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

Conan O’Brien discusses with the New Yorker Radio Hour the murders of Rob and Michelle Reiner, reflecting on seeing them at his party the day they were killed, and notes Nick Reiner’s not-guilty plea in LA Superior Court with an April 29 court date; Nick Reiner faces two murder counts with an enhancement that could bring the death penalty or life without parole and is held without bail at Twin Towers.Conan also comments on Stephen Colbert being angry about the situation around his show, the impact on staff, and broader issues of voices being silenced, while noting he’s enjoyed opportunities after leaving late night.Colbert is scheduled to be live after tonight’s State of the Union. The episode highlights new specials: Taylor Tomlinson’s fourth Netflix hour “Prodigal Daughter,” filmed at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids and covering topics including coming out as bisexual, faith, religious trauma, sexuality, and fear of death; and Pete Holmes’ “Silly, Silly, Fun Boy” premiering on the 800 Pound Gorilla YouTube channel, plus mention of Matt Rife and Paul Elia’s “Low Key” special.Brian Posehn tells Northern Public Radio he’s always been an alternative comic and comments on today’s comedy climate as a ‘revenge of the jocks.’Jim Jefferies explains his political positioning between Australia and the U.S., criticizes religion in politics, says most people are moderates, and says he’s glad he isn’t hosting a topical show in 2026, preferring to do a multicam sitcom.Jenny Zigrino discusses fundraising for her new special “After Birth,” the financial pressures of algorithms and social media, how her 2017 Comedy Central special paid $20,000, how she used GoFundMe for a later special that Comedy Central released in 2023, and how platforms like Facebook can pay comedians but require constant posting; she says Netflix won’t look at you without 500,000+ followers. Jim Breuer criticizes American Airlines, saying he was removed from a paid first-class seat on a Honolulu-to-Phoenix flight to accommodate a commuting pilot, calling it theft; reports say he received a $400 refund and a $500 voucher and his request to speak to someone went unanswered. Johnny notes a surprise bonus episode with Mike Chisholm from the Letterman Podcast, updates on the Comedy Survivor Facebook group after a mini controversy and Jim Gaffigan being voted out, lists remaining comedians, reads a listener email comparing his voice to Maynard James Keenan, and shares press comments from Joel McHale and Dennis Leary, including Leary’s interest in doing a musical and McHale’s joke about Netflix airing only ‘Animal Control’ and not Leary’s show. 00:26 Conan on Reiner Tragedy01:25 Late Night Pressure Talk02:26 Tonight’s Specials Lineup04:10 Jim Jefferies Politics Split05:26 Jenny Zigrino Algorithm Grind06:53 Jim Breuer Airline Caper09:58 Bonus Episode and Survivor11:41 Listener Voice Comparison13:35 Leary and McHale Press 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

Mike Chisholm from The Letterman Podcast pops in.The guys open by reacting to the Olympic hockey final, with Mike congratulating the U.S. teams and describing how big the game was in Canada, including early-morning watch parties on the West Coast, memories of the 2010 “golden goal,” and the emotional tribute involving Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey and children. They also discuss a Nor’easter impacting the U.S. Northeast, comparing it to past storms and noting school closures and safety restrictions.The main focus is Mike’s trip to Vancouver for Just For Laughs where he met David Letterman at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage door. Mike describes the advice to meet heroes with zero expectations, Letterman’s quick wisecracks with fans, and how he got a selfie and a signed cue card. He recounts Letterman’s comment when asked to perform a joke (“If I was any good at performing jokes, I’d still have a show”) and notes Letterman and team were late for rehearsal. Mike also unexpectedly met Paul Shaffer, who returned later for selfies and conversation, including a reference to “Mr. Humidity.”John floats a theory that Letterman is up to something.  Going to Vancouver AND having Shaffer there doesn't make sense.00:23 Olympic Hockey Reactions01:02 Nor'easter Explained03:06 How Big Was the Game07:21 Hockey Culture and Drama09:37 Join the USA Pitch10:30 Meeting Letterman Setup11:56 Advice on Meeting Heroes16:08 Fans and Parasocial Media21:14 Why the Show Wasn't Recorded25:32 Stage Door Arrival Details29:19 Selfie and Cue Card Signed33:31 Surprise Paul Shaffer Encounter35:40 Mr Humidity Deep Cut36:49 Why Zach Was Picked37:14 Curated Show Breakdown40:43 Dave Opens With Canada45:46 O Canada With Paul47:00 Why JFL Vancouver49:35 Festival Blueprint Theory52:32 Ed Sullivan Conspiracy56:26 Which Dave Shows Up01:04:36 Zach Dead Mom Bit01:10:41 Paul Closes With Reigning Men01:12:37 Festival Small Room Magic01:14:06 Final Thanks 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

