In an era where comedians can rack up millions of views on TikTok and YouTube, many might assume television has lost its relevance for stand-up comics. But for Josh Johnson comedian, viral sensation, and now co-host of The Daily Show TV still holds immense value in a comedian’s career.
Speaking with the BBC’s Katty Kay, Johnson reflected on how comedy’s path to success has shifted. In the past, a single TV spot on Johnny Carson could make a career overnight. Today, the internet offers a direct-to-consumer approach, allowing comedians to bypass gatekeepers. But Johnson believes each “golden era” eventually fades as the field gets crowded and the same will be true for social media.
While independent creators are rising, Johnson doesn’t think they’ll completely replace legacy platforms. Traditional TV, movies, and news still provide cultural impact and career credibility that the internet alone can’t replicate. “We still like the idea that there’s a big thing a person could do,” he noted.
For Johnson, the most important relationship with an audience happens in person, not through comment sections. Social media feedback can be useful, but he warns against being consumed by numbers or chasing algorithms. True audience loyalty, he says, is built through community both online and at live shows.
He’s also unshaken by technological fears, including AI. Tools can’t replace the human element in creativity, he argues, comparing it to a hammer that still needs a carpenter. What matters most is perseverance, especially in the early stages when success is uncertain.
Johnson’s balanced approach embracing both the reach of social media and the prestige of television offers a blueprint for modern comedians. Viral clips might provide a moment, but lasting careers are built on what comedians do with that moment. For Johnson, the future of comedy isn’t an “internet versus TV” battle. It’s about using both to create meaningful, lasting connections with audiences.
