James Acaster Officially Steps Back From Comedy | The Jonathan Ross Show

James Acaster joins Jonathan on the couch to discuss his transition from comedy to serious music with his character, the Party Gator. He explains the inspiration behind the Party Gator and shares insights about his upcoming album featuring 40 musicians. James then reflects on his hilarious experience in the GBBO tent!
#JamesAcaster #Comedy #Retirement
[Airdate: 11 March 2023]
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[@calebrobotart]

"Started, had a break down. Bon appetit." is still the best line in bake off.

[@violetnekoVT]

Lives in my head rent free

[@bigdaddy4069]

He's great on would I lie to you. Effortlessly matching the wit of the main 3

[@ethanlivemere1162]

I mean the comedy writes itself when your story is "I have a cabbage-based fued with a 12 year old"

[@kathilisi3019]

His anecdotes are on par with Bob Mortimer's, minus a couple of decades of life experience. They make the made-up stuff sound believable because weird stuff happens to them all the time.

[@AJ-ei3ee]

I love James he is a quirky character but he always makes me laugh, especially on wilty

[@mattymattffs]

How old is this clip if they're talking about Matt leaving bake off?

[@BrendanHenry]

This is a repost, right?

[@aslamc9288]

James is so hilarious. His run on Taskmaster remains one of the best things I’ve ever seen.

[@Aimia4]

I honestly think this is some of his best kind of work. He is easily one of the funniest comedians on any panel show, similar to how Sean Lock dominated panels.

[@SomeoneNone123]

​@@Aimia4Have you listened to his scrapes? I love the audio book!

[@GaryPatefield]

He isn’t funny at all .

[@maxington26]

@@GaryPatefield oh dear, mr. grumpy objective has piped up... Must be a daily task to wonder why so many people like this "unfunny" guy. HAHA maybe you don't have the brain-sauce. You must be one of those crizzos! Get out of here, crizzos! /s (joking, sorta)

[@TheYuvimon]

"Just open the f*cking box you pussy" and "... my eyes are circles" are two of my favourites!

[@patriciaobrien7701]

Acaster is the best. I can't understand folks who don't get his comedy. He doesn't tell jokes, he is just naturally funny. You should read his books 😂

[@GaryPatefield]

He looks as good as his jokes . End of bell

[@vangroover1903]

I agree he doesn't tell jokes.

[@rowredround7206]

I like him but he can be quite horrible. I saw him in Melbourne years ago and he didn’t get the laughs he was expecting from his overly Anglican set so he started whinging at the audience and being a prick. These were people that had paid to specifically see him. I can see why Rose dumped him.

[@vangroover1903]

@@rowredround7206 Ah, so he is a meaniepants??? That certainly adds fuel to the diagnosis.

[@anniebell6846]

@@rowredround7206 his dating life and aground reaction are not the same .

[@erics870]

I guess Tom Jones saw the Party Gator and thought, "It's not unusual!"

[@maxington26]

*applause*

[@aweescotsdog8358]

True, if he had thought it was unusual he would have asked “why, why, why?”

[@dgm792]

Brilliant is what that is

[@ellenh9381]

Ouch!

[@jayzee2390]

I see what you both did there.😂

[@LacrosseBoss]

Are we all just going to ignore the fact that Party Gator dominated the conversation and then just …….. disappeared????

[@rebekahtablante327]

I had to go back and check lol you’re right, it just disappears 😆

[@Lazarus-aap]

What party gator?

[@aymiewalshe982]

I'm going to bet Party Gator disappeared about the time they FINALLY spaced everyone out better on the sofa.

[@Ozymandi_as]

Seeing him actually removing his hand from the puppet might have been upsetting for some viewers, so they subtly edited it out. And really, weren't they right do that? There is a voyeur in all of us, but you know what? It's just not something we needed to see.

[@LacrosseBoss]

@@Ozymandi_asI’m already scarred by the picture of James with Party Gator’s head next to him. What even is life anymore?

[@thompsonmd725]

Every single panel show clip I’ve seen with James, all of the other people on the panel seem to admire him or are attracted to him. The most nonchalant charisma I’ve ever seen.

