Present/Tense

Louis Katz wants to write jokes, not a theatrical monologue about his trauma. Filmed at The Comedy Fort in Fort Collins, Colorado, this self-financed, independently released special begins with a star-studded cold open featuring Dave Attell, Ali Wong, and Marc Maron, who testify that Katz is indeed the “best comedian you’ve never heard of.” Once on stage, he wastes no time rejecting the modern trend of the “vulnerable” solo show, actively mocking the way contemporary comics drop their voices to a somber, NPR-style whisper when they want the audience to think they’re doing art rather than stand-up.\n\nInstead of therapeutic processing, Katz delivers a highly structured, joke-dense set that merges intellectual skepticism with unapologetically crude premises. He breaks down the “ABCs of Negativity” as a self-help philosophy and laments how receiving unconditional parental support as a child left him entirely unprepared for the harsh realities of adult life. From comparing white women’s societal standing to “the Jews of gender” to analyzing the physical logistics of a large penis, Katz balances cynical, high-concept observations with filthy punchlines.\n\nReleased on YouTube in late 2023, the self-funded project quickly gained traction, racking up over a million views in its first few months. It serves as a showcase for a veteran club comedian who chose to bypass industry gatekeepers, betting his own savings on the appeal of lean, punchline-heavy stand-up.