Josh Johnson: The Comedian Revolutionizing Stand-Up on YouTube

Posted: Jun 20th, 2025

Josh Johnson is not just another comedian going viral online. He’s building one of the most ambitious stand-up comedy careers ever seen — and he’s doing it one Tuesday night at a time.

Since June 2024, Johnson has released over 24 hours of original stand-up comedy on his YouTube channel, uploading a brand new topical set every single week for 97 weeks straight. That’s nearly a half-hour of new jokes every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET — a run unlike anything in comedy today.

A Comedy Blueprint Like No Other

In a time when most comedians release a new special every couple of years, Johnson is rewriting the rules. His approach resembles a podcast but with fully written jokes performed live on stage. Each set reflects major stories from the week, with personal stories and broader themes woven into the material.

The result? Over 1.3 million new subscribers, 250 million views, and consistent engagement that has turned Johnson into one of YouTube’s most-watched comics. Rolling Stone even credited him with “reinventing comedy.” He’s also earned an Emmy nomination for a standout set about Luigi.

Beyond the Numbers: Why It Works

Josh says his success comes from consistency, community, and staying true to the comedy. He avoids chasing viral moments, instead focusing on connection — helping audiences feel seen and making comedy that lasts. His grounded mindset and weekly creative output are already influencing other top comics like Michelle Wolf and Chris Distefano, who are following suit with similar weekly performance formats.

Much like Dane Cook’s use of MySpace or Andrew Schulz’s crowd work on YouTube, Josh Johnson is pioneering a new path — one that blends the immediacy of news with the timelessness of stand-up.

More Than Just Views

While his digital footprint is massive, Josh’s real-life shows are just as impressive. He recently sold out three back-to-back shows at the Paramount Theatre in Austin — each one featuring a different version of his act. This level of flexibility, combined with his deep writing, sets him apart.

And it’s not just about jokes. Josh is intentional about the venues he performs in and prioritizes the live experience. He’s focused on making comedy accessible, affordable, and impactful — without compromising on quality.

The Future of Stand-Up Might Be Weekly

As more comics experiment with weekly sets, Josh Johnson’s model could be the next major shift in how comedians connect with fans. It’s more than just clips and content. It’s about building something that resonates — every single week.


If you haven’t seen Josh’s work yet, check out his YouTube channel or his latest podcast appearance on Are You Garbage. For even more clips and behind-the-scenes footage, visit the Joke World Patreon.