Pete Holmes Finds Magic in New Era of Show Business

The veteran comedian discusses reclaiming the joy of stand-up in a changing entertainment landscape.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, glittering piece of metallic fabric, capturing the luxurious textures and dramatic lighting of a celebrity red carpet setting.Veteran comedian Pete Holmes reflects on the evolving entertainment landscape and finding new ways to maintain his passion for stand-up.Los Angeles Today

In an interview on Deadline's Comedy Means Business podcast, comedian Pete Holmes reflects on his 25-year career and how he's adapted his approach to stand-up as the industry has evolved. Holmes discusses finding a healthier work-life balance, the disappearance of traditional talent incubation opportunities, and his philosophy on engaging with audiences through crowd work.

Why it matters

Holmes' perspective provides insight into the challenges and adjustments veteran comedians have had to make as the entertainment business has been reshaped by factors like the rise of social media and streaming. His experience highlights how established performers are navigating a new era while preserving their passion for the craft.

The details

After years of grinding out multiple shows per night, Holmes now aims to 'water' his comedy 'just as little as possible,' touring one weekend a month and doing a few local spots to maintain a healthier work-life balance. He recognizes the need to perform regularly to avoid getting 'irritable,' but has also learned to be more selective. Holmes came up through a version of the comedy landscape that no longer exists, benefiting from opportunities like TV specials and late-night sets that have become more scarce. He expresses nostalgia for the 'old way' of show business, where 'gatekeepers' like TV executives helped create a sense of meaning and accomplishment. However, Holmes also acknowledges the positive aspects of the current era, calling it 'a wonderful time for comedy.' He's adapted his approach to crowd work, softening his stance as audiences have come to expect more interaction.

  • Holmes began performing stand-up during his senior year at Gordon College in the early 2000s.
  • He launched his podcast 'You Made It Weird' just a few years after comedy podcast pioneers Mark Maron and Joe Rogan.
  • Holmes' late-night show 'The Pete Holmes Show' aired on TBS and was executive produced by Conan O'Brien.
  • His semi-autobiographical HBO series 'Crashing' chronicled his early stand-up years, marriage, divorce, and evolving spiritual beliefs.

The players

Pete Holmes

A 25-year veteran stand-up comedian who has found success through TV specials, late-night appearances, podcasting, and a semi-autobiographical HBO series.

JoAnn Grigioni

A Comedy Central executive who gave Holmes the opportunity to do a 'Comedy Central Presents' special, a milestone moment in his career.

Conan O'Brien

The veteran late-night host who executive produced Holmes' short-lived TBS talk show 'The Pete Holmes Show.'

Gianmarco Soresi

A younger stand-up comedian whose advice has informed Holmes' approach to his comedy business.

Rick Glassman

Another up-and-coming stand-up comedian whose perspective has influenced Holmes' evolving comedy philosophy.

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What they’re saying

“I look at comedy like a cactus at this point in my career: I try to water it just as little as possible. I'm really trying to dial it in. How can I have as much of a normal life and be with my wife and daughter as much as I can...but still do comedy?”

— Pete Holmes, Comedian

“I've noticed that on one hand, if I don't perform enough, I get irritable. So there is a 'not enough.' And I love my wife so much. We'll be at dinner, and I'll be incapable of tuning the people out that are next to us. I'm neurotic. I'm like 'This f*cking guy.' She's like, 'Pete, you need to do a set.'”

— Pete Holmes, Comedian

“I like the old way because it felt really special. That's the underreported benefit of gatekeepers. Like, I remember where I was when JoAnn Grigioni said, 'You can do a Comedy Central Presents.' When I'm in New York, I'll sometimes be on that corner and I'll be like, 'Oh my God, this is where happened.' You don't get that feeling posting a TikTok clip.”

— Pete Holmes, Comedian

The takeaway

As the entertainment industry has undergone a major transformation, veteran comedians like Pete Holmes have had to adapt their approaches to preserve their passion for stand-up while finding a healthier work-life balance. Holmes' perspective highlights how established performers are navigating this new era, valuing the sense of meaning and accomplishment that the 'old way' of show business provided while also embracing the positive aspects of the current landscape.