The intersection of humor, cancel culture, and the high stakes of comedy come together in the gripping new podcast Dean’s Killer Joke. This dark comedy audio drama has captivated audiences worldwide, sparking intense discussions among comedy enthusiasts and podcast listeners alike.
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The series takes listeners on a thrilling journey following the mysterious death of stand-up comedian Dean Blackshaw, who was found lifeless in a comedy club greenroom with an ominous note that simply read: “For the joke.”
A Suspenseful Whodunit with a Unique Twist
Narrated by Anne-Marie Buchanan (voiced by Jennifer Anderson), the story unravels through a series of confrontations with Dean’s fellow comedians—his former friends and now prime suspects. Each of them was present the night he died, and each has their own secrets.
The show’s jaw-dropping first episode reveal? The offensive joke that got Dean canceled wasn’t even his—it was given to him by Anne-Marie. Now, driven by guilt and a desperate need for the truth, she takes on the mission of uncovering his killer.
The Creative Minds Behind the Podcast
Brought to life by Evagation Media, Dean’s Killer Joke was crafted by TV and podcast producer Brandon Rizzuto, who handled writing, producing, directing, and editing responsibilities. The project is a family affair, featuring performances from his sister-in-law as Anne-Marie and his brother, Tom Rizzuto, as journalist Malcolm Atwater. Tom also composed original music for the series, including its haunting theme song.
From Script to Chart-Topping Success
The journey of Dean’s Killer Joke began as a podcast pilot script titled Dave’s Killer Set, which earned an Honorable Mention in Screencraft’s 2021 Podcast Writing Competition. Recognizing its potential, Rizzuto expanded it into a full-fledged seven-episode audio drama. The revised script quickly gained recognition, ranking #6 on Coverfly’s prestigious The Red List for Drama Podcasts.
Since its premiere on November 12, 2024, the podcast has soared up the charts, achieving impressive global rankings:
- #34 in the UK on Apple’s Comedy Fiction charts
- #46 in the US
- #1 in Poland
- #2 in the Philippines
- #4 in Egypt
The series was also voted Top Scripted Comedy Podcast and ranked #3 Mystery Podcast of 2024 by the passionate Audio Drama Subreddit community.
Exploring Cancel Culture Through Comedy
Set against the backdrop of today’s rapidly evolving standards of humor, Dean’s Killer Joke forces listeners to reflect on the fine line between edgy comedy and unacceptable offense.
Brandon Rizzuto explains:
“Some jokes cross the line, but you laughed at a couple of them, right? Should you lose your job over that? Your life? Should Dean have? You, along with Anne-Marie, will decide.”
By mixing mystery with humor, the podcast challenges audiences to examine their own stance on cancel culture and its consequences.
Where to Listen
Dean’s Killer Joke is available on all major podcast platforms, making it easy for listeners to dive into this gripping audio drama.