The Rise of the Comedian Host

Furthermore, the public persona of a stand-up comedian and a television host can be at odds. A stand-up comic thrives on a certain level of edginess and provocation. They can push boundaries and explore controversial topics in a way that is less acceptable on a mainstream broadcast platform. A TV host, particularly on a major network, often has to appeal to a broader, more diverse audience, which can require toning down their more extreme material and adopting a more palatable, mainstream persona.