Derek Gaines: Bio, Comedy Style, and Where to Watch

Who is Derek Gaines?

Derek Gaines was born in California on July 29, 1984, and grew up in Lindenwold, New Jersey. He began his comedy career in the Philadelphia club circuit and expanded through the tri-state area before establishing himself in New York City. He describes his comedy as “the Left field crusader show” — material that speaks to all but specifically touches the experiences of Black, suburban-raised only children in America.

He was a semi-finalist on Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes in 2010 and a finalist in Philadelphia’s Phunniest Person Competition the same year. He made his stand-up television debut on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live in 2014 and was selected as a Just for Laughs New Face the same year. He co-hosted MTV’s Broke A$$ Game Show and appeared on MTV’s Joking Off. He starred in Morgan Spurlock’s docuseries Connected. He contributed to VH1’s Morning Buzz and TruTV’s Greatest Ever. He had a recurring role as Jaybird on Tracy Morgan’s TBS series The Last O.G. and a recurring role as Bugs on CBS’ Blue Bloods. He appeared in Judd Apatow’s film The King of Staten Island and in The Wrath of Becky. He appeared in Will & Grace (NBC) and an NBC comedy pilot opposite Jane Lynch. He won a WGA Award for his writing on Inside Amy Schumer and received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Helpsters (Apple TV+/Sesame Street). He wrote and starred in Pete Davidson’s Peacock series Bupkis, which was renewed for a second season. He co-hosts the No Need for Apologies podcast with Dave Temple.

Derek Gaines’s Comedy Style

Gaines is a high-energy, physical comedian with fast-twitch storytelling and crowd work that crackles with genuine enthusiasm. His WGA Award for Inside Amy Schumer and his Emmy nomination for Helpsters reflect a comedic writer who can work across very different tones simultaneously. The suburban Black kid perspective that runs through his stand-up is the same lens that makes his television work specific and recognizable.

Where to Find Derek Gaines

Find tour dates and follow on Instagram for updates.

Derek Gaines has performed at the Comedy Cellar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Check the current lineup and upcoming shows at comedycellar.com.

Catch Comedy Cellar shows live from New York on Mint Comedy at watch.mintcomedy.com.