Joel Kim Booster is a Chicago-bred, Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who was named one of the TIME100 Next 2022 as an emerging advocate and creative, and a Variety Screenwriter to Watch (2022). Joel has also been recognized as one of The Queer Young Comics Redefining American Humor by the New York Times. Joel starred in the Searchlight Pictures rom-com Fire Island, which won the 2023 Dorian Award for Best TV movie and was called an “instant classic” by the AV Club. The GLAAD Award winning film, which he also wrote, was released on Hulu in June 2022 and received a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Screenplay and two Emmy nominations for his writing and best Outstanding Television movie in 2023.

Why'd We Book It?

Joel Kim Booster has been on our list for a long time, and they're one of the sharpest performers working - commenting on everything from their own identity to pop culture writ large. With such a unique and sharp perspective, it's no wonder why they've turned into one of Hollywood's most exciting young creatives - from writing their own projects (the wonderfully fun Fire Island) to writing/producing criticial and audience favorites like The Other Two (possibly our favorite show of the last 5 years) - and even their own Netflix Special. Joel threads the needle between raunchy vulnerability centered around their identity, and high level observational humor - an enticing mix that has won over crowds (and Hollywood) in quick succession. And they have one of the strongest fashion games in Comedy. Now it's our turn to see them, live, with a new hour!

For Fans Of...

Las Culturistas, Pat Regan, John Early, Abs, The Other Two, and Loot

Extended Bio:

His first hour-long comedy special for Netflix, called Psychosexual, was nominated for a Critics Choice Award and named one of the best comedy specials of 2022 by Variety. In his special, Joel explores his experiences and observations as a gay Asian American male with commentary on identity, sexuality, cultural expectations, and more. Joel currently stars on the Apple TV+ series Loot playing Nicholas, Maya Rudolph’s quirky assistant. The series was created by Alan Yang and Mat Hubbard and will have its season 2 premiere later this year. Other TV and Film credits include Sunnyside (NBC), Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Shrill (Hulu), Search Party (TBS), BoJack Horseman, Big Mouth, The Week Of (Netflix), & American Dad (Fox).