Review: Tom Segura Delivers Porn Jokes, Dirty Insights at FTL Improv

Tom Segura may not be a household name just yet, but he’s far and away one of the funniest men in standup comedy today. The star of his own special on Netflix, Completely Normal, and one-half of the husband/wife duo alongside Christina Pazsitzky on the podcast Your Mom’s House, Segura already has a strong and dedicated following. Many of those fans were on hand last night at the Fort Lauderdale Improv in Hollywood, expecting big things from the man with a penchant for potty talk and hilarious self-deprecation. Segura nailed it, leaving the 300-plus crowd gasping for air (and more jokes about porn).

Opening for Segura was Mike Cronin, a Cincinnati-based comedian with a ginger beard and a set that absolutely killed. Cronin took the stage surrounded by photos of the Improv’s famous alum, including Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Jimmy Kimmel, a fact not lost on him. He feigned being intimidated by the pictures of these famous comedy stars, but he more than held his own wavering only once, during a joke that ended abruptly, and even that was funny. Performing material from his debut live album, Hot for Too Long, Cronin exuded the charisma and confidence of someone who’s been doing this for a lot longer. His testosterone-friendly jokes about beards, lazy masturbation, and shitting his pants were presented so deftly, he even had the ladies laughing.

Typically, live standup comedy has an energy that is unmatched by recordings regardless of how amazing the comic is. Cronin did a solid job of setting that tone, and by the time Segura took the mic, the audience was pumped, expecting big things from the big man. Although he was funny from the outset, Segura didn’t really hit his stride until about a half hour in, when he took hold of the crowd’s pleasure centers and didn’t let go until every last chuckle was shaken loose.

A properly good comedy show also needs the right environment, and the FTL Improv, with their efficient, friendly, and prompt service, had the people fed, liquored-up, and in a jovial state of mind. Before long, Segura had the room burning all the calories from their fish tacos and deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese bites.

Segura began off-script, as he was unable to hide his awe at the sight of a giant, musclebound fan seated in front of the stage. Throughout the evening, Segura good-naturedly teased him, and by the end of the show, we all knew that muscles was 47, had been dating his girlfriend for five years, and enjoyed porn that had black men and ankles (the latter being a dig back at Segura). Already a great storyteller comic, Segura didn’t need to interact with the crowd in that manner. However, it made him all the more appealing as an entertainer and added to his repertoire of funny character voices and dead-pan delivery.

Of course, perhaps the best thing about Segura’s set and abilities overall is that he’s dirty but insightful. Whether it’s the mundane, everyday douchebaggery of meaningless small talk or how he doesn’t want his soon-to-be-born son to not have “bad stories” or how bringing up religion when he’s “making bad decisions” is uncool, Segura is always self-aware of his place in the universe. And he doesn’t keep the loathing of mankind just to himself. His version of polite is what a cranky, anti-social old man would consider correct social etiquette, which is this: Don’t mess with me and I won’t mess with you.

Fortunately, there was none of that show-destroying nonsense last night. The only noises coming from the audiences were cheers of approvals for his podcast and whoops of laughter at the truth behind “self-fluffing” and the true way to a man’s heart (no spoilers here on that one.)

The show was done by 10 p.m., leaving enough time to get home, unwind, fall asleep, and wake up early for those pesky day jobs. Still, it was a complete night, rich with debauched humor, set in a great atmosphere and even better company.