Tony Hinchcliffe: Woke Hollywood studios killed comedy movies… and we have the answer to that

by

During a recent appearance on the All-In Podcast holiday special, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe didn’t hold back when discussing the state of Hollywood comedy films, offering a critique of major studios and their approach to comedic content.

When asked about the landscape of comedy in entertainment, Hinchcliffe identified what he considers the primary culprit behind comedy’s decline in theaters. “The biggest loser really are these giant movie studios which still are virtue signaling and afraid to take any chances whatsoever,” he stated.

Hinchcliffe pointed to a specific film as the last theatrical comedy to truly push boundaries. “The last movie with any edge at all in a theater I think was The Hangover which I think was 2006, 2005,” he said, noting the franchise’s commercial success. “And it made a billion dollars that franchise.”

The Kill Tony host’s observations highlight what many in the comedy community have long suspected: major studios have become increasingly risk-averse when it comes to edgy comedic content. This conservatism stands in stark contrast to the success of comedy on alternative platforms, where Hinchcliffe himself has thrived.

However, Hinchcliffe revealed that he and his team aren’t simply complaining about the problem. They’re actively working on a solution. “We are working on something and really it’s going to be it’s going to be definitely the answer to that and it’s all happening,” he announced to applause from the audience.

Rather than wait for traditional Hollywood studios to greenlight their vision, Hinchcliffe’s team took matters into their own hands. “We already went and got independent financing for it, my amazing team over at UTA,” he explained, confirming that the project would allow creative freedom without studio interference.

When asked about his comedic influences and inspirations for the project, Hinchcliffe cited an unexpected favorite. “Without a doubt, and it’s an odd pick because it’s not the one everybody thinks that I’m going to say, but Kingpin with Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray, I think, is the best Farrelly Brothers film. I think it’s the funniest thing Bill Murray’s ever done. I think it’s the funniest thing Woody Harrelson’s ever done.”

Hinchcliffe’s commentary comes at a time when his own platform, Kill Tony, has achieved remarkable success by embracing the exact opposite approach of major studios. The show recently secured a four-special deal with Netflix and ranked as the number two podcast on YouTube, trailing only Joe Rogan. This success demonstrates that audiences still have an appetite for comedy that takes chances and pushes boundaries.