[@karolinakopaczyk941]

That's what it looks like to me too. Everybody adores him.

[@vangroover1903]

@@karolinakopaczyk941 I think real comedians must admire his success as a non-comedian.

[@vivaellipsis]

@@vangroover1903why are you here

[@Pre1321]

In some alternate universe James has the confidence to go after Maya Jama, and I don't think she'd be opposed. Humor and charisma go a loooong way.

[@SpoookiePoookie]

including Naomi Campbell!!!!!!!!!

[@jakethompson5843]

Curious what comedians people are liking who dont find Acaster funny. The guy has a near 4-hour special on Netflix that has some incredible writing, Repertoire is the best standup on there by a large margin imo

[@n8style]

I don't find Acaster remotely funny, I like Ricky Gervais, Dave Chappelle, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Key and Peele, plenty of good comedians and comedy writers

[@ajmusic4500]

@@n8stylenone of them besides Chappelle really hold a candle to Acaster imo

[@jakethompson5843]

​@n8style that's fair, as the other guy said I wouldn't say any of those really deep layer their material in the same way Acaster does. I think part of the problem is that Acaster's material doesn't really work in small clips, so people watch KZbin highlights from his stand-up that are mostly out of context. You really need to watch a special from start to end to appreciate all the little references he throws in. An example being him stopping and starting his stopwatch on Repertoire. You wouldn't find him doing that funny if you saw a random clip on KZbin, you probably would if you watched the 4 parts of Repertoire in order. I do also appreciate that not everyone enjoys dead pan though.

[@tsumichama]

English is not my first language so I had to reread the first sentence multiple times to understand it (and I understood it almost by accident when I started running out of ways to read it 😂)

[@n8style]

@@ajmusic4500 agree to disagree

[@melanieparker9919]

I find it really really strange , that people that dont like James , waste not only 10 mins watching a video obviously about him, then find more time to write a nasty comment. WHY ?????

[@poltoons]

because the tosser keeps turning up in my feed. Didn't waste the 10 minutes tho, came straight to the comments

[@Elwaves2925]

Because they lead sad, pathetic lives. They have nothing else.

[@Nash210590]

Have you literally never heard of criticism? Are people no longer allowed to criticise? Sorry? Are we literally only supposed to talk about what we like? I didn't think so either. James's comedy is school grade at best.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@Nash210590 You're missing the point they're making. It's not about criticism, they clearly say "nasty comment" which isn't covered by criticism. It's about people who go out of their way only to leave a toxic comment (or whatever you want to call it).

[@Nash210590]

​@@Elwaves2925 Im missing the point? Okay. You don't need to know why people want to be nasty. They just do. Primates.

[@mattslade1633]

James is a legend. I love him more than I love cabbages!

[@JKThom-59]

Inside joke, good one!

[@raeburnhathaway6162]

James is solid gold. He thinks instantly, like that orgy joke came out before I’d really even processed what she’d said. He always has such a positive interaction with people, like Conan James makes sure he’s the butt of his jokes. His story about his abusive relationship with his manager is so important for people to hear and took a lot of courage for him to tell.

[@dianaalkire3257]

This comment section doesn't deserve this level of insight, lol. But I agree! Especially about the speed; I've seen him live twice, and it's incredible how quickly and precisely he responds to the audience.

[@seraphale]

Here here! He's amazing. A level of sharp wit and quick thinking that I dream of having, yet sadly do not possess.😄

[@Transc3nder]

My favourite James Acaster quick moment was when on live TV he told Lorraine Kelly "go fuck yourself" after she revealed she likes Piers Morgan. No hesitation, bam

[@thisisit333]

I’ve adored James since he began. His quirky persona and insightful comedic storytelling bring me so much joy. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@DOSkywalkR]

It's Pat actually, Pat Springleaf.

