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Jake Hurwitz
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Jake Hurwitz
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Jacob Penn Cooper Hurwitz (born August 5, 1985) is an American comedian, writer, actor, and member of the comedy duo Jake and Amir. He was hired by the comedy website CollegeHumor after becoming an intern there in 2006, and has written and appeared in original videos for the website, as well as contributing articles which have been published both online and in print. He also starred in The CollegeHumor Show, an MTV sitcom that ran for one season in 2009. Outside of CollegeHumor, Hurwitz has hosted Myspace's BFF series.

Key Information

He is best known as the comedy partner of Amir Blumenfeld: the two appear as humorous and exaggerated versions of themselves in the web series Jake and Amir, with Hurwitz generally assuming the role of the straight man. Originally made as a hobby by the pair, the series was later produced by CollegeHumor. Beginning in April 2016, they announced the streaming of their new video series, Lonely and Horny, exclusively on Vimeo. The pair have also hosted numerous live shows, and started the advice podcast If I Were You in 2013. On August 1, 2015, Hurwitz and Blumenfeld launched the comedy podcast network HeadGum alongside Marty Michael.[2]

Career

[edit]

Hurwitz has cited the television series Arrested Development and comedian Mitch Hedberg as major influences in his comedy styling.[3]

CollegeHumor

[edit]

In 2005, Hurwitz began to write a column for the comedy website CollegeHumor while attending school. When he transferred to Hunter College, he became an intern at the company[4]—he summarized his duties saying "I put together desks and microwaved". He later got a full-time position at CollegeHumor,[5] where he wrote and acted in original videos.[6] Having originally wanted to be a sitcom writer, he "spent a year or two feeling really uncomfortable on camera", but now says he "love[s] it".[7]

Hurwitz was a cast member on The CollegeHumor Show,[8] a 2009 sitcom set in the CollegeHumor offices and featuring videos from the website.[9] His character's biography on the MTV website reads: "Jake might not be smarter than his coworkers, but he's better looking, and that's good enough for him."[8] The show received mixed reviews. Pajiba's Dustin Rowles dismissed it as "a series of atrocious sketches haphazardly strung together",[10] while Liz Shannon Miller, editor for online streaming site Newteevee, criticized the show's sitcom format and wrote that she "would have preferred a stronger debut," but gave the premiere four stars out of a possible five.[11] After it had gone nearly a year without being recommissioned, Hurwitz commented "We stopped holding our breath for a second season".[12]

BFF

[edit]

In 2009, Hurwitz was selected as the host of the second season of BFF, a game show produced for Myspace that Hurwitz described as "The Dating Game for friends". This was the first time he had been hired to appear in a non-CollegeHumor series; he called it "the first time I've been tapped on the shoulder to do anything that wasn't frat boy humor" and said the show's format was "out of [his] wheelhouse".[12] Hurwitz was given the chance to film a Jake and Amir video on the set, which he said "turned out pretty well".[13] Tubefilter's Marc Hustvedt said of the season: "It's a bit of a shame to see the typically absurd Hurwitz stripped of any real comedy purpose and thrown into what is pretty squarely a young, fashion-loving women's chit-chat."[14] Although some episodes of the season appeared to have been viewed over 500,000 times, Hustvedt said that many of them appeared to come from embedded video advertising and doubted the veracity of this number.[15]

Jake and Amir

[edit]
Main article: Jake and Amir
Hurwitz's comedy partner Amir Blumenfeld in 2010

Hurwitz met his colleague Amir Blumenfeld in 2006,[3] when the former began his internship at CollegeHumor.[16] When their offices moved to Union Square, the two were seated across from each other.[13] Hurwitz received a digital camera as a birthday present from his father, and the two used it to make videos together,[13] which they uploaded to the video-sharing website Vimeo.[16] Hurwitz thought Blumenfeld was "the funniest person in the office" and said "Amir and I were constantly joking around in different, strange characters, so it seemed natural that once I had a camera we began to record it."[13] Their first video was called "Quick Characters": it was unscripted, and involved either Hurwitz or Blumenfeld spontaneously pointing a camera at the other and instructing them to act in a certain way.[17]

The two later began the web series Jake and Amir, episodes of which they posted to jakeandamir.com[16] In it, Hurwitz plays Jake, a "normal guy", and Blumenfeld plays Amir, his annoying and obsessive co-worker, who craves Jake's attention.[3][16]

