Fringe shows you need to see: Joe DeRosa – Zero Forward Progress
joe derosa

US comic Joe DeRosa battles with the world around him in his new hour, Zero Forward Progress.

What is it?

Joe DeRosa is one of America’s funniest cult comedians, best known as a writer on The Pete Holmes Show and Netflix’s Wet Hot American Summer prequel. He’s also made appearances on shows like Louie, and audiences will recognise him from his recurring role in Better Call Saul. His brand of comedy is outspoken and blunt, taking his frustrations with the world and eviscerating them on stage.

Why should I see it?

DeRosa talks about his life with brutal honesty, saying he should have ended it all, knowing what he knows now, but he’s too far along to go through with it.

Riffing with the audience, he says it’s OK for him to let loose on them a little because he’s such a severe critic of himself. His observational style is staggering, catching audiences off-guard with material about the antics of Jeffrey Dahmer, tackling depression and why social media is destroying our ability to communicate normally.

He’s one of the Fringe’s more uncompromising comedians, unwilling to ignore what’s standing right in front of him, even a party going off next door nobody’s willing to admit is actually happening. A loudmouth with a point, DeRosa’s comedy forces you to look through all the drivel of modern life but also laugh at the stupidity of it all.

Stand-out moment?

Joe presents a theory of why people forgive celebrities, alleging that people still work with R Kelly after his ‘piss tape’ because his new music is freakin’ amazing.

How can I see it?

Joe Derosa : Zero Forward Progress is on at Underbelly Cowgate from  Aug 16-21, 23-28. Tickets are available from

Anything else?

He started his career recording music instead of comedy albums. While he mainly still hosts podcasts and films comedy skits, he still releases some great music through Bandcamp.

Joe DeRosa and Demon Riot – Deformed Disco EP by Joe DeRosa Music

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