Who is Ari Shaffir?
Ari Shaffir, born on February 12, 1974, in New York City, is a comic, actor, podcaster, writer, and producer. Beyond stand-up, he is known for hosting and producing the podcast Skeptic Tank and for creating and hosting the television series This Is Not Happening.
Shaffir was born to a Romanian Jewish family; his father is a Holocaust survivor. The family practiced Conservative Judaism until moving to Maryland, where they adopted Orthodox Jewish customs. Ari spent two years studying at a yeshiva in Jerusalem, an experience that deeply influenced his worldview and comedic material.
Shaffir began his comedy career performing at open mics and comedy clubs. He gained recognition for his storytelling abilities, leading to the creation of This Is Not Happening, a series showcasing comedians sharing true stories. He has released several stand-up specials, including Paid Regular (2015), Double Negative (2017), and Jew (2022).
In November 2024, Shaffir signed a two-special deal with Netflix. The first special, Ari Shaffir: America's Sweetheart, is set to premiere globally on January 14, 2025. Additionally, his 2022 special, Jew, will be re-released on the platform.