Hurwitz summed up the writing process by saying "me and Amir sit in a room and we make each other laugh for an hour or two and somehow we leave with a script"—he also noted the series' increased production values, saying that he and Blumenfeld have become better at editing it over time. Describing how his character has developed, Hurwitz said "I think the Jake character has become a little more wacky, which is fun for me. We've given me triggers for my insecurity and then I get to be a little weird which is cool." He also noted that the characters' roles had swapped somewhat because "when we're writing together we do each other's voices sometimes ... it was just making us laugh a lot when I was doing the crazy/funny man and he was doing the straight man when it came to fashion and girls."[18]

If I Were You

[edit]
Main article: If I Were You (podcast)

On May 13, 2013, Hurwitz and Blumenfeld announced their first new project since Jake and Amir: a comedy audio podcast called If I Were You, in which they give advice to listeners who submit questions.[19] Kayla Culver of The Concordian lauded the podcast as "comfortable to listen to" and "genuinely funny" and said "It's like listening to two best friends having a hilarious conversation on the couch next to you."[20] Conversely, The Guardian's Miranda Sawyer described If I Were You as "a typical example of a comedy podcast" and "amiable enough", but said it contained "far too much laughing", commenting that "New Yorkers Jake and Amir laugh and laugh, giggle and chortle their way around a topic" and "if I wanted stream-of-consciousness waffle with the occasional funny line, I'd listen to [my small children]."[21]

Lonely and Horny

[edit]
Main article: Jake and Amir § Lonely and Horny

In 2016, Hurwitz and Blumenfeld released an on-demand comedy series called Lonely and Horny on Vimeo. The series was picked up by CollegeHumor for its second season.

HeadGum

[edit]
Main article: HeadGum

In 2015, following the success of Hurwitz and Blumenfeld's If I Were You podcast, the duo founded the HeadGum podcasting network in tandem with their friend and colleague Marty Michael. HeadGum hosts 75 unique shows as of January 2026,[22] many of which are produced by the duo's former CollegeHumor coworkers. Some of the notable programs that can be found on the network include Why Won't You Date Me?, Gilmore Guys, and Doughboys. If I Were You and Not Another D&D Podcast, both of which feature Hurwitz as a co-host, are also featured on the network.

Not Another D&D Podcast

[edit]

In 2018, Hurwitz alongside Brian Murphy, Emily Axford, and Caldwell Tanner launched Not Another D&D Podcast, a Dungeons & Dragons podcast featuring Murphy as DM and Hurwitz, Axford, and Tanner as the players.[23] Their first main campaign, in which Hurwitz played a human champion fighter named Hardwon Surefoot, began on February 8, 2018 and concluded on May 10, 2020. Their second campaign, in which Hurwitz played Henry "Hank" Hogfish, a human echo knight fighter, aired from October 8, 2020 to November 20, 2021. In their third campaign, which began on January 13, 2022 to December 22, 2024, Hurwitz plays Calder Kildé, a half-giant eldritch knight fighter. The podcast has also featured a few smaller campaigns, including "Trinyvale" (DMed by Tanner), wherein Hurwitz played a half-elven ranger named Nyack, and "Hot Boy Summer" (DMed by Axford), wherein Hurwitz played a tiefling bard named Tread Nevers.

Personal life

[edit]

Hurwitz was born in Connecticut.[12] The son of a Jewish father and a Christian mother, he had a Bar Mitzvah and attended Hebrew school, but also celebrated Christmas and Easter.[4] He attended Hamden Hall Country Day School for high school then went on to study at Moravian University then Southern Connecticut State University[24] and finally Hunter College[25] and New School University in New York City.[5]

From 2009 to 2012, Hurwitz was in a relationship with Bee Shaffer, the daughter of fashion editor Anna Wintour, whom he met after she began working at CollegeHumor.[26] Since 2013, he has been in a long-term relationship with Jillian Vogel, whom he married in August 2018.[27][28] The two share a child.[29]

Filmography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2009 The CollegeHumor Show Jake
2012-2013 Money from Strangers With Amir Blumenfeld; 2 episodes
2015 Adam Ruins Everything Matt 1 episode
2016-2017 Animals. Various 4 episodes
2018 Bobcat Goldthwait's Misfits & Monsters Ben 1 episode

Online video

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2007–Present Jake and Amir Jake Also writer
2007–2015 Hardly Working Jake Also writer
2010–2015 CollegeHumor Originals Various
2016 Lonely and Horny Josh Rice Also director and writer

