In a move that promises to elevate the comedic landscape of podcasting, the popular show Handsome, hosted by renowned comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin, has officially joined the Headgum podcast network. This exciting partnership comes on the heels of Handsome achieving a remarkable milestone: 20 million listens in just over a year. With this collaboration, Handsome aims to reach even greater heights while continuing to deliver its unique brand of humor and insight.
Handsome Podcast: A Year of Success
A Brief Overview
Launched independently in August 2023, Handsome quickly captivated audiences with its blend of humor and heart. The podcast features Notaro, Feimster, and Martin as they navigate a series of hilariously simple yet profound questions posed by celebrity guests. The show has created a dedicated following and is rapidly climbing the comedy charts, with bonus episodes titled Pretty Little Episodes, where the hosts respond to listener questions.
Listener Engagement
The success of Handsome can be attributed to its engaging format and relatable content. Episodes often begin with a deceptively simple question, leading to spontaneous anecdotes, laughs, and genuine insights into life and humanity. Guests have included A-listers such as Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon, contributing to the show’s star power.
Sample Questions from Guests:
- “What do you do when you see that someone has a giant booger in their nose?” – Drew Barrymore
- “What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?” – Nikki Glaser
- “Do you like horror movies?” – Paul Giamatti
Live Shows and Recognition
Handsome has also made its mark through live performances, including a successful show in LA and a sold-out event in Toronto. Recently, the podcast was recognized as the Listener’s Choice Winner for Craft‑Best Co‑Host Team at the 2024 Signal Awards. This accolade further cements its status as a leading force in the comedy podcasting realm.
The Partnership with Headgum
What Headgum Brings to the Table
As part of the Headgum network, Handsome will have access to enhanced production resources, marketing strategies, and advertising partnerships. The network’s Gumball marketplace will facilitate the sale of host-read ads directly from podcasters to advertisers, creating a streamlined approach to monetization.
Enhanced Content with Video Episodes
In the coming months, Handsome will also begin recording video episodes from Headgum’s LA studio. This new format will allow fans to experience the podcast in a fresh and engaging way, bringing the comedic chemistry of Notaro, Feimster, and Martin to life on screen.
Quotes from the Hosts
In a joint statement, the hosts shared their enthusiasm for the new venture:
“We donned our three-piece podcasting suits and launched Handsome a year ago with a very silly question about washing private parts. Since then, our topics have ranged from the deeply heartfelt to the utterly nonsensical. Our handsome listeners keep asking for more, and we’re delighted to deliver. We’re thrilled to bring Handsome to Headgum and do even more for our audience.”
Headgum’s Perspective
Kaiti Moos, Headgum’s VP of Content, expressed her excitement about the collaboration:
“The Handsome trio of Tig, Fortune, and Mae is magical and unmatched in the comedy podcast world. We’re thrilled that the show is now joining us at Headgum as we look to grow the show further and support them in production, marketing and sales, partnerships, and more. We know that Headgum listeners are going to be all in on Handsome.”
This partnership is expected to not only expand Handsome’s reach but also enhance the quality of its content, ensuring that fans receive more of what they love.
Future Episodes and Guest Appearances
The podcast continues to attract high-profile guests, with upcoming appearances by:
- Abby Wambach
- Molly Shannon
- Nelly Furtado
- Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone
These star-studded episodes promise to deliver the same delightful mix of humor and insight that fans have come to expect.
Conclusion
With its new partnership with Headgum, Handsome is set to embark on an exciting new chapter. The combination of a robust comedy network and the unique talents of Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin is sure to resonate with audiences, both new and old. As they prepare to release their first episode under the Headgum banner today, fans can look forward to even more laughter and connection through this beloved podcast.