[@edralphy]

I also Love James in every way!!! He has the best dead pan face out of any comedian. Always cracks me up. ❤️🤣❤️

[@trudimclaren4301]

Love him in Ghostbusters Frozen Empire - what a brilliant piece of casting - totally fits as a Ghostbuster! ❤

[@rebekahtablante327]

2:31 his “shut up” made me lol

[@ericfontaine2145]

Love you Acaster, don't ever change.

[@Fremen1971]

I hope to God James never ever quits comedy.

[@clarewillison9379]

James might quit comedy but comedy will never quit James.

[@meaganreilly5819]

I was horrified at the thought. He’s my absolute favourite.

[@folcolor1918]

The amount of hate in this comment section is astounding. He is easily my favourite comic, it's so wild to see people don't like him

[@DonoVideoProductions]

Isn't it amazing?

[@DonoVideoProductions]

@@Martyk1968 Really? That's your take? So it never occurs to you that the people expressing hate could just keep it to themselves, huh? They are adding nothing of value to the conversation.

[@folcolor1918]

@@Martyk1968 hey man, I just meant it as "I like him so much I didn't consider people could dislike hum at all". No hate towards people who dislike him though, tastes are tastes

[@n8style]

There's no hate, people simply genuinely find him unfunny ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@danielknox2792]

The best comedians are polarising.

[@bluejadeblue]

the way james delivered the pointed “shut up” is just one of the many reasons he’s a genius, i love him so much 😭

[@CarolMilters]

I went to Gibraltar a few weeks ago and met a waiter at a bar that was - and I swear - EXACTLY like Acaster in every way. That was probably the best thing I’ve seen in Gibraltar

[@angmering5899]

When his shift ended, did he yell "NO MORE JOBS"?

[@lisadean5736]

I think James Acaster is a comedy genius!

[@rootkite]

Absolutely owns every occasion he's in, a legend 🎉 James' work is a completely novel phenomenon in this day & age. A jester/trickster after my own heart ❤ Metamodern surrealism, might be one way to put it; he's able to be both utterly sincere and miles away in a concocted comedy dream world bouncing non-sequiturs off the walls (much like the golf ball in his story) and causing an almost jarring but always pleasant confusion in people around him and different audiences with his storytelling prowess. Not everyone can or needs to be on board with this type of performativity, but James has my vote as a treasure in comedy and culture at large. May his Weetabix be nourishing and his home cabbage-free 🥬 (Props to Ross as well for the chemistry w/ Acaster and others)

[@Dragonfly-gu9lo]

cillian murphy actually praised james’ music on his radio podcast!

[@cmarq817]

James, please don’t leave standup comedy! Please! And please make another WILTY, another celebrity Bake Off and another Taskmaster! Please ! Big fan from 🇵🇹

[@mhansl]

James’s comedy is delightfully unique.

[@sunnymountainhoneyfountain]

God he has a quick wit. I never get tired of Acaster

[@trudimclaren4301]

Mashed potato technique is 100% spot on 😂

[@spfisterer3651]

If anyone else thinks "I've seen this before"... The episode is from March 2023.

[@dampsquid2494]

I have a feeling a lot of the people who are saying James Acaster isn't funny are massive Nigel Farage fans. Just a hunch. Am I wrong?

[@loveboat]

I'm a Farage fan and think Acaster is funny, especially in panel shows.

[@dielaughing73]

Now there's a funny guy

[@187Clemens]

Who cares?

[@dampsquid2494]

@@dielaughing73 funny looking sure

[@Edgisco]

Farage living in your head rent free

[@joshuamauk6759]

If James is stepping away from comedy, then I am stepping away from ever caring about anything ever again. Please don't do it, James. We need you.

[@vangroover1903]

To be fair, it's not like he ever really stepped into comedy....................bada zingggggg

[@r.w7776]

This guy’s deadpan humour is up there with the best of them. Unbelievable mind

[@andywilson5234]

All this hate for Acaster is making me see beige.

[@bb5979]

“Im angry because not everyone shares my opinion”

[@keithjones4]

I'm a huge fan of his. I have a Google alert set, so if he has a tour in the US and gets near Atlanta, I'll be there.

[@deborahchasteen3206]

Me, too! I'm in Athens.

