What's Going On with Chris Distefano

Chris Distefano: A Comedian at the Crossroads of Chaos and Success

When Chris Distefano takes a seat, you know you’re in for a ride. The former physical therapist turned stand-up comedian has had a wild few years, from co-hosting Hey Babe with Sal Vulcano to navigating a pandemic-era comedy scene with his hit podcast Chrissy Chaos. But with recent big moves, including his new special on Hulu and joining Tom Segura's Your Mom's House network, Chris is now stepping into a new era, filled with both opportunities and challenges. His interview with Joke WRLD delves into all of it—personal transitions, career pivots, and his unique brand of comedy that leaves no stone unturned.

Your podcast just joined the Your Mom's House Network. What’s the biggest difference being under the YMH umbrella?
Distefano doesn’t skip a beat: “Just being around Tom Segura more, and being yelled at for being poor,” he jokes, before launching into how the switch has been a positive one. Moving to Austin and joining YMH has shifted the way Chris approaches his podcast, giving him access to a larger network while dealing with the reality of making a living in the comedy world. There’s an easy rapport between Distefano and his new boss, but Chris isn’t afraid to acknowledge the financial realities: “That’s why I’m getting less money, probably.”

Mike Cannon said in a recent interview that if you played a one-on-one basketball game, you’d wear him down with your 'fat ass.' How do you think that game would really go?
Chris leans into the humor, as expected: “I do have a lunch lady ass,” he quips. “If you drop into any school cafeteria, there’s always a 50-to-60-year-old woman with a huge ass. That’s the ass I’ve been blessed with.” But beneath the jokes, you get the sense that, while both he and Cannon could play, neither wants to know the real outcome. It’s classic Distefano—teetering between playful and thoughtful, always with a punchline at the ready.

You’re one of the first comedians to release a special on Hulu. What are your thoughts on Hulu entering the comedy space?
Distefano sees the bigger picture. Hulu’s foray into stand-up is reminiscent of when Netflix first started betting on comedians like Tom Segura. “I’m happy to be part of the first wave,” he says, hoping that Hulu’s monthly release format will give each comic, himself included, a fair shot at exposure. While Chris admits that catching Netflix’s dominance in the comedy world will be tough, he points out Hulu’s Disney partnership, adding with a laugh, “If Netflix wants to compete, they might need to team up with Saudi Arabia.”

Your new special, It’s Just Unfortunate, drops soon. What was the story behind the title?
Naming a special is always a process, and for Chris, it wasn’t easy. After back-and-forth debates with Hulu over various options like Special Chrissy and Mr. Perfect, they settled on It’s Just Unfortunate. The title comes from a recurring phrase Chris uses in his stand-up, encapsulating his comedy’s mix of self-deprecation and observational humor. The special is set for release on February 21st, and Chris jokes that he’s “proud” to be the comic getting prime billing during Black History Month.

Comedians often say that stand-up specials are becoming 'less special.' What’s your take on that?
Chris doesn’t shy away from this popular sentiment. “I do think they’re oversaturated now,” he acknowledges, but he’s quick to argue that they’re still vital to a comedian’s evolution. The real key, in his opinion, is getting clips out to the public. He cites Sebastian Maniscalco as an example of a comedian who achieved mainstream success not just through his specials but by strategically releasing clips. Chris knows that in today’s comedy landscape, it’s all about striking a balance between live crowd work and delivering a polished hour-long set—both of which are crucial to lasting in the industry.

You were on Kill Tony last night for the first time in a while. What’s changed about the show since you last appeared?
Chris sees Kill Tony evolving into something much bigger. “It’s like The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” he says, noting how a killer minute on the show can open doors for comedians in a way few other platforms can. His advice to future panelists? Don’t wear clothes you love, because Kill Tony guarantees you’ll leave with the smell of “weed, cigarettes, and spit from Special Needs people” on your favorite threads.

Fans are dying to know—what’s the official status of Hey Babe?
The question Chris can’t escape. While Hey Babe is currently on hiatus, there’s hope on the horizon. “Sal Vulcano got busy again with Impractical Jokers,” Chris explains, “but we’re planning to return when his schedule clears up, hopefully this winter.” Fans of Hey Babe can rest easy knowing that the dynamic duo of Sal and Chris is only on pause, not permanently gone.

Chris Distefano’s Next Chapter

From his lunch lady jokes to his thoughtful takes on the future of comedy, Chris Distefano is both a comedian and an evolving force in the stand-up world. His upcoming special It’s Just Unfortunate, dropping on Hulu this February, is set to showcase not just his humor but his ability to navigate a rapidly changing comedy landscape. And with a potential return of Hey Babe on the horizon, Distefano continues to prove that, no matter what stage he’s on, he’s a comedian who always has something fresh—and hilarious—to say.

For more in-depth interviews and comedy news, check out Joke WRLD’s full interview with Chris Distefano. You’ll get all the details, straight from the man himself, about what’s next for this comedy powerhouse.