Jena Friedman

Jena Friedman, an Academy Award-nominated writer, comedian, and filmmaker, garnered widespread praise early in her career with ‘The Refugee Girls Revue.’ This satirical play premiered in 2007, enjoying a successful Off-Broadway run following its recognition at the 2008 New York International Fringe Festival. In 2010, Friedman’s parody web series ‘Ted and Gracie’ attracted significant attention, famously leading to a cease-and-desist letter from The New York Times for its sharp satirical content. Friedman transitioned into television writing, contributing to the renowned ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ in 2011. She further honed her skills as a field producer for ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’ from 2012 to 2015, a pivotal period in her comedic development.

Her latest comedy special, ‘Ladykiller,’ premiered on Peacock in September 2022, solidifying her presence in the stand-up landscape. Looking ahead, Friedman delivered a compelling TED Talk titled ‘The Jokes AI Won’t Tell’ in 2025, exploring the intersection of comedy and artificial intelligence. In August of the same year, she brought her thought-provoking solo show ‘Motherfcker’ to the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Beyond her on-screen and stage work, Friedman has also contributed her distinct voice as a writer to The New Yorker.