How Appropriate or Clean Should Comedy Be?

Lately, I've been getting a lot of request from touring comics that they want their opening acts to perform clean comedy. Many of audiences have reached out about whether the performance will be appropriate for everyone in their family. So that brings the question...

Should You Perform Clean Comedy?

I hear it all the time. It's an ongoing debates among comedians about whether to perform clean comedy or to embrace edgier, more provocative material. Both approaches have their merits, but the decision can significantly impact your audience, opportunities, and personal style. So, let's explore if it is good to perform clean comedy?

TV Clean or not TV Clean Comedy. That is the Question.

What Is Clean Comedy?  

Clean comedy is humor that avoids profanity, racial or political slurs, sexual content, and anything that could be considered offensive or controversial. It’s suitable for all ages and settings like family shows, corporate events, or venues with strict content guidelines. Just typing that sounds boring even though companies like Disney have made a bazillion dollars doing just that.

Pros of Performing Clean Comedy  

• Broader Audience Appeal: Clean comedy can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. This inclusivity can expand your fan base and open doors to family friendly venues, corporate gigs, and festivals.

• More Opportunities: Many organizations, companies, and event producers prefer to book clean comedians (because they don't want to offend anyone), which can lead to more consistent work.

• Less Risk of Offending: With clean material, you minimize the risk of alienating parts of your audience or facing controversy. It’s a safer route if you want a versatile, professional reputation. No one wants to get cancelled before they even started.

• Creative Challenge: Crafting humor without relying on offensive content can push you to develop clever, relatable jokes that rely on storytelling, wordplay, and observational humor.

Cons of Performing Clean Comedy  

• Limitations on Material: Some comedians feel that clean comedy can be limiting, especially if their natural style leans toward edgier or more rebellious humor. This can make it harder to express their authentic voice.

• Perceived as Less "Cool" or Rebellious: In certain circles, clean comedy might be viewed as less daring or edgy, potentially affecting a comedian’s street cred or brand identity.

• Harder to Stand Out: Since many comedians perform edgier material, standing out as a clean comic may require more ingenuity and finesse to keep the audience engaged.

Should You Perform Clean or Edgy?  

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal style, goals, and the audience you want to reach. Some comedians thrive as clean performers, building careers in family entertainment, corporate gigs, or religious events. Others prefer the freedom to push boundaries and explore more controversial topics.

Many successful comedians find a middle ground where they can perform clean in certain venues and perform their edgier material elsewhere, tailoring their act to the audience.

Final Thoughts (for now) 

As a comedy owner, I see performing clean comedy has many advantages, especially in increasing opportunities and reaching diverse audiences. It can also challenge you creatively to find humor that’s clever, relatable, and inclusive.

But whether you choose to go clean or embrace edgier material, the key is being authentic to your voice and knowing your audience. At the end of the day, the most memorable comedians are those who stay true to themselves and connect with their audience, whether that’s with family friendly jokes or provocative humor. But also...it's got to be funny! If you push the boundaries, you better be pushing for more laughs.

Lucky for comedians, there’s plenty of room for both approaches in the world of comedy!