Bibliography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jake Hurwitz

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jake Hurwitz (born August 5, 1985) is an American comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster best known as one half of the comedy duo and as a co-founder of the independent podcast network . Hurwitz began his career in comedy through an internship at the digital media company in 2006, where he quickly advanced to writing and performing in original video sketches and articles. He co-starred in the MTV sitcom The CollegeHumor Show in 2009 and hosted the Myspace series BFF. Alongside frequent collaborator , he developed the Jake and Amir, which ran for over 300 episodes from 2007 to 2015 and portrayed exaggerated versions of their real-life friendship, with Hurwitz often playing the more grounded "straight man." In 2015, Hurwitz co-founded with Blumenfeld and producer Marty Michael, establishing it as a network dedicated to indie comedy podcasts that prioritizes creator autonomy and humor-driven content. Notable projects under Headgum include the advice podcast If I Were You, which Hurwitz co-hosts with Blumenfeld, and Not Another D&D Podcast (NADDPOD), where he serves as the dungeon master and has led live performances, including one at in 2023. He has also appeared in other series such as Lonely and Horny (2016) and Off Days (2017).

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Jake Hurwitz was born Jacob Penn Cooper Hurwitz on August 5, 1985, in Spring Glen, , a neighborhood in Hamden near New Haven. He grew up in a large family as the son of Samuel Hurwitz, a Jewish father, and Laura Hurwitz, a Christian mother, alongside one brother, Micah, four sisters: Rachael, Eliza, Sarah, and Hannah, and one half-brother. This interfaith household shaped his early experiences, as the family celebrated both Jewish and Christian holidays while he attended and underwent a traditional Bar Mitzvah ceremony. Hurwitz displayed an early entrepreneurial spirit, launching his first business at age eight by repairing skateboards for neighbors in a suburban New York neighborhood, reflecting the supportive family environment that encouraged his initiative.

Education

Hurwitz attended , a private coeducational preparatory institution in , graduating in 2004. After high school, Hurwitz pursued postsecondary education at and in . Hurwitz himself confirmed enrollment at , where he began studies around 2005. Conflicting accounts exist regarding the exact sequence and duration at each school, with some suggesting short-term or non-degree pursuits; however, appears to have been his primary college experience based on his direct statements. Hurwitz did not complete a degree at any institution, having started college in 2005 with an expected graduation in 2008 but ultimately dropping out. His academic path remained unspecified in terms of major, though his later career in comedy suggests influences from fields like communications or media. During his time at college, Hurwitz contributed a humor column to CollegeHumor, which helped cultivate his writing skills and interest in comedic content creation. Upon leaving college without graduating, Hurwitz established himself in , leveraging the city's vibrant entertainment environment to transition into comedy pursuits.

Career

CollegeHumor and early collaborations

Hurwitz began his professional career in comedy by interning at in 2006 while completing his studies at , and was hired as a full-time writer shortly after graduating in 2007. In this role, he contributed to the site's burgeoning library of original content, focusing on short-form that captured the absurdities of young adult life and office dynamics. From 2007 to 2015, Hurwitz was instrumental in producing and starring in dozens of videos, including popular series like , where he portrayed relatable, exasperated characters in mock workplace scenarios. His writing emphasized quick-witted dialogue and visual gags tailored for online audiences, helping the platform transition from text-based humor to video dominance during the rise of . These efforts earned him early recognition in , with appearances that showcased his delivery and improvisational skills. An early external project came in 2009 when Hurwitz hosted the second season of MySpace's BFF, a format where contestants participated in challenges to determine compatibility and form mock friendships, blending with interactive elements. This opportunity highlighted his versatility beyond sketches. As the company grew into a major player in web , Hurwitz evolved from to a central creative figure, including starring in the 2009 series The CollegeHumor Show, which adapted the site's sketches for television and reached broader audiences.

