What Now? with Trevor Noah

Jokes, Outrage, and the New Rules of Comedy with Sam Morril

48 snips
Nov 20, 2025
Stand-up comedian Sam Morril joins the conversation, sharing his journey from early influences like Pryor and Carlin to navigating the complexities of modern comedy. He discusses the challenges of crafting jokes in an outrage-driven culture and how audience expectations have shifted. Morril highlights the thrill of pushing boundaries and steering audiences in unexpected directions while staying true to authenticity. They also touch on the impact of algorithms on comedy and the joy of performing live, emphasizing how stand-up remains vital during turbulent times.
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INSIGHT

Live Feedback Is Stand-Up's Superpower

  • Stand-up's instant audience feedback makes it more like iterative product testing than other arts.
  • Sam says comics focus-test material constantly by trying bits live and refining them on the road.
ADVICE

Change A Failing Ending

  • If a creative ending or joke doesn't land with test audiences, change it even if it's your original vision.
  • Sam cites Jordan Peele changing Get Out's ending after negative responses.
ANECDOTE

Why Sam Loves The Tour Bus

  • Sam toured on a bus, sleeping in bunks and hitting YMCAs for basketball and saunas between cities.
  • He prefers the rhythm of bus travel and late-night movies to frequent flying and hotels.
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