The hottest Comedy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Moly’s Substack β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. The Spring Festival Gala is an annual tradition in China, with varying quality each year, but the 2024 edition impressed many viewers, featuring diverse performances.
  2. The Gala showcased a range of traditional Chinese arts and performances, such as Chinese drums, dragon ribbon dances, embroidery displays, martial arts, and folk songs from different regions.
  3. Some comedy skits in the Gala received mixed reactions, with some being appreciated for their humor and others criticized for reinforcing stereotypes or being unoriginal.
Kneeling Bus β€’ 264 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 25
  1. TV often has small moments that stick with us but might never be found again. These moments can shape our memories even if they seem unimportant.
  2. Norm Macdonald showed how viewers might not actually be watching shows, making their success numbers look inflated. This makes it hard to trust viewer ratings.
  3. Platforms like Netflix gain more from having lots of content rather than focusing on individual shows or movies. This means many films just get lost in the shuffle and are easy to forget.
Funny How: Letters to a Young Comedian β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. Jim Gaffigan won over a young, hipster crowd by anticipating their criticisms and using them in his act.
  2. Gaffigan shows that clean comedy can still be edgy by using meanness and hostility in his jokes.
  3. To replace the transgressive power of profanity, Gaffigan uses hostility and sarcastic humor to keep his audience engaged and entertained.
bad cattitude β€’ 93 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jul 25
  1. More content means more fun! Sharing interesting and engaging posts can enhance everyone's experience.
  2. Having a distinct personality or attitude in your posts can attract more attention and create a unique vibe.
  3. Paid content can offer exclusive insights and discussions that are not available to everyone, adding value for subscribers.
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House of Strauss β€’ 93 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jul 25
  1. Comedians can get caught up in the feeling that their words matter a lot, which can change how they view their role. It's important for entertainers to remember to be funny, not just political.
  2. Johnny Carson warned that when entertainers start taking themselves too seriously, it can lead to a misguided sense of importance and sway over their audience. This could be more harmful than good.
  3. Stephen Colbert once had a major cultural impact, but it raises the question of whether he has chased that feeling of importance too much, possibly losing sight of his original comedic role.
bad cattitude β€’ 96 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 25
  1. Memes can be a fun way to express ideas and feelings. They often make us laugh and connect with others.
  2. The theme of Sunday seems to inspire relaxation and enjoyment. It's nice to take a break and just enjoy some light-hearted content.
  3. Paid subscriptions can offer extra content, making it worthwhile for those who want more in-depth discussions or entertainment. It's good to support creators if you enjoy what they do.
bad cattitude β€’ 109 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 25
  1. Creating great memes takes skill and creativity. It's not just about funny pictures; it's about timing and context.
  2. Diligence is needed to achieve success in any creative field. You have to be persistent and put in the work.
  3. Engaging with your audience can enhance your content. Sharing your work and getting feedback helps you grow.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday β€’ 641 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 24
  1. Enshittification refers to how digital platforms decline over time by abusing users and businesses to benefit themselves before eventually failing.
  2. Public solitude is the ability to feel alone even when in front of a large crowd, allowing one to focus in the present moment or during a performance.
  3. Specieist is a term for prejudice based on species, demonstrated by the debate between Elon Musk and Larry Page over the future of artificial intelligence.
Outlandish Claims β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 06 May 24
  1. Names can have unexpected consequences or associations, like Aaron's experiences with his name.
  2. Historical figures like Aaron Burr can have complex legacies with acts of betrayal and deception.
  3. Being first in alphabetical order can have both advantages and disadvantages, such as being chosen randomly or facing bureaucratic challenges.
bad cattitude β€’ 72 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 25
  1. Dad jokes are always a hit and can bring smiles. They are simple, funny, and great for any occasion.
  2. Mixing in jokes about pop culture, like 'Lord of the Rings', can make the humor more relatable and fun.
  3. It's good to have a range of jokes that include a bit of everything, even playful jabs, to keep things lively.
bad cattitude β€’ 93 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 25
  1. We should recognize and appreciate ordinary people who do extraordinary things. These unsung heroes often go unnoticed but make a big impact.
  2. Taking action on your own can create change, especially when you see a problem that needs fixing. It's important to step up and do what you can.
  3. Supporting each other and sharing stories about these heroes can inspire more people to take action and help out in their communities. Everyone can contribute in their own way.
bad cattitude β€’ 101 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 25
  1. Finding fun solutions can help tackle modern challenges. It's important to look for enjoyable ways to solve problems.
  2. The modern age has many difficulties, and it’s important to recognize those challenges. Understanding what's tough can help us deal with it better.
  3. False framing can mislead our perspectives, so we should question what we hear. Being critical of information is key to forming our own views.
