From Johnny Carson To Netflix, Comedian Wayne Federman Tracks The History Of Stand-up Comedy

Published: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 1:59pm
Updated: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 2:01pm
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Today, the mark that you’ve made it for any stand-up comedian is getting your own Netflix special. From Ali Wong’s "Baby Cobra" to Hannah Gadsby's "Nanette," the special can launch a comedian to stardom.

But before Netflix, there was the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" or the "Ed Sullivan Show" before that. In fact, stand-up comedy goes back long before the format was even known as standup comedy.

In a new podcast, comedian Wayne Federman — who you might know from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or the stand-up circuit — tells the story of the history of stand-up comedy from Vaudeville to today.

The Show spoke with him more about it and how there’s always been some version of the Netflix special in stand-up comedy.

The Show