Wisecrack Podcast: Tenderfoot TV & iHeart Launch Dark Comedy True Crime Series
The true crime genre has long dominated the podcasting world, captivating listeners with real-life mysteries, courtroom dramas, and chilling retellings of events that defy belief. Over the years, creators have experimented with storytelling styles — from investigative journalism to immersive docuseries formats. Now, a bold new direction is emerging: blending comedy with crime.
In September 2025, Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts announced the launch of a unique six-part limited series titled Wisecrack. Unlike traditional crime podcasts, Wisecrack pairs stand-up comedy with true crime storytelling, offering listeners a mix of humor, raw honesty, and spine-chilling revelations. Hosted by comedian Edd Hedges, the show takes audiences on a journey that is as unsettling as it is unexpectedly funny.
This article dives deep into the concept, inspiration, and potential impact of Wisecrack, unpacking how it reshapes the boundaries of both comedy and true crime podcasting.
At first glance, comedy and true crime might seem like an odd pairing. However, Wisecrack demonstrates that laughter and horror can coexist in storytelling, creating a genre-bending experience for listeners.
The podcast opens with Hedges on stage, performing what appears to be a traditional comedy set. But as the audience laughs, his act quickly transforms into a chilling account of one of the deadliest nights in his small English village.
The Story Behind the Show
On 22 July 2015, Hedges returned home for a charity gig, celebrating his rising career in comedy. But what should have been a triumphant evening turned into tragedy. Hours after his performance, a killer began claiming lives — and ultimately showed up at Hedges’ own doorstep.
Through Wisecrack, Hedges revisits this dark chapter of his life, weaving:
Self-deprecating jokes
Childhood memories of relentless bullying
Intimate reflections on his family
An exploration of the killer’s motives
The result is a gripping, darkly comic investigation that spans from the stage lights to courtroom drama.
Key Voices Behind Wisecrack
Edd Hedges: The Comedian-Turned-Storyteller
Edd Hedges, best known for his offbeat humor and observational comedy, takes on a dual role in Wisecrack — both as a performer and as a survivor. His narration combines:
Humor – bringing levity to heavy topics.
Honesty – offering unfiltered glimpses into his trauma and resilience.
Curiosity – piecing together the circumstances behind the horrific events.
As Hedges himself quipped:
“If you want to hear about my father with eight fingers, how my mother became an accidental meth dealer, and uncover why my neighbour became a murderer, then Wisecrack is for you.”
Jodi Tovay: Emmy-Nominated Producer
The concept of Wisecrack was sparked during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when Emmy-nominated crime producer Jodi Tovay witnessed Hedges’ unusual set.
“The moment I heard his performance, it stopped me in my tracks,” Tovay recalled. “My curiosity took over and I left vacation early, knowing that everyone needed to hear this immediately.”
As the host and producer of the series, Tovay brings her expertise in crafting compelling narratives, ensuring the story balances its comedic delivery with investigative depth.
Donald Albright: The Visionary CEO
Donald Albright, Co-founder and CEO of Tenderfoot TV, described Wisecrack as a boundary-pushing project.
“Comedy and crime are a proven recipe for success, but Wisecrack uses the art of stand-up comedy as a device to tell a narrative story, where every punchline hides something darker.”
Albright’s vision positions the podcast as a trailblazer in expanding what true crime podcasts can be.
The Format and Release Schedule
Series Type: Six-part limited series
Producer: Tenderfoot TV in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts and Starwipe Productions
Genre: Dark comedy + true crime
Release Schedule: New episodes drop every Tuesday
Platforms: Available on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms
Why Wisecrack Stands Out
1. Genre Innovation
By blending stand-up comedy with investigative true crime, Wisecrack creates a niche of its own. The format challenges listeners to process tragedy while also finding moments of levity.
2. Humanizing Trauma Through Humor
Comedy has long been a coping mechanism, and Hedges’ storytelling shows how humor can coexist with pain. His ability to joke about bullying, family struggles, and even his encounters with a murderer provides listeners with a uniquely relatable lens.
3. Theatrical Roots
Unlike typical crime podcasts that begin with a crime scene or witness testimony, Wisecrack begins under a spotlight, in front of a live comedy audience. This theatrical foundation distinguishes it from traditional audio journalism.
4. Authentic Narration
Unlike actors or journalists recounting events, Hedges lived through this ordeal. His firsthand perspective adds credibility, intimacy, and vulnerability.
Listener Experience: From Stage to Courtroom
Each episode transitions between humor-laden storytelling and chilling crime details. The narrative flow takes listeners on a rollercoaster journey:
Opening with Stand-Up – Lighthearted, self-deprecating comedy.
Dark Turn – Transition into crime story revelations.
Investigation Unfolds – Insights into motives, witnesses, and courtroom proceedings.
Personal Reflections – Hedges shares how the events reshaped his life.
This duality of humor and horror keeps audiences both entertained and emotionally invested.
The Broader Impact of Wisecrack
On Podcasting
Reinforces podcasts as a space for experimental storytelling.
Pushes the boundaries of genre blending.
Expands the scope of true crime narratives.
On Comedy
Demonstrates comedy’s ability to navigate sensitive subjects.
Highlights how humor can be used as a form of resilience and resistance.
On Audiences
Appeals to both true crime fans and comedy enthusiasts.
Invites listeners to reflect on how laughter and tragedy intersect.
Conclusion: A Bold Experiment in Storytelling
Wisecrack is more than just another entry into the crowded true crime podcast market. It is a daring experiment that fuses genres, humanizes trauma, and challenges the way we engage with stories of tragedy. By pairing stand-up comedy with the darkest corners of crime, Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts have crafted a show that is equal parts unsettling, heartfelt, and hilarious.
As each episode unfolds, listeners are reminded that even in the face of horror, humor can be a powerful form of survival.