Jake and Amir

Jake and Amir is a comedy web series co-created by Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld, launched on in 2007 as a series of short, semi-improvised sketches depicting exaggerated versions of the duo's real-life friendship and office antics. The format typically featured Hurwitz and Blumenfeld portraying heightened, often absurd iterations of themselves—Jake as the straight-laced everyman exasperated by Amir's chaotic schemes—in bite-sized episodes lasting 1 to 5 minutes, which allowed for quick production and viral dissemination on the early digital platform. Over its run until 2015, the series produced over 700 episodes, amassing nearly 1 billion total views as of 2017 and establishing itself as 's longest-running original content. Key milestones included several viral episodes that captured widespread attention, such as "Monopoly" and "," which highlighted the duo's signature banter and propelled fan engagement through shares and memes. The series fostered a dedicated , evidenced by interactive elements like fan-voted content and the launch of live tours under the banner starting in 2013, where Hurwitz and Blumenfeld performed sketches to sold-out audiences across the U.S. In 2013, the series saw development toward a television adaptation as a sitcom for TBS, produced by , though it remained unsold; this effort later evolved into a 2015 pilot for that also did not advance to series. Following their departure from in 2015, Hurwitz and Blumenfeld transitioned into an audio format under their newly co-founded network, maintaining the improvisational humor with episodic discussions, games, and guest appearances from comedians like . The adaptation, including like Segments, continued to build on the series' legacy by emphasizing conversational chemistry and fan interaction through platforms like , where the duo revisits and analyzes classic episodes. The series received recognition in the digital comedy space, with Blumenfeld earning nominations for Best Male Actor in a Web Series at the first three (2009–2011), and the show itself nominated for a Webby Award in the Comedy: Long-Form category in 2010. Its influence extended to shaping the web comedy landscape, pioneering the model of character-driven, low-budget sketches that inspired subsequent creators and networks in the shift from online videos to multimedia empires.

Podcasting ventures

In 2015, Jake Hurwitz co-founded the comedy podcast network HeadGum alongside Amir Blumenfeld and Marty Michael, launching it on August 1 as an independent platform for creator-driven audio content. The network quickly expanded, growing to host over 30 shows by the early 2020s and employing around 30 staff members, with Hurwitz serving as an executive producer overseeing content development and strategic decisions. HeadGum's growth included producing live events, such as sold-out performances for its flagship shows, and fostering collaborations with comedians like Tig Notaro and Allison Williams to maintain an indie comedy vibe amid industry consolidation. A cornerstone of HeadGum's early success was If I Were You, an advice Hurwitz co-hosted with Blumenfeld from May 2013 to April 2023, evolving as a spin-off from their Jake and Amir. The show delivered humorous, often unqualified takes on life dilemmas submitted by listeners, blending banter with segments like scenarios and "dibs" calls on absurd ideas. Notable episodes included live recordings at events like with guest comedian and appearances by celebrities such as discussing "bro jobs" and on relationship dynamics, which highlighted the duo's improvisational style and contributed to its . Over 589 episodes, it amassed millions of downloads, emphasizing conceptual advice over expertise while occasionally featuring bonus Thursday content. HeadGum also supported specialized advice formats, such as the and This Is Why You're Single (–2020), co-hosted by Laura Lane and Angela Spera under the network's banner, with Hurwitz contributing as a founding executive. The show offered candid breakdowns of dating mishaps drawn from real listener stories, sparking cultural discussions on modern relationships through episodes on topics like "the date" and gluten-free condoms, often generating buzz for its witty, relatable explorations of intimacy and heartbreak. Rebranded as This Is Why in 2020 to broaden beyond , it exemplified HeadGum's role in nurturing flirty, expert-free audio content. By 2023, had evolved amid podcasting's maturation, ending long-running series like If I Were You to pivot toward diverse formats including narrative and recap shows, while retaining Hurwitz's involvement in production and occasional hosting. The network's acquisitions were limited, focusing instead on organic expansion through partnerships and live tours to sustain its emphasis on unscripted humor.