We have our first cobtroversy.  A ruling determines one possible vote was not clear, and that affects the result!  Who went home from Comedy Island this week?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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

Johnny Mac delivers a Daily Comedy News briefing previewing Nate Bargatze’s game show and a new Taylor Tomlinson special, then cites a Naughty but Nice Substack report claiming CBS News leader Barry Weiss is considering booking Joe Rogan on 60 Minutes, though sources say Rogan likely wouldn’t do it and would not be motivated by money.Jim Jefferies recounts meeting Dave Chappelle backstage shortly before Chappelle’s onstage attack, and Jefferies discusses preferring shows with his own fans, concerns about longevity, identity tied to audience approval, and family time.The episode shares audio from Mike Chisholm describing David Letterman’s sold-out JFL Vancouver show featuring Trump jokes, Paul Shaffer, a rendition of O Canada, career retrospectives, and an interview segment with Zach Galifianakis that included Andy Kaufman-style moments. Other items include an upcoming SNL-related documentary titled Lorne about Lorne Michaels, 00:26 Rumor Watch: CBS News Considering Joe Rogan on 60 Minutes01:19 Jim Jefferies’ Chappelle Backstage Story + Touring Philosophy02:49 Mike Chisholm Reviews David Letterman Live06:26 Lorne Michaels Doc + Sarah Sherman’s Slasher Movie07:33 Rory Scovel on Building a Bigger, More Personal Hour09:16 Industry Bits: Paisley Fundraiser + Chelsea Handler’s Hulu Series10:31 Politics Segment Begins12:09 Washington Post: Ben Palmer’s Fake ICE Tip Line and What It Reveals14:38 Is Trump Funny? Late-Night Writers Weigh In + Wrap-UpBecome 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

Johnny Mac delivers comedy news focused on the Scrubs revival premiering Wednesday at 8:00 PM on ABC (with Hulu next day).He shares personal enthusiasm for the original series and summarizes details from interviews with Zach Braff and Donald Faison: the revival mixes a young, diverse writers’ room with original writers, and centers on JD and Turk reconnecting at Sacred Heart as medicine and a new generation of interns have evolved while their friendship endures.Returning cast includes Zach Braff (JD), Donald Faison (Turk), Sarah Chalke (Elliot), Judy Reyes (Carla), John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox), and the Todd!.Not all characters will appear in every episode due to scheduling.Ken Jenkins (Dr. Kelso, 85) and Neil Flynn (the Janitor) are not in season one yet, with Braff saying it may depend on a potential second season.New cast additions include Vanessa Bayer as a wellness/HR figure with a thick file on the Todd, Joel Kim Booster as attending Dr. Eric Park, and interns named Serena, Asher, Blake, Amara, and Deana; additional intern descriptions include Amara (sheltered, homeschooled), Dashana (confident, written like a young Turk), and Tosh (an Instagram-famous influencer doctor).The episode notes Sam Lloyd’s death (Ted) and that the show will pay tribute by naming a new hangout ‘Lloyd’s Tavern,’ with plans for a tribute episode possibly in season one or season two. Mac discusses the controversy around season nine (the ‘Med School’ era) and Braff’s preference to frame the new project as a ‘revival’ rather than a reboot, citing Bill Lawrence’s view that season nine should have had a different title.Spoilers ..........nclude JD returning as a concierge doctor because a patient is admitted to Sacred Heart, Turk as chief of surgery, Elliot as a high-up attending, and Dr. Cox adapting his teaching style to modern wellness rules and workplace norms. The script also revisits contemporary and later reviews of Scrubs, notes criticism about outdated portrayals of women and characters like the Todd, and highlights memorable episodes such as ‘My Screw Up,’ ‘My Last Words,’ ‘My Old Lady,’ ‘My Fallen Idol,’ and the season eight finale originally intended as the series finale.00:00 Scrubs Revival Is Here: Johnny’s Hype & Personal Connection00:43 What We Know So Far: Premise, Returning Cast & Who Might Be Missing03:03 New Faces at Sacred Heart + Honoring Sam Lloyd (Ted)04:07 The Season 9 Problem: Reboot vs Revival (and the ‘Med School’ Debate)05:27 How the Revival Finally Happened: Podcast, Ads, and Scheduling the Reunion06:07 Spoiler Zone: First Look Clips & Where Everyone Is Now07:48 Modern Hospital, Modern Rules: Dr. Cox vs HR, Wellness, and New Interns09:23 Why Scrubs Worked: Early Reviews, What Aged Poorly, and Best Episodes13:11 Final Thoughts + When to Watch (ABC/Hulu)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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

