UMVA has learned that legendary comic Jeff Foxworthy has released his new stand-up comedy special, The Joke’s On Me, on a popular media streaming service.
The special, which dropped on June 1, offers viewers a unique behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a comedy show. Foxworthy bartered for the special, asking to show viewers the entire process of crafting the show, and to his surprise, the streaming service agreed.
The special features clips of Foxworthy testing jokes at comedy clubs over the course of a year, as well as intimate chats with his wife and a childhood friend. These clips, which total about 15 minutes, give viewers a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a comedy special.
The remaining 45 minutes of the special, filmed at Gas South Theatre in Duluth, Georgia, showcases Foxworthy’s new material, including a 14-minute joke about getting bitten by a venomous snake. He also tackles topics like aging gracefully, his 42-year marriage, and a heartwarming story about his grandson.
Foxworthy’s trademark “You might be a redneck” jokes are also featured in the special, but he steers clear of political humor, intentionally avoiding topics that might split the audience. Instead, he focuses on observations that resonate with people from all walks of life.
In a candid interview, Foxworthy shared his thoughts on trust in government, news, and social media, revealing that he’s noticed a disturbing trend. “Over the last few months, I’ve probably asked this about 10 times … and I don’t really know what I want to do with it … but I’ve asked the entire audience, ‘How many people trust your government?’ Do you know, not one person has yet to raise their hand,” he said.
Foxworthy believes that good comedy is about telling the truth and observing life. With a 57-year career in comedy, he’s learned that people are more alike than they are different, and that comedy can bring people together.
However, Foxworthy acknowledges that the comedy industry has changed dramatically in the digital age. He notes that the short attention span of social media has made it harder for comedians to connect with their audience and stand out from the crowd.
When asked for advice for aspiring comedians, Foxworthy was clear: “Somebody will come up [to me] and they’ll go, ‘I think I want to be a comic, but … I’m not ready to quit my job,’ and I’m like, ‘well, if you’re not ready to quit your job, you really don’t want to be a comic,’ because, the ones that I know, it’s like once they discovered it, there was no other option, it was ‘I’m gonna do this regardless.’”
As for whether this is his last comedy special, Foxworthy is uncertain, but he’s proud of what he’s created. He knows that timing is everything, and he doesn’t want to overstay his welcome. For now, The Joke’s On Me is available for fans to enjoy.