Not Another D&D Podcast

Jake Hurwitz joined Not Another D&D Podcast (NADDPOD) at its launch in 2018 as one of the core players, under the production banner of . In the first campaign, set in the realm of Bahumia, Hurwitz portrayed Hardwon Surefoot, a fighter raised by dwarves in a "dwarphanage," drawing inspiration from the character in J.R.R. Tolkien's , which reflects Hurwitz's personal affinity for the series. Hardwon's arc begins with the "Moonstone Saga," where the party—the Band of Boobs, including Hardwon, Moonshine Cybin, and Beverly Toegold V—investigates a theft in Moonstone and uncovers the lingering chaos from legendary heroes' past actions that nearly destroyed the world. Subsequent arcs, such as "The Ezry" and "The Shadowfell Saga," involve epic confrontations with deities and fiends, culminating in a climactic battle against the demon lord . Hardwon's development evolves from a brash, low-Wisdom with comedic mishaps—often highlighted by his "meaty calves" and impulsive decisions—to a heroic leader grappling with identity, loyalty, and sacrifice, including a transformative that temporarily alters his race. Fan reception for the first campaign and Hurwitz's performance has been overwhelmingly positive, with listeners praising his authentic growth as a D&D novice learning mechanics on-air, contributing to the podcast's humorous, heartfelt tone and its status as a gateway for new players; episodes garnered high ratings, often 4.9/5 on platforms like . The second campaign, Eldermourne, aired from October 2020 to 2021, where Hurwitz played Henry Hogfish, a human knight fighter starting as a humble in the coastal town of Thornkirk. The narrative unfolds during "The Reaping Season," a gothic horror-tinged arc involving lords, bog witches, and a cursed harvest, as the party navigates political intrigue and supernatural threats in a vampire-plagued world. Henry's character development centers on his ability—summoning past manifestations of himself—symbolizing and resilience; he grows from a reluctant into a strategic , forming deep bonds with allies like Zirk Vervain while confronting themes of loss and redemption. Fans lauded Hurwitz's portrayal for its consistency in playing fighters while adding emotional depth, with the campaign's blend of and tension earning acclaim for expanding the NADDPOD ; community discussions highlight his role in maintaining the group's dynamic humor amid darker storytelling. In the third campaign, returning to Bahumia and running from February 10, 2022, to December 22, 2024, Hurwitz portrayed Calder Kildé, a half-giant eldritch fighter hailing from the frigid Ice Knife region. Key arcs include "The Mothership Saga," where the party—Duck Team—boards a derelict spaceship amid cultist threats; "The Ice Knife Saga," exploring Calder's homeland and family legacy; "Legends of Irondeep," involving underground trials and serpentine foes; and "A Ending," resolving fey realm conflicts. Calder's development emphasizes his persona, blending brute strength with magical swordplay and vulnerability, as he shares poignant family histories and navigates co-parenting dynamics with party members, evolving from an isolated outsider to a protective anchor for the group. The campaign received strong fan reception, with Hurwitz's performance noted for its maturity and emotional range, contributing to NADDPOD's sustained popularity—evidenced by support and episode ratings—while tying back to first-campaign legacies like Hardwon's influence. NADDPOD has expanded through live shows, including tours in 2022 (e.g., Vancouver), 2023 (Carnegie Hall), and 2024 (various U.S. cities like Washington D.C. and Boston), where the cast performs episodes and one-shots, often featuring Hardwon or Calder in interactive segments. Merchandise includes apparel like "2 Crew" hats and tees, character-inspired pins, tour posters, and stickers, available via the official shop, supporting the show's community. Spin-offs such as Trinyvale (with Hurwitz as Nyack, a ranger) and The Mavrus Chronicles extend the universe, occasionally reuniting the cast for crossovers that highlight Hurwitz's versatile portrayals influenced by his Tolkien fandom.

Recent entrepreneurial projects

In 2023, Hurwitz founded Thursday Labs, a full-service podcast production studio based in , where he serves as founder, CEO, and creative director. The agency specializes in creating high-quality audio and video content for tech entrepreneurs and startups, handling everything from recording to distribution to help clients build their personal brands and connect with audiences. Drawing on his extensive experience in podcasting, Hurwitz positioned Thursday Labs to capitalize on the growing demand for authentic content in the tech sector, with early clients including innovative founders seeking to amplify their stories. By 2025, the company had released in-depth reports, such as the 51-page "2025-2026 State of Podcasting Outlook Report," analyzing industry trends and strategies for creators. Building on his prior success in podcast production, Hurwitz launched The Optimist in January 2025 as host and executive producer. The series addresses men's , emotional vulnerability, and modern through conversations with leaders, experts, and innovators, aiming to provide practical roadmaps for personal growth amid societal pressures on ambitious men. Initial episodes featured discussions on identity, relationships, and professional resilience, establishing the as a platform for deeper, confession-style dialogues rather than surface-level advice. In 2025, Hurwitz continued to expand his entrepreneurial footprint through live comedy events tied to his ongoing creative network. He co-headlined "Segments" live shows with longtime collaborator , including a performance at Park West in on November 14, 2024, as part of a tour celebrating their podcasting legacy. These events, which blend improvisation and audience interaction, support the growth of , the network Hurwitz co-founded in 2015, marking its 10th anniversary that year with reflections on sustaining independent in a consolidating industry. Despite industry challenges, including a 30% staff reduction at in October 2025 amid broader sector headwinds, Hurwitz emphasized adaptation and community-driven content in public discussions. On November 17, 2025, Hurwitz launched Thursday Clips, a editing service under Thursday Labs offering tiered production solutions for creators.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Hurwitz was in a relationship with Bee Shaffer, the daughter of Vogue editor-in-chief , from 2009 to 2012. In June 2010, the couple attended the together, where Shaffer supported Hurwitz's win for acting in a . Their breakup was reported in May 2012 after approximately two years together. In 2013, Hurwitz began a long-term relationship with comedian and producer Jillian Vogel. The pair frequently collaborated on creative projects, including joint appearances on the podcast If I Were You, hosted by Hurwitz and , where Vogel shared insights into their shared life and comedic influences. Their partnership highlighted mutual support in their respective comedy careers, with Vogel contributing to improv scenes and production work alongside Hurwitz's endeavors. Hurwitz and Vogel married in August 2018 during a wedding weekend described as highly eventful. In a dedicated episode of If I Were You, the couple recounted chaotic and memorable moments from the ceremony, including logistical mishaps and celebratory highlights with close friends and family. Public aspects of their relationship have been shared through podcast episodes and occasional media mentions, emphasizing their collaborative dynamic and ongoing partnership. The couple has since expanded their family with the birth of a child.