[@pvan4]

He played at the Buckhead Theater in November 2022. I was there.

[@angmering5899]

Based on this clip and that Big Fat Quiz they did together, I do get the impression that Maya genuinely fancies James.

[@emmaevans888]

My favorite comedian, I hope he never stops doing comedy!

[@noreenhills2433]

From South Africa...James is awesome. Love watching anything he is part of!

[@palliard]

Same

[@roelvanbeest8946]

Thought he was from Kettering ;p

[@sherrietyson7900]

James, please don't step back for too long. I get that sometimes we need a change, but you are hilarious 😂 and rare. Take care & good luck in your new endeavor❤

[@DonoVideoProductions]

He is perfect!

[@jennifermorris6848]

Acaster for Doctor Who.

[@satori3000]

Yes please

[@tsundereyoongi3869]

Just one problem: The doctor is supposed to have a complex chatacter

[@satori3000]

This would be the best thing ever, but I get they feel they have other demographics to hit, but I would love this.

[@Ramonatho]

For a second I thought it said James Corden and I was thanking god he was shutting the hell up

[@kilianalexander2736]

oh, if only

[@gracewenzel]

We can’t have nice things 😔💔

[@ObscureReference9]

Tom Jones probably thought... "it's not unusual"

[@jimjambandit]

Does play sport? What about snooker...wasn't he world champion in the 80s?

[@jackdeladd238]

Thought it was just me. Young Steve Davis.

[@farhan_jiwani]

James always has me in tears 😂

[@loveboat]

Now that's the clickbaitiest title I've seen this year. Congrats, I guess.

[@SoumyajitSarkar]

Over my sholder…. Older and older…

[@MultiVince95]

Saturday 11th March 2023

[@Omnachok]

If I ever did standup, my act would basically be this. However - whereas he makes it funny, mine would just be sad, pitiful awkward titters. It's true! You'd look at me and cry on the punchline - I can't do it to ya 🤣

[@vangroover1903]

To be fair to you, he doesn't make it funny often enough to be called a comedian.

[@melanieparker9919]

James is just brilliant❤❤❤

[@zorankp]

The Prodigy..."I am the trouble starter, the punkin' partygator,.."

[@nicolegarrett8407]

I love James Acaster in every way.

[@notoriouslybratty]

Love him so much ❤

[@travelorchidslondon]

James is a very clever comedian ❤

[@nekomochi486]

We all should find someone who looks at us the way Maya Jama looks at James Acaster.

[@EdelweisSusie]

Nah. I looked at my ex that way - he still abandoned me the day after my dad died.

[@bloocookie1]

Have you seen James and Maya on Big Fat Quiz?

[@Isleofskye]

@@EdelweisSusie Sorry to hear that. You lost one great Man in your Dad and an absolute xxxx in your Ex and if he abandoned you at your lowest ebb then you have had a great result being free of him.

[@howardsend6589]

Simp

[@Banned4Life]

"Attractive woman looks at man speaking - marriage confirmed"

[@SirGingerOfKnight]

James Acaster's "Ziltoid" Phase

[@Porkcfish]

I find him incredibly attractive.

[@claudiasc4506]

I think James Acaster is very funny :) I first discovered him on Will I lie to you and those episodes are ones of my favorite episodes, but I've also seen his stand-up and really laugh out loud. I knew about the Bake off experience from his stand-up and it's quite funny how he tells the story:) Not a good experience, but he makes some good jokes.

[@maxington26]

cold lasagne hate myself 1999. helluva title for a special. and yes a very honest account of bake off.

[@sharonallen1668]

James Acaster is teh funniest comedian out there! Also enjoyed him in Ghostbusters!!!

[@karolinakopaczyk941]

I only went to the cinema to see him

[@Jlerpy]

His inclusion definitely encouraged me to get along to the cinema.

[@CarterArts]

"It really put heartbreak in perspective" has got to be another alltimer from James, up there with "Started making it, had a break down. Bon appetit."

