Iliza Shlesinger's comedy evolution: ‘You don't want to be 42 telling the same jokes you told at 22'

Yahoo

28-05-2025

Iliza Shlesinger broke into the comedy world in her early 20s with razor-sharp observations about dating, singlehood, and the absurdities of modern womanhood. Her unapologetic style and knack for storytelling quickly earned her a loyal fanbase and a string of hit specials on Netflix. Now, at 42 and a mother of two, Shlesinger is entering a new phase — both onstage and off.
Her latest stand-up special, A Different Animal, marks her debut on Prime Video and a fresh chapter in a career that's spanned nearly two decades. Shlesinger says her voice has evolved with time, shaped by life experience and motherhood.
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Below, she reflects on the evolution of her comedy, the responsibility she feels to her audience, and why she believes her latest work is her most polished yet.
Iliza Shlesinger: I started doing standup at 21, and then I became a professional around 24. My specials started maybe in my late 20s or early 30s. Now I'm 42 and a mother of two, so my job is to analyze life and call life as I see it. I began as a young woman talking about dating, back when the internet wasn't everywhere and opinions on society weren't so constant. Over time, I've evolved to have a more concise opinion — from commenting on women, to advocating for and validating why we are the way we are, to telling other women they're not crazy. Now people show up to hear that hot take, reverent or serious as it may be. That's where we are with A Different Animal.
I never pressure myself. Sometimes I'm on stage two weeks later, which is my favorite part — because then I'm not polishing but improvising. It feels like jazz after the written music of the special.
When I made that list, I wanted it to come from a fun place. Of course, we end with something serious and scathing — that's the reversal everyone waits for. But I wanted men to enjoy it too, not come from anger. I don't believe you uplift women by saying horrible things about men, and that's not the vibe of my special. So I chose things that harm no one and that everyone can agree on. That way, I keep the other half of the audience involved.
Whenever, wherever. But the skill is knowing when to write something down — like when you're attuned to something different. I have scraps of paper, gum wrappers, phone notes everywhere. Sometimes I open my phone and see a note that says, 'Pit bull eye job,' and I'm like, what's that brilliant joke?
Honestly, none. I hear about comics who have mentors when they start, but I never had that. After 10 years, I thought I knew everything, but then you realize how much you don't know. The biggest thing is that comedy — and really any career — is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to keep working, keep evolving, and be grateful for the chance to create a body of work over time. I want to look back and see my audience growing with me, not be a flash in the pan.
Adam Sandler was huge for me growing up. I always loved sketch comedy, which shaped my storytelling style. It wasn't until much later I realized how much that influenced me.
Touring full time with two little ones is heartbreaking. I miss them so much. Everything else is a gray haze until I'm on stage for that one hour. I've brought my daughter to shows a few times, but it's a lot of work. My daughter is three, my son is one, so I'm in the thick of it. Motherhood has made me realize how much work women put into everything all the time. It's scary as an artist to open up like that, but it's part of growing. You don't want to be the comic at 42 telling the same jokes you told at 22.
I put all the thought in the world into it. Maybe I'm old school, but I believe in a polished product. Everything is a visual piece of art and needs to inform the performance. The set is white with my name in the background because I want you to know who you're watching. I'm not an alter ego on stage; I'm me, just fearless and bigger.
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