Family and children

Hurwitz and his wife, Jillian Vogel, whom he married in 2018, welcomed their first child, a named Gemma, in May 2023. The couple announced the birth during an episode of the podcast Not Another D&D Podcast, of which Hurwitz is a regular cast member. The family resides in a restored 1910 row house in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, which they purchased in 2020 to emphasize original architectural features like exposed brick and wood beams while creating a comfortable home environment. Hurwitz has occasionally referenced the challenges and joys of fatherhood on podcasts such as Segments, where he discusses integrating parenting responsibilities with his ongoing comedy and podcasting work amid a busy schedule in . Extended family plays an active role in Hurwitz's life, with regular gatherings involving his parents, brother , and sisters Rachael, Sarah, Eliza, and Hannah, as highlighted in family-oriented episodes of The Easy Chair hosted by his mother, Laura Hurwitz. These events often feature collaborative activities like , underscoring close-knit familial bonds that extend to visits and shared celebrations.

Filmography

Television

Hurwitz began his television career with the MTV sketch comedy series The CollegeHumor Show in 2009, where he served as both an actor and writer across its single season of eight episodes. The show featured original sketches from contributors, with Hurwitz portraying various characters in a format that bridged web content to broadcast television. In 2012, he made guest appearances on the MTV hidden camera prank series Money from Strangers, appearing as himself in two episodes alongside frequent collaborator . The program involved comedians approaching strangers for absurd favors, and Hurwitz participated in segments that highlighted his improvisational humor. Hurwitz had a recurring voice role in the HBO animated adult comedy Animals from 2016 to 2017, providing voices for characters including Older Bully, Caterer 2, and Chinese Food Rat 2 across four episodes. The series, created by Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano, anthropomorphized animals in surreal scenarios, allowing Hurwitz to contribute to its irreverent tone through . He appeared as Matt in the 2015 educational comedy , specifically in the episode "Adam Ruins Hygiene," where he played a supporting role in a sketch debunking myths about personal care. The series, hosted by and produced by alumni, used humor to correct common misconceptions, with Hurwitz's involvement tying into his background in . In 2018, Hurwitz guest-starred as Ben in the episode "The Buzzkill" of the anthology horror-comedy , sharing the screen with Blumenfeld in a story blending musicians and supernatural elements. Created and directed by , the series featured self-contained episodes mashing genres, and Hurwitz's performance added comedic flair to the horror setup. Additionally, efforts to adapt the into a traditional television format included a 2015 pilot ordered by , though it was not picked up for a full series.

