trailer, Nate Bargatze UFC Photo Backlash, and Knicks Victory Lap 17.06.2026 17min

  Johnny Mac covers Netflix’s trailer for Louis C.K.’s new stand-up special “Ridiculous,” out June 30, his first Netflix special in nine years, noting his post-2017 self-released work and 2022 Grammy win; Mac reacts to the trailer clip about placing C.K.’s father in a home and cites The A.V. Club saying the special appears to avoid controversy. He then discusses Nate Bargatze drawing backlash after being photographed at a UFC event with Robert F. Kennedy and Cheryl Hines, with a source saying Nate expected political interpretation but attended as a UFC fan, plus mentions Nate’s father Steven Brighetti’s YouTube magic special “Out in a Minute” debuting Thursday. Other items include Jon Stewart’s criticism of the UFC event, Rob Schneider offering to pay MLB fines tied to Giants Pride Night, and comedian Ahmed Ahmed’s lawsuit alleging jail abuse after an SFO arrest. The episode ends with extensive Knicks championship coverage via Fallon, Kimmel, and Seth Meyers, and plugs a free NY Laughs show at Lincoln Center headlined by James Austin Johnson. 00:11 Louis C.K. Returns to Netflix01:06 Trailer Clip Reaction02:48 Critics and Context03:22 Nate Bargatze UFC Photo04:58 Nate Dad Special Plug05:40 Jon Stewart on UFC Event06:19 Giants Pride Night Fallout06:57 Ahmed Ahmed Lawsuit08:32 Knicks Victory Lap Begins09:05 Fallon Knicks Song Roast10:22 Knicks on Fallon Couch12:35 Mike Brown Dogs Out Story14:45 Kimmel and Elmo Chaos15:39 Seth Meyers Closer Look16:25 NY Laughs and Sign OffBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
• Nate Bargatze hiding he was at Trump’s White House UFC?, and Maron on Netflix Podcasts 16.06.2026 14min

  Johnny Mac recaps comedy news including Jimmy Kimmel’s Instagram birthday post for the U.S. president’s 80th, using a card resembling an alleged Trump note to Jeffrey Epstein, and a UFC event held on the White House lawn streamed on Paramount Plus, with Joe Rogan mocked for a short tie and celebrities like Nate Bargatze and Shane Gillis attending; Gillis is heard criticizing a UFC fighter’s comment about Michelle Obama. On the other “side,” Jay Leno’s Garage features former President Joe Biden driving his 1967 Corvette, discussing topics like NATO, national parks, Beau Biden, and ice cream while Leno praises Biden’s sharpness. Mac also critiques a James Corden/Sebastian Maniscalco bit, previews a planned Tonight Show Jimmy Fallon episode with the champion New York Knicks, shares Marc Maron’s complaints about Netflix “podcasts” and manosphere hosts, and disputes parts of Vulture’s negative review of Tony Hinchcliffe’s Netflix special.00:13 Kimmel Birthday Jab00:36 UFC at White House01:11 Nate Bargatze Photo02:02 Shane Gillis Reacts to UFC Obama comment02:57 Biden on Lenos Garage04:48 Sharpness and Age Talk05:23 Corden Soccer Bit07:15 Knicks Fallon Booking07:56 Maron Slams Netflix Podcasts09:37 Share the Show Warning11:07 Tony Hinchcliffe Review Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.