[@toddwilkinson401]

Yes, James is getting really serious...as Party Gator 😆😆

[@elenamunoz8435]

I want to see him more in the party gator suit. Really matches his vibe

[@nemesisc8341]

Seen James and Tom at stand up this year James was absolutely amazing one of my favourites of all time

[@getheroutofthetruck]

I like to think that Maya has been secretly in love with James since the Quiz of the Year show.

[@jimmytully2242]

Remember him when he was an unknown comedian on Russell Howard's good news, og shit

[@samlasley798]

3:14 Maya looking very nicely at James 👀

[@scarletfalanges]

"you're not really joking, are you?" "I never am" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrShadesD]

James Acaster will forever be one of my personal favourite comedians! He’s one of the top UK ones in my opinion.

[@VictoriaAlcott]

James I rarely like celebrities as humans... But you could commentate a bocce ball game i would be INVESTED

[@arp_909]

Had the Temps album in my library without realising it had anything to do with James Acaster. How odd

[@steeeeve87]

Acaster is one of my favorite comedians of all time

[@A.イネス]

One of the best comedians around.

[@Crow-Fly]

James is great comedian, I love his chill demeanor and deadpan humor so much. I knew this was a misleading title, but you still scared me jonathan! James is one of the best comics of all time, top tier and im so glad he just has a side gig. It is my dream to see him live one day.

[@joshuaverkerk4532]

James is just utterly weirdly wonderfully ridiculous. A super funny guy. But Maya, good lord!!

[@swiftlymurmurs]

The fucked up part is that it's genuinely an incredible and wildly interesting avant-garde hiphop fusion album but since it's James marketing it it comes off as if it's some comedy stunt

[@dianaalkire3257]

True, but when the album launched last year he gave several good, genuine interviews with real music outlets, if anyone wants actual insight into how it came together.

[@conors4430]

Just a naturally funny goofy guy.

[@cefngwyn]

James is, without question, the best young(ish) comedian we've got! His Netflix show 'Repertoire' is a comedic masterpiece.

[@Nova_the_starcatcher]

conan o brian interviewing james acaster would be insane

[@bearcrimes]

"Steps Back From Comedy" when did lil bro ever "step into comedy"? kid is painfully unfunny in every aspect a person can be

[@travelwell6049]

I like James a lot and we are quite similar but I feel like if someone were in a relationship with him, they’d have to be someone either immune to his energy so it doesn’t become too much or someone able to match it.

[@booradlin169]

This is giving Elmer Fudd interviews Sylvester the cat vibes.

[@jonahlang2731]

omg i love james more than anything but it's impossible to not look at maya

[@MetaFootballTV]

Maya Jama ?

[@miachevais4154]

So damn original ❤❤❤

[@ThatCoalSoul]

This clip is more than a year old.

[@markmays-i9o]

He should win a award for the world's most un funny comedian, Complete knobed

[@ChaosPootato]

His constant serious face and empty stare into the void makes me uncomfortable

[@weirdunclebob]

More like mashed dairy with some potato! Sounds horrible 😂

[@bluwhle]

an immense loss for me if he quits comedy

[@davidspoerry6188]

"shut up!"

[@jackiehancock6258]

Love James Acaster 🎉❤

[@enameless4003]

This dudes Taskmaster run was fantastic.

[@JavscoGaming]

I have no idea who these other people even are. Someone help me out.

[@juliannechan7282]

Star Baker, end of story 👍😏

[@kendobc]

OMFG, the exact same thing happened to me at the driving range. First ball, smacked me in the balls. Gave my bucket to my friend and just sat down and watched him.

[@insomniart7749]

James is the most hilarious and unproblematic comic. I’ll never not watch a James A clip when they pop up on my feed.

[@vickigarner7331]

He's the only guy I want to marry, his intelligence and quirkness are so attractive, and he makes me laugh so much, which is a bonus too

[@EffyShaw]

I watch repertoire at least annually, he's a genius. Shut up had me howling, it's just perfect.

[@m.w.4508]

Two of the rubberiest voices of all time, colliding.

[@jamaninone2889]

One of the best comics of current

[@davidcthomasmusic]

That shut up was very Rik Mayall. Excellent!