Web series and online videos

Hurwitz contributed to numerous original video sketches for starting in 2006, following his internship there, where he both wrote and performed in content that helped define early internet comedy. His roles often featured him in ensemble sketches depicting absurd office scenarios, amassing millions of views collectively across the platform's originals, which averaged 20 million monthly views during his tenure. A prominent example was his recurring appearances in the web series Hardly Working (2007–2019), a sketch comedy show set in the CollegeHumor offices that ran for multiple seasons with over 100 episodes. In this series, Hurwitz portrayed exaggerated versions of himself in scenarios like "Introspective Jake," where he humorously ponders life's big questions during a workday, and "Muddy Jake," involving a prank gone awry with escalating office chaos. He also starred in standalone sketches such as "That's The Thing," satirizing party culture and logical fallacies, which highlighted his deadpan delivery and contributed to the site's viral appeal. Later, in 2017, Hurwitz appeared in episodes of the CollegeHumor web series Off Days, playing comedic supporting roles in short-form narratives about everyday mishaps. After departing in 2015, Hurwitz co-created the independent Lonely and Horny with , launching its first season of 10 episodes on in 2016. In the show, Hurwitz played Josh Rice, an empathetic dating coach guiding the protagonist through awkward romantic encounters, blending scripted with improvisational elements. The series returned for a second season in 2018, including the episode "Salsa Sarah" in November. Hurwitz made guest appearances in other web-based content, including voicing characters like Sub-Zero in two episodes of Dorkly's animated Originals series in 2011, which parodied tropes. On Dropout, the rebranded successor to , he featured in sketches such as "Jake Hurwitz and Superheroes" (2014), brainstorming absurd hero concepts, and "How the Is Ruining Comedy" (2018), critiquing online content trends alongside ensemble casts. Live performances of Hurwitz's have been captured in online video clips, particularly from tours promoting projects. For instance, recordings from the 2024 Segments live show at the Theatre of the Living Arts in showcase Hurwitz improvising segments with Blumenfeld, available on platforms like for audiences revisiting the duo's stage dynamic.

Bibliography

Books

The 2011 anthology . The Website. The Book, published by Da Capo Press on August 23, features contributions from the writing team during the period when Hurwitz served as a starting in 2006. The book serves as a compilation of the site's most popular humor articles, sketches, and content from its first decade, capturing the irreverent, satirical style that defined early . Hurwitz's involvement reflects his role in crafting the website's signature short-form humor during his time as a starting in 2006. The anthology-style publication features contributions from multiple writers, including editor , without individual chapters attributed solely to specific writers in available descriptions. It received generally positive reception, earning an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 17 global reader reviews praising its nostalgic appeal and laugh-out-loud moments for fans of the site's . The book tied into 's growing web fame by translating digital sketches and essays into print, helping to broaden the platform's audience beyond online viewers.

