Comedy Star On The Rise: Caleb Hearon!

From parental death to the Holocaust, Caleb Hearon uses comedy to confront life's darkest moments in his debut special Model Comedian. Hearon’s special, which premiered last month, strikes the perfect balance of light-hearted humor and edgy commentary, offering one hour of laugh-out-loud jokes while tackling sensitive, serious topics. 

The 30-year-old actor and comedian from Kansas City, Missouri, got his start performing stand-up comedy in Chicago. After establishing himself in the stand-up world, Hearon began posting on social media, quickly rising to internet fame through his popular comedy podcast, “So True with Caleb Hearon”. Each week he sits down with a new guest, from fellow comedians and influencers to everyday blue-collar workers, to share meaningful yet hilarious conversations and unlocking fresh perspectives. Within just a year-and-a-half, Hearon has amassed 1.1 million followers on TikTok and 364,000 subscribers on YouTube.

It’s no wonder Hearon has built such a dedicated following so fast -- his magnetic personality and instant conversational chemistry with every guest make for the most fun, engaging content. Every episode of his podcast feels like you are just hanging out, laughing with friends, and Hearon brings the same playful, charismatic energy to his special. He incorporates crowd work into his set, making it feel like an interactive experience and creating an intimate connection with the audience. Both those in the room and viewers at home feel like they are part of the show.

The material is well-written, effortlessly transitioning from joke to joke, with each set-up and punchline hitting just as hard as the last. In his set, Hearon covers a wide range of topics, from his childhood, sexuality, politics and struggles with mental health to his relationship with his father and the pain of his father's unexpected passing. He even shares his experience visiting a Holocaust camp. Yet somehow, he weaves it all together, making it feel candid and cohesive. The icing on the cake is Hearon’s impeccable timing and delivery, showcasing his unmatched wit and remarkable talent for storytelling. 

Great comedy isn’t just about being funny or telling jokes — it’s also about offering meaningful commentary, and Hearon delivers on both. He shows how comedy can be a powerful tool for processing grief and shedding light on pressing social and political issues. Recently, Hearon claimed the sixth spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the most influential creators of 2025, ranking ahead of major influencers like MrBeast. Hearon's undeniable talent is sure to take him far, and fans are eager to see where his career goes from here!