The focus is on celebrities who have publicly criticized Jay Leno. Arsenio Hall, Dennis Miller, Jimmy Kimmel, George Lopez, Patton Oswalt, Howard Stern, Conan O'Brien, Rosie O'Donnell, and Joan Rivers have all expressed their disdain for Leno for various reasons, highlighting their personal grievances and industry politics. The episode also features Kenan Thompson discussing his newfound appreciation for whiskey, his favorite fictional bartenders, and his experiences on SNL. 00:16 Celebrities Who Can't Stand Jay Leno00:30 Arsenio Hall's Feud with Jay Leno01:14 Dennis Miller's Disdain for Jay Leno01:43 Jimmy Kimmel's Critique of Jay Leno01:59 George Lopez's Beef with Jay Leno02:48 Patton Oswalt's Take on Jay Leno03:50 Howard Stern's Accusations Against Jay Leno04:15 Conan O'Brien and Rosie O'Donnell on Jay Leno04:52 Joan Rivers' Return to The Tonight Show05:09 David Letterman's Joke About Jay Leno05:27 Kenan Thompson Talks Whiskey and SNL 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

Colin Jost postpones his Del Lago Resort and Casino show in Waterloo, New York, rescheduled for Friday, March 27, with Del Lago citing scheduling conflicts and a syracuse.com conspiracy theory that it relates to Jost needing to recover from a bobsled segment shown during NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage in Lake Placid, where he screamed and said he thought he might die.Tom Segura tells Forbes his standup stories are real, discusses stopping his one-on-one podcast Tom Talks due to bandwidth, highlights notable guests, and says Bad Thoughts season two is all new, more extreme, and a step up from season one.Pete Holmes is promoted for a Miami Improv show (tickets from $37) and his tour now titled Pete Here Now after dropping the PG-13 branding; he discusses intention in comedy, responsibility with a microphone, and preferring stories about personal shortcomings.Alonzo Bodden teams with Christian McBride for Comedy and All That Jazz Volume 4, taping in Montreal March 5, and Bodden reflects on being discovered at Just for Laughs.Correspondent Mike Chisholm reports from Just for Laughs Vancouver, praising Catherine Blandford’s polished character work and her ability to blur the line between material and improvisation.00:17 Colin Jost Postpones Show + Olympic Bobsled Scare01:22 Tom Segura on “Real” Storytelling & Cutting Podcast Commitments02:48 ‘Bad Thoughts’ Season 2: New Sketches, Bigger & Wilder03:16 Pete Holmes in Miami: Tour Rebrand, Comedy Philosophy & Tickets05:16 Skipping the Political Story… So Here’s Alonzo Bodden + Christian McBride06:05 Just For Laughs Vancouver Dispatch: Catherine Blandford Review08:09 More JFL Vancouver Picks: Laura Ramos, Late Shows & Weekend Plan10:54 Comedy Stock Market: Buying Catherine Blandford & Red Richardson11:46 New Releases & Specials: Matt Koff, Troy Walker, Jackie Kashian14:00 Wrap-Up: What’s Next (Jay Leno, Scrubs, Comedy Survivor)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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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 stopped by Matt’s Bar and Grill in Minneapolis, prompting a playful debate over whether he ate a Jucy Lucy and the burger’s disputed origin between Matt’s and the 5-8 Club.John previews coverage of Scrubs returning on Wednesday, February 25, shares personal context about watching medical shows with his physician wife, and quotes Zach Braff on re-grounding the show’s tone.He then recaps Stephen Colbert’s dispute with CBS over a political interview and FCC equal-time concerns, including Colbert’s on-air reaction and his repeated line about being grateful to have worked for CBS for 11 years.Jim Jefferies discusses moderates, RFK’s food and vaccine positions, and how his Australian views read as left-wing in the U.S.The mayor of Allentown appears on Office Hours with Tim Heidecker, gives Tim a key to the city, and promotes local development and food. The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York is named USA Today’s number one pop culture museum.At Just For Laughs Vancouver, correspondent Mike Chisholm reviews Red Richardson’s set, and Johnny lists upcoming festival shows including Drew Lynch, Dylan Adler, and Jesse Jetski Johnson. In gossip,Radar Online reports Kathy Griffin has moved on from dating a 23-year-old, and Johnny notes she is 65 and that she said her divorce was harder than cancer. 00:00 Jury Duty & a U2 distraction00:46 Silly start: Dave Chappelle and the Jucy Lucy burger controversy02:28 Scrubs Season 10 hype + how to recap without spoiling it04:18 Colbert vs CBS: equal-time rule drama and lawyer notes06:46 Jim Jefferies on moderates, RFK food chemicals, and vaccines08:34 Allentown talk: Tim Heidecker gets a key to the city (plus Wawa vs Sheetz)09:41 National Comedy Center named #1 pop culture museum10:16 JFL Vancouver field report: Mike Chisholm reviews Red Richardson11:57 Tonight at JFL Vancouver: Drew Lynch, Dylan Adler & show picks13:14 Gossip Corner: Kathy Griffin’s dating life in the headlines14:08 Comedian Ro Hong Cho criticized over close-contact lion photos15:29 Wrap-up: that’s the comedy news—back to the U2 EPBecome 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

