Michelle Buteau looks back at her New York city upbringing and inspirations like “Sex and the City” as she shapes an authentic comedy scene. buteau, the comedian and writer, aims to influence comedy with inclusivity, recalling experiences from her youth in New Jersey and visits to New York City clubs. Her current focus is advocating for comics to “punch up,” and avoid harmful jokes, stressing accountability in the creative space. This insightful piece, available from News Directory 3, dives into the nuances of creating comedy, as Buteau pushes for a responsible narrative. She uses her platform to spotlight the importance of inclusive dialog. Dive deeper into Buteau’s vision of comedy, exploring her early comedy influences. Discover what’s next for Buteau and the future of comedy.
Michelle Buteau Envisions Authentic New York Comedy Scene
Updated June 16, 2025
Michelle Buteau, while developing Survival of the Thickest, sought to capture the New York City she experienced growing up, reminiscent of shows like Living Single, Friends, Girls, and Sex and the City. Buteau recalled sneaking into New York from New Jersey as a teenager with friends, frequenting clubs and observing the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Buteau hopes to influence the comedy scene by encouraging comedians to “punch up,” avoiding jokes that target marginalized communities. She cited her comedy special,where she addressed Dave Chappelle’s controversial remarks about the trans community,emphasizing the importance of accountability when global feedback indicates harm.
Buteau said, “If people around the world are telling you this is hurtful, then maybe listen to them. We should all be held accountable.”
What’s next
Buteau is expected to continue advocating for inclusive and responsible comedy, shaping the future of the New York comedy landscape.
