James Mattern: Bio, Comedy Style, and Where to Watch

Who is James Mattern?

James Mattern is a nationally headlining stand-up comedian and media personality who has rapidly become one of the most beloved emcees in New York City. His career spans live comedy, television, and podcasting, and he has built a reputation for being a consummate professional who brings energy and expertise to every project he touches.

James has worked as a warmup comedian—a crucial role often overlooked—for many major television shows in both New York and Los Angeles. He has warmed up audiences for NBC’s “Bring the Funny,” Netflix’s “The Break with Michelle Wolf,” “Patriot Act with Hassan Minaj,” ABC’s “The Chew,” and “The View.” This kind of high-profile television work speaks to his professionalism and his ability to work with major broadcast productions.

His recording work demonstrates sustained career growth. He released two comedy albums: “No Segues” in 2019 and “The Check Spot” in 2021, with “The Check Spot” debuting at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts—a significant achievement that shows his material resonates with audiences who choose to download and keep his comedy.

Beyond stand-up, James is a media personality and podcaster. He hosts “The Commissioner of Comedy,” a podcast that serves as a 101 class on the unspoken rules and insider goings-on of being a working stand-up comedian in New York City and on the road. This podcast positions him as a mentor and commentator on comedy culture, not just a performer.

James performs regularly at iconic New York comedy venues: the Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club, and Carolines on Broadway—three of Manhattan’s most prestigious clubs.

James Mattern’s Comedy Style

James’s comedy is observational and rooted in his experience as a working comedian in New York City. His material likely touches on relationships, life in the city, and the specific experience of performing comedy night after night. What makes him distinctive as a comedian is his professionalism and his genuine investment in comedy as a community, not just as a path to personal success.

His role as a warmup comedian demonstrates his ability to work without ego. Many stand-ups see warmup work as beneath them; James has built a career partly on this work, suggesting he understands it as an honorable craft that serves television productions and audiences.

What Fans and Fellow Comedians Say

James’s status as “one of the most beloved emcees in New York” speaks to peer and audience respect. His #1 iTunes Comedy Chart debut for “The Check Spot” shows that audiences are choosing his comedy. His prominent TV warmup work indicates that producers trust him to prepare audiences for major broadcasts.

Where to Find James Mattern

Follow James on Instagram at @thejamesmattern (7.3K followers) for tour dates and updates. Visit his official website at jamesmattern.com for booking and show information.

Catch James Mattern’s sets on Mint Comedy at watch.mintcomedy.com, where he performs regularly from the Comedy Cellar.