When to Retire a Joke
Comedy is an ever-evolving art form, much like fashion—except no one looks good in bell-bottom jokes anymore. As comedians, we thrive on laughter, but sometimes, even our best punchlines outlive their prime. Over my years in comedy, I’ve learned that retiring a joke is as crucial as crafting one. Here’s my take on when it’s time to bid a joke farewell and why doing so can actually elevate your act.
1. When the Laughs Have Faded
We all have those bits that once brought the house down. They were show-stoppers, the reason people rolled in the aisles (and sometimes into their drinks). But if the punchline starts landing softer than a marshmallow on a cloud, it’s time to take a good, hard look at that material.
The audience might have heard it before, or maybe it’s just not hitting the cultural nerve it used to. When a joke no longer resonates, it’s a sign that its moment in the spotlight has passed.
2. When the World Has Moved On
Comedy thrives on relevance. A joke about a MySpace page or Y2K might have been gold back in the day, but now? Crickets. Pop culture and technology move at lightning speed, and your jokes need to keep up.
I once had a killer routine about beepers—yes, beepers—but I had to retire it when people started asking, “What’s a beeper?” (Cue existential crisis.)
3. When It Feels Lazy
As comedians, we’re creative beasts. If you’re leaning too hard on an old joke just because it’s safe, you’re cheating yourself and your audience. Sure, that joke about your Uncle Larry might still get a chuckle, but are you challenging yourself as a performer?
Comedy is about growth. If you’re not pushing the envelope, you’re sealing yourself in.
4. When It’s No Longer You
We all grow and change as people—hopefully. What was authentic to you five years ago might feel foreign now. I’ve retired jokes because they didn’t fit who I was anymore.
When you’re on stage, your authenticity shines brighter than any punchline. If a joke feels out of place, it’s time to thank it for its service and move on.
5. When It’s Been Stolen
Here’s the thing: in comedy, originality is your currency. If you’ve been doing a joke for years and suddenly someone else is performing a similar one, you’ve got two options—fight for your material (which is exhausting) or let it go and write something even better.
A great comic is never defined by one joke.
The Art of Letting Go
Retiring a joke isn’t a funeral; it’s a graduation. You’re letting that joke take its well-earned place in the archives of your career while you move on to write something new, something sharper, something that keeps the audience—and yourself—on their toes.
Comedy is alive, dynamic, and ever-changing. By knowing when to let a joke go, you’re making room for the next big laugh. And trust me, that next big laugh? It’s worth it.
So here’s to retiring jokes, not because they failed us, but because they served their purpose. Long live the laughter!
- ANT
