When “Good Enough” Just Isn’t Enough
A Saturday Night Comedy Show That Reminded Me Why Random Isn’t Memorable—And Why That Matters in Comedy and Marketing
Lately, going out hasn’t felt like a priority. With routines settling in and expenses piling up, stepping out often seems more of a hassle than a joy. However, this past weekend, I made an exception for an 8 p.m. comedy show, expecting a top-notch experience, what I got instead served as a reminder of why some nights fade into memory while others shine brightly.
Read on to find out what happened…
Saturday at 8 PM is supposed to be the A-team.
That did not happen.
Yes, the room was packed.
But why?
Because the venue was filling seats the easy way:
Groupon deals
Flyer handouts
TripAdvisor tourists looking for something to do.
That’s not a comedy club selling an experience—that’s a business filling a room by any means necessary.
And that’s the real issue: what brings people back?
Filling a room is not the same as building an audience.
Selling discounted tickets might get you a full house, but if the show isn’t remarkable and doesn’t leave a lasting impression, what’s the point?
Random Isn’t Memorable
Comedy is an art form, but it’s also an experience. The best shows feel like a journey. The lineup should level up throughout the night, building momentum so that by the time the last act hits the stage, the audience is locked in, laughing harder than they have all night, and leaving on a high.
That didn’t happen here.
Instead, we got a random mix of comedians, thrown together with no real flow or progression. Some had experience, some clearly didn’t. Some delivered decent sets, others struggled to connect. None of them felt like they were on their way up.
And that’s a problem.
At a place like The Comedy Cellar, the night has a structure, an energy, a feeling that the comics you’re watching either have made it, are making it, or absolutely could.
You’ll see Gary Gulman, Colin Quinn, Tom Segura, or an up-and-coming comic who feels like they’re going somewhere.
Here? This felt like an open mic with a budget.
The “Industry Credibility” Problem: Does Being on HBO or The Tonight Show Matter Anymore?
One of the comedians on the lineup had a “credit”—they were on 30 Rock.
But let’s be honest: How long ago was 30 Rock?
More importantly, what was their actual role?
Were they a main cast member?
A recurring character?
Or just “Man in Elevator #3” in an episode from 2010?
In the past, appearing on The Tonight Show or HBO was considered a career-defining moment. A performance on Carson, Letterman, or even early Conan signified that you had made it. A special on HBO or Comedy Central could kickstart a career.
That’s not how it works anymore.
Does their industry credit even matter if a comedian isn’t Instagram famous, YouTube famous, or consistently engaging with an online audience?
Being Funny Isn’t Enough Anymore—You Have to Be Digital
We live in an era where comedians have to build their platforms. The internet has flipped the industry upside down:
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube drive discovery more than any TV show could.
Podcasts are now the proving ground for comedic talent.
Clips go viral in hours—TV spots are forgotten in days.
Think about it: how many people in 2025 are discovering comedians through TV appearances?
Not many.
The best comedians today aren’t waiting to be discovered by a network executive. They are:
Creating their own content.
Posting clips.
Engaging with audiences online.
Building their own brands.
And that’s the difference.
Great stand-up isn’t just about telling jokes anymore—it’s about knowing how to stay relevant.
Marketing, Comedy, and the Power of the Unforgettable Experience
And here’s the crossover into marketing:
A business can have:
Great service.
A well-run operation.
Perfect logistics.
But if what you’re offering feels forgettable, none of that matters.
When someone leaves a comedy show, what should they be saying?
“That was an unforgettable night of comedy.”
Not, “The service was good.”
Not, “The logistics were smooth.”
Not, “The drinks were decent.”
People don’t rave about functionality. They remember how something made them feel.
It’s the same in business.
If a brand delivers a generic experience, it doesn’t matter how well-executed the details are. People won't return if it doesn’t create a real emotional connection.
The Bottom Line: Unforgettable Isn’t Accidental
This applies whether you’re running a comedy club, a brand, or experience-driven business.
You have to craft a journey. Whether it’s a comedy lineup or a marketing campaign, the experience must build and improve as it goes on.
Random isn’t memorable. The best shows (and brands) know how to guide their audience through an experience.
“Industry credibility” doesn’t matter without connection. If you’re not building an audience, if you’re not engaging, if you’re not creating something that people actively want to follow—then you’re just another name on a flyer.
People don’t come back for “good enough.” They come back for something that sticks with them.
That’s what was missing from this show. And that’s why it wasn’t worth the Saturday night.
great article, Jay! :)