Boy from New York City

Richard Jeni brings a distinct outer-borough energy to the stage in his breakout Showtime special. He leans into his Brooklyn upbringing and Catholic background, delivering fast-paced, highly structured routines. The material relies heavily on tight premises rather than sprawling stories, maintaining a continuous rhythm of setups and punchlines.

Before this set, Jeni spent his twenties bouncing through public relations jobs, reportedly getting fired from five different firms before pivoting to stand-up in 1982. Boy from New York City marked his true arrival on the national scene. It earned him a CableACE Award and cemented his status as a reliable draw, paving the way for his frequent appearances on The Tonight Show.

The routines reflect the late-1980s club boom making its transition to television. Standout moments include a routine about the questionable creative decisions in the Jaws film franchise, a segment dedicated entirely to love songs, and a bit defending fast-food workers from condescending customers.