Ari Shaffir: The Outrageous Comedian Who Doesn’t Hold Back
Ari Shaffir is not your typical stand-up comedian. Known for his bold, controversial humor, Shaffir has made a name for himself as one of the most unapologetic voices in comedy.
From viral internet videos to national stand-up tours, Shaffir’s style is raw, fearless, and often offensive—he’s not here to play nice, and that’s exactly why his fans love him.
Shaffir is probably best known for his infamous video series The Amazing Racist, where he satirically plays a racist character in a series of outrageous pranks.
A parody of the reality show The Amazing Race, these videos feature Shaffir in offensive situations that have sparked plenty of laughs—and just as many angry responses.
Originally filmed for National Lampoon’s Lost Reality DVD, the videos were ripped and spread across the internet, where they gained millions of views. While the videos provoked death threats, Shaffir has always embraced the controversy with a grin, saying he enjoys the backlash as much as the laughs.
Beyond his viral infamy, Shaffir’s career has spanned television appearances on HBO’s Down and Dirty with Jim Norton, TBS’s Minding the Store, and ESPN Classic’s Cheap Seats: Without Ron Parker.
He’s also a frequent guest on The Opie and Anthony Show, making appearances during some of the show’s most memorable episodes, including the infamous “Babybird” segment.
However, stand-up remains Shaffir’s true passion. He’s a regular performer at all the major comedy clubs in Los Angeles, where his blunt, no-filter style continues to win over audiences who aren’t afraid of a little (or a lot of) offensive humor.
For several years, Shaffir has toured the country with comedian Joe Rogan, building a loyal following of fans who appreciate his honesty, dark humor, and willingness to tackle taboo subjects.
Shaffir’s comedy is often described as dirty, offensive, and brimming with inappropriate stories—just the way he likes it.
He even jokes that his act is like a puppet show, “but way filthier and without the puppets.”
He’s also written most of his own bios, like this one, which is why every time it says “Shaffir did this” or “Shaffir did that,” it’s Shaffir talking about himself. Yeah, he feels a little weird about it too.
For those who are easily offended, Shaffir’s comedy might be a tough sell. But for those who can appreciate humor that pushes the boundaries and thrives on controversy, Shaffir’s stand-up is a must-see.
He may get death threats, but he also gets standing ovations—and that’s exactly the kind of comedian Ari Shaffir wants to be.
