Joe List is basically the human personification of that internal voice telling you that you're doing everything wrong. You know the one. He’s neurotic, he’s anxious, and honestly, he’s one of the best writers working in the stand-up scene today. If you’ve spent any time on the comedy side of YouTube, you’ve likely seen his face. But while he’s a titan of the "Comedy Cellar" circuit, his transition into the world of film and television is where things get really interesting.
Most people know him from the Tuesdays with Stories! podcast or his Netflix special. However, the full scope of Joe List movies and tv shows reveals a guy who isn't just a joke-telling machine. He’s a filmmaker. He’s a writer. He’s a surprisingly nuanced actor who can carry a heavy dramatic scene just as well as he can deliver a punchline about his own bowel movements.
The Big Screen Leap: Fourth of July
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Fourth of July (2022). This wasn't just another comedian’s vanity project. Joe co-wrote this with Louis C.K., and he played the lead role of Jeff, a recovering alcoholic and jazz pianist.
Honestly, the movie is a vibe. It’s not a "joke-a-minute" comedy. It’s a messy, uncomfortable look at family trauma. Jeff goes back to Maine for a holiday weekend to finally confront his family about how they messed him up. It’s awkward. It’s painful. It features a cast of actual Boston-area legends and comedians like Robert Kelly and Nick Di Paolo.
If you’re looking through the catalog of Joe List movies and tv shows, this is the one that proves he has legs as a dramatic lead. He plays "anxious" better than anyone because, well, he lives it. The scene where he finally lets his mother have it? It’s brutal. It’s the kind of thing most of us only do in our heads while driving home from Thanksgiving.
The Specials: Where the TV Credits Live
Joe’s television presence is largely defined by his stand-up specials. These aren't just recordings; they are the backbone of his career.
- The Standups (Netflix, Season 2): This was a massive turning point. It’s a 30-minute tight set that introduced him to a global audience. If you want a "starter pack" for Joe, start here.
- The Half Hour (Comedy Central): A classic rite of passage for any New York comic.
- I Hate Myself (2020): He released this on YouTube through Comedy Central. It has millions of views for a reason. It’s raw, self-deprecating, and incredibly polished.
- This Year's Material (2022): Released on his own YouTube channel.
- Enough for Everybody (2023): Another YouTube banger. He basically decided to bypass the "gatekeepers" and go straight to the fans.
- Small Ball (2025): His latest hour. He covers everything from Starbucks to the terrifying reality of child birth.
He’s also a frequent flyer on the late-night circuit. He did The Late Show with David Letterman, which is basically the gold medal for a comedian. He’s been on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Conan multiple times.
Beyond the Mic: Directing and Shorts
Joe isn't just in front of the camera. In 2024, he directed a documentary titled Tom Dustin: Portrait of a Comedian. It’s a gritty, honest look at a comic who is a "legend's legend" but maybe not a household name. It shows Joe’s appreciation for the craft beyond his own ego.
He’s also done a fair share of short films. Civic Duty (2023) is a great example—a comedy short starring him and Tommy Pope. It’s quick, punchy, and shows that his comedic timing translates perfectly to scripted sketches. Then there's Stuck in Park (2024), where he took on an acting and associate producer role.
The "Regz" and the Podcast Universe
You can't talk about Joe’s media footprint without mentioning the podcasts. While they aren't "TV shows" in the traditional sense, in 2026, the line is totally blurred. The Regz, featuring Joe, Dan Soder, Luis J. Gomez, and Robert Kelly, is basically a televised hang session. It’s chaotic. It’s often offensive. It’s always hilarious.
And of course, Tuesdays with Stories! with Mark Normand. They’ve been doing this since 2013. It’s the show that built his cult following. If you haven't heard them talk about "cruising" or their various travel mishaps, you're missing out on the lore that fuels his stand-up.
Summary of Notable Appearances
- Fourth of July (2022): Lead Actor, Co-Writer.
- Tom Dustin: Portrait of a Comedian (2024): Director.
- The Standups (Netflix): Season 2 performer.
- Last Comic Standing: Finalist in 2015.
- The Tonight Show / Conan / Letterman: Multiple stand-up sets.
- Punching Henry (2016): Small acting role.
What’s Next for Joe?
Joe List is at a weird, cool place in his career. He’s "famous" enough to sell out theaters across the country, but "indie" enough to still feel like he belongs to the fans. He’s proven he can write a feature film and direct a documentary.
The move toward self-releasing specials on YouTube seems to be his permanent lane. It works. It keeps him in control. Whether he’ll do another big indie film like Fourth of July remains to be seen, but the appetite for his specific brand of "highly functional neuroticism" is only growing.
Your Next Steps:
Check out his latest special Small Ball on YouTube to see his current evolution. If you want to see his range as an actor, rent Fourth of July on Louis C.K.'s website or catch it on streaming platforms. To get the daily dose of Joe, subscribe to the Tuesdays with Stories! YouTube channel, where they post full video episodes of the podcast every week.