Strictly Business UTA's Blair Kohan and Jason Heyman on the Business of Comedy: 'If You Don't Build It, They Won't Come'
Nov 21, 2025
Blair Cohan, a partner at United Talent Agency with a keen eye for comedic talent, and Jason Heyman, a seasoned agent specializing in career building, explore the shifting landscape of comedy. They discuss how comedic opportunities are moving from theaters to streaming, citing shows like Ted Lasso. The duo highlights the importance of live shows in talent discovery and career growth, while also emphasizing the need for studios to embrace risks and create new brands. With insights on mentorship and multi-hyphenate careers, they reveal how the industry is evolving.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
TV Replaced Theatrical Comedy Boom
- Television has become the primary growth space for big comedy stars as theatrical opportunities contracted.
- Blair Cohan and Jason Heyman note many movie comedians moved to prestige TV to rebuild audiences and careers.
Streamers' One-Season Cut Kills Growth
- Streaming platforms often cancel comedies before they find footing, unlike old network patience.
- Jason Heyman and Blair Cohan argue shows like Ted Lasso needed multiple seasons to soar, but streamers frequently cut shows early.
Allow Creators Time Between Seasons
- Give creators flexibility to return when creatively ready instead of forcing constant churn.
- Allowing gaps between seasons can preserve quality and let creators pursue fresh ideas, Jason Heyman suggests.
