When to Give Up on a Premise
You know that moment when you stumble across a premise so funny, you laugh out loud in public, and people look at you like you’ve just confessed to loving pineapple on pizza? (Which, for the record, I do—judge me.) You think, “This is it! This joke is going to kill on stage. It’ll be my new closer. Netflix will call me, and I’ll retire on a yacht named ‘Punchline Princess.’”
And then... it doesn’t work. Not once. Not twice. Not after you’ve tried it on five different crowds. Not even after you’ve rewritten it so many times the original joke is now a missing person on a milk carton. It’s painful, like breaking up with a toxic ex who still owes you money.
So, when do you give up on writing a joke from a funny premise? Here’s my take:
1. When You’re More Obsessed with the Premise Than the Punchline
A great premise is like a shiny new toy. It’s exciting! It’s full of potential! But if the punchline isn’t there, it’s just a shiny toy that doesn’t do anything. Comedy is a conversation with the audience—they’re not just here for your clever idea; they want the payoff. If you’re holding onto a premise just because it sounds smart or unique, it might be time to let it go.
2. When Your Efforts Feel Like a Netflix Series That Should’ve Ended Three Seasons Ago
You’ve written the joke backwards, forwards, sideways, and upside down. You’ve taken it to writing groups, open mics, and that one drunk cousin who thinks he’s hilarious (spoiler: he’s not). If all your work still isn’t landing, it might be time to Marie Kondo that joke and thank it for its service.
3. When You’re the Only One Laughing
Look, I’ve been there. You deliver the joke, and instead of laughs, you get the comedy equivalent of crickets: polite smiles and nods. Meanwhile, in your head, you’re thinking, “Come on, this is gold!” Here’s the deal: If the audience doesn’t get it, it’s not their fault. It’s yours. The best jokes are universal enough to connect with strangers in a room. If it’s not connecting, it might be time to move on.
4. When It’s Distracting You from Writing Other Material
Sometimes a premise becomes the Bermuda Triangle of your creativity. You’re so obsessed with making it work that you’re ignoring other ideas with just as much (or more) potential. Remember, no single joke will make or break your career. Don’t let one stubborn premise block you from exploring what else your funny brain can do.
5. When It’s Just Not Fun Anymore
Comedy is supposed to be fun! Sure, it’s hard work, but if a joke is sucking the joy out of your writing process, it might not be worth it. If you’re dreading the thought of tweaking it one more time or trying it on stage again, listen to that feeling. Trust me, there are always more jokes to write.
The Final Word
Giving up on a joke doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve learned something. Maybe the timing wasn’t right. Maybe the premise wasn’t as funny as you thought. Or maybe it’s a joke for a future you to crack—when you’re older, wiser, or just slightly less caffeinated.
So, let it go. You’ve got a million other jokes inside you, just waiting to be written. And who knows? That “failed” premise might inspire something even better down the line.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go work on my closer. Netflix hasn’t called yet, but my yacht dreams are still alive.