I Might Be Wrong β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jan 26
  1. Getting full of yourself often brings a quick reality check; small successes can be cut down in an instant.
  2. Crowds are fickle and will abandon an opener the moment a bigger act appears, so attention and timing matter as much as talent.
  3. Early wins can give you the confidence to take bigger risks, and even if those risks fail, other skills and persistence can keep your career moving forward.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday β€’ 213 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
  1. A new standup special just came out on YouTube, and it's all about funny topics like dating, cancel culture, and more. It's meant to be a laugh and worth checking out.
  2. The special is his first release after a previous project involving performing on substances, and it's focused entirely on traditional standup humor.
  3. Sharing the special can help it gain more views, which is important for its success on YouTube. So if you enjoy it, consider sharing it with friends.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday β€’ 570 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  1. Many people on social media seem to share a common dislike for the New York Times, perceiving it as biased.
  2. Despite differing opinions on which political direction the NY Times leans towards, the widespread criticism suggests it may actually be achieving balance in its reporting.
  3. Critics of the Times should consider the importance of rigorous journalism and ask if there are better alternative publications out there.
Sounds Good! β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
  1. The TV show 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' is celebrating its final season after being on air for 25 years.
  2. Larry David's comedic series, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', is known for its improvisation, real-life cameos, and satirical humor.
  3. The show has faced criticism for recent episodes but still has a loyal following eagerly anticipating each new season.
Top Carbon Chauvinist β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 23 Apr 24
  1. Doorknobs are now seen as more effective than humans in keeping doors shut. They can withstand more force and keep doors closed longer than a person can.
  2. There has been a shift in how doorknobs are perceived. Instead of being thought of as simple objects, they are now celebrated for their capabilities.
  3. This article humorously challenges the stereotype of doorknobs being 'dumb,' suggesting that they outperform humans in a specific function.
The Reclamation Era β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jun 24
  1. Women in comedy benefit from supporting each other and building a positive community. When women collaborate, they can create a more inclusive and encouraging environment.
  2. The Boulder Comedy Festival highlights diversity and women's voices in stand-up. It aims to change the male-dominated landscape by showcasing a variety of talented comedians.
  3. There are still challenges, like sexism and discrimination, in the comedy industry. But by working together and focusing on positivity, women can overcome these obstacles and succeed.
Funny How: Letters to a Young Comedian β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. Outthinking your audience is a part of the magic trick in comedy performances.
  2. Being allowed to perform in front of quality audiences is the real challenge in standup comedy.
  3. Having a sense of humor and being able to laugh at oneself is crucial for lasting success, according to Gloria Steinem.
Off-Topic β€’ 523 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses the story of an intense confrontion between a South Carolinian senator and a dog.
  2. The content is zany and delves into long-form narratives.
  3. Readers can support the publication by becoming free or paid subscribers.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jan 23
  1. Katie Porter, a California Democrat, fired a staffer who she claims exposed her to Covid, affecting her ability to care for her children.
  2. The episode includes fun stories about the host's past, like his experiences as a young gay boy and engaging in prank calls.
  3. There's a unique segment on kerosene lighting, featuring live demonstrations to showcase how it works.
Castalia β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
  1. Josh loves comedy but struggles with loneliness and romantic relationships. He often relies on humor to cope with his feelings.
  2. Though Josh has feelings for Gina, a co-worker, he feels stuck and thinks nothing will ever come of it. He eventually realizes that he needs to move on.
  3. After dating Emy, Josh transforms and finds happiness, but he still sometimes feels nostalgic about his past crush on Gina.
Deprogram β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jul 23
  1. The author shares a personal story of being stung by a bee and reflects on their connection and empathy towards bees.
  2. The author discusses their experience with militia training and the lack of real tactical knowledge or preparation.
  3. The author humorously describes the chaotic and embarrassing situation of being stung by bees during a training exercise in the woods.
The Common Reader β€’ 496 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  1. Jokes are cultural possessions that change over time.
  2. Wit is marked by originality and authorship, reflecting the thoughts well expressed by the author.
  3. Comedians can be performers of jokes, writers of wit, or a combination of both.
Both Are True β€’ 568 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 23
  1. The post suggests a new holiday called Fearsharing where instead of being thankful, people share their fears.
  2. Fearsharing is described as a time to openly discuss fears, such as fear of failure, death, and even being cancelled.
  3. The author expresses gratitude towards readers and acknowledges the importance of the audience in their writing journey.
bad cattitude β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
  1. There is a playful theme of cats and dogs in this piece, highlighting some humorous competition between them. Cats seem to think they deserve more attention than dogs, creating a fun rivalry.
  2. The mention of 'DOGE county sheriff' suggests a lighthearted take on popular internet culture and memes, making it engaging to readers. It's funny to think about dogs being in charge in a town.
  3. The piece shows the connection of social media to modern life and interactions, like referencing a tweet shortly after another post. It teaches us that social media is fast and can spark quick conversations.