Biting, playful — daring comedians let new generation laugh at itself

Social observation

Wang Xinbo, 32, also made his debut on the second season of The King of Stand-up Comedy, which helped him reach a wider audience.

With a degree in applied mathematics and a job in cybersecurity sales, the performer, who goes by the stage name Xinbo, tried stand-up for the first time at an open mic in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in 2022. Motivated by online and live shows — and the stress of his sales job — he wasn't looking for fame, just to release.

"My first set was about the stereotypes my family had about sales jobs," he said. "It didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I realized quickly that this is harder than it looks."

That humbling experience didn't stop him. Two and a half years later, Xinbo launched his first stand-up special. His understanding of comedy had transformed.

"I used to think comedy was just about being funny. But it's a structured, logical system. Humor has its own internal logic," he said.

"The most important thing is having a clear premise. Without that, no technique can save a joke. Creating punchlines depends on talent — but raising your hit rate takes constant practice."

His material evolved from personal reflection to sharp social observation. His style today is known for its narrative voice and observational insight.

"I mix storytelling with commentary," he said. "It gives the material more emotional weight."

By 2023, Xinbo was performing regularly, and by May 2025, he was a full-time stand-up comedian.

He believes comedy is everywhere, if you're paying attention.

He once noticed shared bikes had cooling seat pads in summer. "But only the seat! As if your butt is the only thing that gets hot in July!" That absurd detail became a punchline.

He has since performed across China, from big cities like Beijing and Shanghai to second-tier towns.

Wang Jianguo, a veteran stand-up comedian and scriptwriter for The King of Stand-up Comedy, said the audience response since the show started has been overwhelming.

"If we can spark even a flicker of shared reflection on something people are confronting or avoiding, then that's enough. That's the joy," he said.

Wang said comedy is more than a joke; it's a lens and a mirror of society that acts as a pressure valve.

"We all wake up and put on armor to face the world," he said. "It protects us, but it's uncomfortable. Sometimes we want to take it off and breathe — but even that can be hard. We may not be able to take it off for you — but maybe, just maybe, we can help soften it a little."

Today's Chinese audiences are increasingly discerning. They want more than punchlines and slapstick. This growing demand has pushed comedians toward deeper storytelling and honest portrayals of personal and social dilemmas.

"If we can help people feel a little less alone, a little more understood through laughter — then we've done our job," Wang said.