Johnny Mac leads with Stephen Colbert saying CBS lawyers blocked him from booking Texas State Representative James Talarico on The Late Show, citing concerns around the FCC equal time rule and an FCC chairman Brendan Carr letter suggesting talk-show exemptions could be dropped.Colbert instead posts the interview to The Late Show’s YouTube page.The show also recaps Dave Chappelle’s Minneapolis performance per the Minneapolis Star Tribune and reviews of his Super Bowl weekend/Bay Area sets from SFGate and the SF Chronicle, noting topics including immigration raids, Raiders of the Lost Ark, celebrity anecdotes, and jokes involving multiple groups, including mention of an outdated derogatory slur.Other items include Todd Barry seeking solo dining recommendations in Syracuse, a preview of Just for Laughs Vancouver (including “An Evening with David Letterman” with Zach Galifianakis and other booked acts), a Radar Online report claiming Amy Schumer is preparing to control the narrative of a split from Chris Fischer and aiming for a conscious uncoupling, and Ray Romano discussing his Broadway debut in Simon Rich’s comedy about ambition. 00:24 Colbert Says CBS Lawyers Blocked a Candidate Guest01:17 Equal Time Rule Explained (and Colbert’s FCC Rant)03:04 Kimmel Alliance & Moving the Interview to YouTube04:19 Dave Chappelle in Minneapolis: What He Said & How It Landed05:48 Super Bowl Weekend Chappelle Reviews: SF Gate & Chronicle Highlights08:22 Chappelle’s New Bits: Raiders, Epstein Files, and Culture-War Split09:20 Todd Barry’s Syracuse Solo-Dining Thread10:03 Just For Laughs Vancouver Preview (Letterman + Galifianakis Night)11:48 Amy Schumer Divorce Rumors + Ray Romano’s Broadway Debut12:57 Colbert’s YouTube Interview with Rep. James Talarico (Clip) 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.

Johnny Mac hosts a slow news day and leads with Parade Magazine’s coverage of George Lopez launching a four-piece stovetop barbecue grill and smoker, which Lopez demonstrates on Instagram and invites fans to suggest what he should cook.The episode also covers Amy Schumer posting a red bikini video and sharing a message about laughing with friends, getting off screens, breathing, moving, and jumping in water.Nate Bargatze is noted as Grand Marshal at the Daytona 500, where he slept at the track, discussed NASCAR possibly returning to the Nashville Fairgrounds, and joked about finding material for NASCAR-centric sketches.Bert Kreischer is mentioned appearing at Daytona with driver Natalie Decker in a sponsor-related post.Adam Sandler shares that after being fired from two restaurants and a pharmacy while at NYU, he sang and played guitar on New York subways to make money. 00:30 George Lopez’s ‘innovative’ stovetop grill & smoker reveal02:06 Parade Magazine’s ‘beyond cool’ review + cooking show tease02:56 Amy Schumer’s bikini post & wellness pep talk03:30 Nate Bargatze at the Daytona 500: sleeping at the track & NASCAR bits04:49 Bert Kreischer links up with driver Natalie Decker05:11 Adam Sandler’s subway-singing origin story (and Johnny’s NYC flashback)06:33 Jessica Kirson on crowd work, hosting, and ‘crowd conversations’07:11 Mike Epps opens an Indianapolis boxing gym07:31 Quick hits: Vancouver listings, Netflix special, Simpsons hits 80008:36 Politics corner: President vs. Bill Maher + CNN follow-up 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 is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.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.