How Hannah Berner Went from Bravo to TikTok to Hit Netflix Stand-Up Special

As a seasoned comedian with a unique perspective on the entertainment industry, I can’t help but be in awe of Ali Wong’s raw and authentic performances. Her ability to turn her personal experiences into relatable and hilarious content is truly remarkable. In her recent stand-up special, she shares stories from her life as a woman, a mother, and an Asian American, all delivered with unapologetic honesty and sharp wit.

Prior to last week, people could have encountered Hannah Berner through various means, contingent upon their media habits and cable access.

They may know her from the Bravo reality series Summer House, where she was a cast member for two seasons. Then there is her podcast Giggly Squad, which she co-hosts with her friend and one-time Summer House castmate Paige DeSorbo. Or, they could have seen her on TikTok, where has 3 million followers and often goes viral for her man-on-the-street style interviews.

More recently, Netflix introduced Berner to her largest audience yet with the release of her first stand-up special, “We Ride at Dawn.” This comedy special quickly became one of Netflix’s most watched TV shows, appearing in their Top 10. In this performance, Berner jokes about various topics including Disney princes, birth control, and guns. She explores the idea of girls carrying firearms as accessories in a humorous bit.

Yesterday, I was desperately hungry and in dire need to use the restroom, while waiting outside a Target for a podcast recording session, shared Berner two days following her Netflix special release. The scene would have left onlookers puzzled, wondering if something was amiss: “Is she alright? Does she require assistance?” instead of associating her with her recent success.

I once chatted with THR about utilizing TikTok as my personal open mic and the role reality TV played in discovering my path to stand-up comedy.

You have described your comedy as “female locker room”. How did you get to that descriptor?

Many comedians begin by imitating other styles and eventually discover their unique voice. In my case, I’ve always had my distinct voice, using it to amuse my friends. On our podcast “Giggly Squad,” if Paige [DeSorbo] finds something funny, I believe there’s potential in that joke. My comedy style can be described as if we’re at brunch and making light-hearted fun of various situations. I never intended to conform to a specific stand-up mold. However, I have been influenced by other comedians, such as Chelsea Lately, but aim for my performances to feel natural and conversational.

Could it be that your unique comedic approach evolved due to the winding journey you took to reach stand-up comedy?

1,000 percent. When you’re going up the traditional standup ladder, you have a lot more voices saying, “This is how you should do things.” I’m someone who — going the traditional way where there are gatekeepers — maybe would have never been chosen. I talk about this a lot: For women in stand-up, it isn’t always easy to do the traditional route. You’re going to the Bronx or Brooklyn at 11 pm, to a bar with a bunch of drunk dudes. You can feel that maybe this isn’t for me, and has nothing to do with how funny you are. You’re just in this space doesn’t feel right. I hope that people can see that you don’t have to go the traditional route, where you may feel unsafe or not welcome. Now, TikTok I use as my open mic. I just think of a bit and try to come up with a punchline and post it. My whole gun bit started from a TikTok rant that then developed over two years to become what it is now.

Have you discovered elements that resonate well with audiences on social media but may not be effective in a live performance setting, and conversely, have you identified parts that excel in a stage production yet struggle on social media?

As a stand-up comedian with a significant presence on TikTok, I’ve come to appreciate the platform’s unique ability to identify trends and cater to users’ interests. However, I’ve also learned that not every viral moment translates seamlessly from the app to the stage.

As a comedy fan and an aspiring performer, I’ve noticed the pressure to create humor that resonates with a wider audience when aiming for larger stages and producing specials. It’s not always about watering down the jokes or losing the unique edge, but rather expanding the scope while staying true to my comedic voice. The goal is to make sure everyone in the room can find something to laugh at, without compromising the essence of my performance.

More recently, I performed at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and I was astonished when the security personnel expressed, “We’ve never before witnessed such a large number of women attending this event.” This filled me with immense satisfaction. Leanne Morgan, who released a special on Netflix, served as my inspiration. She is a mother, and Netflix took a chance on her, making it her first special that gained widespread popularity due to women’s affinity for comedy. As a woman, I didn’t reach this point because of any man’s selection. Consequently, why would I engage with them? (Laughs.) I welcome all men, but my primary focus is on the female audience. Their experiences are inherently comical.

At the top of your special when you are introduced, the laughter is just a wave—

My opener will say, “It’s maybe it’s the highest pitch I’ve ever heard.”

The crowd really did sound different from the laughs in other specials I have watched.

As a gamer, I’ve observed that when two girls meet, they don’t just greet each other casually. Instead, they call out each other’s names excitedly, “Stephanie!” It took me by surprise while editing the footage, to notice there were numerous instances of yelling and emotional outbursts. At one point, I saw a girl consoling another with tears in her eyes, holding hands. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the ladies’ room at a club – the epicenter of all the action and drama. It’s where the real conversations take place, where emotions run high, making it an exhilarating and fascinating part of any social gathering.

Before stepping onto the stage, you’ll be asked by security, “How do you handle hecklers?” My response is that I rarely encounter hecklers. Instead, I am accustomed to girls cheering positively or shouting while intoxicated and celebrating their birthdays. Crowd management is an essential skill I have honed over time, as we all contribute to creating the show’s atmosphere. I don’t deliver lectures; instead, some women would shout jokes, which could be quite amusing. At one point, I asked, “What are dicks made of?” To which someone replied, “Disappointment!”

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “During your performance, there’s a lot of action going on with you getting down on the floor and doing the worm for your opening act. I’m curious to know from your gaming perspective, how did you decide on what to wear on stage?”

In a playful manner, I admit that I paid more attention to my appearance at this event than at my own wedding. With the help of a stylist, I was presented with some chic outfits, but as a performer, I felt I couldn’t make my usual jokes while dressed so elegantly and seriously. My outfit needed to align with my energy. A sequin blazer would have been an easy choice, as I adore them, but I desired to create a memorable fashion moment instead. My best friend, Paige, insisted that I wear heels, but my humor doesn’t land when I appear uncomfortable. Eventually, I opted for these booties. When sharing clips of my outfits on social media, people often comment. Sometimes, I’ve eaten a chicken sandwich beforehand and feel bloated, so wearing a dress in front of a large audience isn’t an option. Instead, I put on a mismatched blazer to avoid disappointing everyone. Essentially, I’m just trying to navigate through it all.

I’ve had the unique experience of sharing different aspects of my life across various platforms – reality TV, social media, and stand-up comedy. Each one offers a distinct perspective and comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.

Just like everyone else, I had deep-seated fears of being misinterpreted or disliked. Regardless of success, one can’t help but wonder, “Am I angering anyone? Are we all good?” I have come to understand that perspectives vary and narratives shift. This realization propelled me towards stepping into the limelight – a place where vulnerability meets authenticity. It’s my story, my voice. On stage, there’s no room for distractions, I must be fully present. I derive joy from conceptualizing an idea and bringing it to life in tangible form. Reality TV taught me that I take pleasure in being the focus of a camera lens, which can be challenging to acknowledge. Amusing the production crew brought me delight, yet it held little significance for the show’s narrative. So, if I were to pursue another path, I recognized the need to harness my strengths and embrace them wholeheartedly.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2024-07-15 23:55

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