By Mary Smith
The international comedy scene is witnessing the emergence of a vibrant talent: Pedro Franco. This Brazilian comedian, based primarily in the fiercely competitive Austin, Texas comedy circuit, has attained remarkable success in a remarkably short amount of amassing a wide and enthusiastic fan base. In recent years, Franco’s trajectory is a testament to his sharp writing, unique stage presence, and impressive bilingual skills, all of which have been welcomed by the international comedy scene. His story is one of rapid growth, international acclaim, and the power of a well-placed performance on a globally influential platform.
Franco’s journey first began in Austin, a city renowned as a breeding ground for comedic innovation. Quickly establishing himself, he became a regular performer at the city’s top comedy clubs, including Can’t even comedy club, Black Rabbit comedy club, Vulcan Gas Company, Velveeta room, and East Austin Comedy club —a rare feat accomplished by only the most deserving talents in the scene. His sustained presence allowed him to hone his own craft and build a loyal following, laying the groundwork for his future success.
A decisive moment in Franco’s career came with his appearance on Kill Tony, the world’s number one live comedy podcast, as the first ever Brazilian performer .Hosted by the world renowned roast comic Tony Hinchcliffe, who made international headlines for his roast on Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady. His show Kill Tony is known for its unpredictable nature and its ability to launch careers. Franco appeared on episode 663 alongside Adam Ray (as Dr. Phil) and Akaash Singh. The episode currently has over 4.4 million views on YouTube.
Franco’s performance not only met but exceeded expectations. Hinchcliffe, a comedian known for his discerning eye and high standards, publicly lauded Franco’s writing, even expressing envy over one of his jokes—a rare accolade for any comedian.
“Having him say that he was jealous of the material I performed was awesome,” Franco recalls. “It felt really satisfying to know a comedian of his caliber recognizes my work like that.” Hinchcliffe’s praise wasn’t just merely a fleeting compliment; it served as a powerful endorsement, catapulting Franco into the spotlight and signaling his arrival as a force to be reckoned with. “He was impressed with my ability to pull off that premise,” Franco explains. “It was an angle that was ‘right there,’ so to speak, but nobody ever thought of it. Tony doesn’t often praise people on that show, so having him say ‘fantastic performance’ and ‘I’m jealous I wish I thought of that’ was definitely a rewarding moment.”
The cultural significance of Kill Tony, and its influence on Franco’s career, cannot be overstated. “Kill Tony is today the most influential comedy show on the planet,” Franco asserts. “It has the ability to launch careers and bring a lot more recognition to well-established comics. Kam Patterson, Ari Matti, Martin Phillips were all comedians who were already having success in the world of stand-up, but Kill Tony made them stars, allowing them to headline and tour all over the country and have their work be seen all over the world. I definitely noticed a boost in recognition after being on the show.”
The Kill Tony appearance had a ripple effect, extending far beyond the podcast’s considerable audience. Two of Brazil’s most prominent comedians, Thiago Ventura and Maurício Meirelles, reached out to Franco, recognizing his impact in the industry. Meirelles, in particular, extended a significant opportunity: he invited Franco to open for him at two sold-out shows in Brazil, each drawing an audience of over 1,000 people. This exposure in his home country cemented Franco’s burgeoning international reputation and cemented Meirelles’s role as a key supporter of his career.
Franco’s success isn’t just confined to the English-speaking world. Fluent in both English and Portuguese, he has also conquered the Brazilian comedy scene. Shortly after he began performing in Portuguese, he achieved a remarkable victory, placing first out of 100 comedians in a major Brazilian stand-up competition. This win highlighted his versatility and the speed at which he adapts and excels in different comedic landscapes.
Franco’s comedy is characterized by its intelligence, sharp wit, and confident delivery. He blends observational humor with personal anecdotes, creating a unique and engaging style that resonates with audiences. His bilingualism further adds to his appeal, allowing him to bridge culture divides and connects with a broader spectrum of viewers. Peers and audiences alike agree: Pedro Franco is a force to be reckoned with , a name that promises to continue leading prominently in the global comedy landscape. His rapid perseverance, fueled by talent, hard work, and a distinguished appearance on a highly influential platform, makes him a compelling case study in the modern evolution of stand-up comedy. His story serves as inspiration for aspiring comedians worldwide, demonstrating the power of hard work, adaptability, and seizing opportunities when they arise.
Follow @pedrofrancocomedy on Instagram.
Photos by Taylor Burt.