Other publications

In 2025, Hurwitz launched "Just Ask Jake," a Substack newsletter functioning as an old-school advice column that draws on his experiences in comedy, entrepreneurship, and personal life to offer guidance on relationships, mental health, and career challenges. The series emphasizes themes of self-reflection and growth, with Hurwitz responding to reader queries while incorporating candid anecdotes from his own journey, such as navigating breakups as opportunities for emotional development rather than setbacks. For instance, in the April 18 installment titled "The Difference Between Care Free and Careless," he explores the balance between seeking new experiences and respecting others' emotions in romantic contexts, highlighting the importance of intentionality to avoid harm. The newsletter continued through the year with monthly posts addressing broader personal reflections, including entries on maintaining connections amid change ("What Holds It All Together" in July) and conditional thinking in decision-making ("All Ifs Ands & Buts" in August). By , Hurwitz resumed the series with "#12: Next Goal Wins," a piece reflecting on perseverance and setting achievable milestones in creative and professional pursuits, tying into his ongoing work in podcasting and media production. These writings extend Hurwitz's comedic voice into more introspective territory, often blending humor with practical advice on mental well-being, such as reframing loneliness as a catalyst for meaningful conversations. Earlier in his career, Hurwitz contributed written humor pieces to 's online platform, including satirical essays and columns on life and pop culture from his time as a starting in 2006. These pre-2011 articles, such as collaborative sketches adapted from web content, showcased his early style of absurd, relatable comedy but were primarily digital rather than print-based. No formal print magazine features from this period have been documented in major outlets.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3299680/
  2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2025/08/01/headgum-founders-jake-hurwitz--amir-blumenfeld-celebrate-10-years-of-running-a-podcast-network-were-trying-to-hold-on-to-the-last-few-indie-comedy-vibes-that-are-left-in-podcasting/
  3. https://www.earwolf.com/person/jake-hurwitz/
  4. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/jake-hurwitz-32926.php
  5. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/jake-hurwitz.html
  6. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-comedians/jake-hurwitz-net-worth/
  7. https://mabumbe.com/people/jake-hurwitz-age-net-worth-biography-career-highlights/
  8. https://kitcaster.com/jake-hurwitz/
  9. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tATRn5jUueSTEzuALLXK3
  10. https://www.hamdenhall.org/news-detail?pk=565365
  11. https://statehornet.com/2008/05/jake-and-amir-setting-the-bar-for-college-humor/
  12. https://mndaily.com/237263/arts-entertainment/fk-you-mr-hurwitz-says-collegehumor-guy/
  13. https://www.vice.com/en/article/jake-and-amirs-decade-of-perfect-timing/
  14. https://variety.com/2012/scene/people-news/hurwitz-blumenfeld-college-humor-duo-graduate-to-next-level-1118056720/
  15. https://www.wired.com/story/collegehumor/
  16. https://www.tubefilter.com/2009/11/30/jake-hurwitz-tells-all-amir-bff-collegehumor-show-and-those-terrifying-ucb-shows/
  17. https://www.haaretz.com/2012-05-31/ty-article/meet-jake-and-amir-the-most-successful-jewish-comedians-on-the-internet/0000017f-ef74-d8a1-a5ff-fffe0e6f0000
  18. https://www.vulture.com/2013/02/talking-to-jake-and-amir-about-their-web-series-collegehumor-and-more.html
  19. https://www.tubefilter.com/2015/04/10/jake-and-amir-final-episode/
  20. https://www.tubefilter.com/2015/05/13/trutv-collegehumor-jake-and-amir-adam-ruins-everything/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egqpE4QaSjk
  22. https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHumor/videos/collegehumor-is-going-on-tour/10151764222547807/
  23. https://deadline.com/2013/12/tbs-to-adapt-hit-online-series-jake-amir-as-tv-comedy-with-ed-helms-producing-654387/
  24. https://www.tubefilter.com/2015/12/28/jake-and-amir-tv-pilot-end/
  25. https://headgum.com/segments
  26. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2021/04/30/comedy-duo-jake-and-amir-grow-media-empire-with-new-dating-app--rights-to-their-hit-web-series/
  27. https://www.streamys.org/nominees-winners/3rd-annual-nominees/
  28. https://www.vulture.com/2015/08/jake-hurwitz-and-amir-blumenfeld-launched-a-new-podcast-network-called-headgum.html
  29. https://headgum.com/about
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-g_t9TaLLM
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqfPCmuTcM0
  32. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Podcast/IfIWereYou
  33. https://headgum.com/this-is-why/3-year-anniversary-with-jake-amir
  34. http://thisiswhythepodcast.com/podcast
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsqY5SL2S9U
  36. https://naddpod.com/about
  37. https://notanotherdndpodcast.fandom.com/wiki/Hardwon_Surefoot
  38. https://notanotherdndpodcast.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Hurwitz
  39. https://www.reddit.com/r/NotAnotherDnDPodcast/comments/gh3l85/spoiler_episode_100_naddpod_is_the_story_of_jake/
  40. https://notanotherdndpodcast.fandom.com/wiki/Henry_Hogfish
  41. https://notanotherdndpodcast.fandom.com/wiki/Campaign_2
  42. https://notanotherdndpodcast.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Campaign_2
  43. https://www.reddit.com/r/NotAnotherDnDPodcast/comments/1as5v58/spoilers_for_all_campaigns_why_does_jake_always/
  44. https://headstuff.org/podcasts/podcast-review-not-another-dd-podcast/
  45. https://notanotherdndpodcast.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Campaign_3
  46. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naddpod-campaign-3/id1691456352
  47. https://www.reddit.com/r/NotAnotherDnDPodcast/comments/1audg2a/just_wanna_gush_about_hardwons_story_spoilers_for/
  48. https://naddpod.com/live
  49. https://www.reddit.com/r/NotAnotherDnDPodcast/comments/y8al9c/list_of_all_live_shows_ns/
  50. https://shop.naddpod.com/collections/all
  51. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/naddpod-trinyvale/id1691604540
  52. https://www.crunchbase.com/person/jake-hurwitz-ce39
  53. https://www.thursdaylabs.co/
  54. https://www.ftspod.com/episodes/jake-hurwitz
  55. https://www.thursdaylabs.co/2025-2026-state-of-podcasting-outlook-report
  56. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-optimist/id1789242652
  57. https://open.spotify.com/show/3UfqLL5ulm8vNCc7dpeNJS
  58. https://www.jamusa.com/events/detail/jake-and-amir-segments-live-698469
  59. https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/headgum-layoffs-podcast-struggles-1236560100/
  60. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRK3J9lCW8P/
  61. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/jake-hurwitz
  62. https://www.thecut.com/2010/06/a_moment_with_bee_shaffer_and.html
  63. https://www.thecut.com/2012/05/anna-wintour-could-still-be-your-mother-in-law.html
  64. https://art19.com/shows/if-i-were-you/episodes/a1b416ec-babf-4283-845d-260db0f5f689
  65. https://jillianvogel.substack.com/p/generals-live-jillian-x-lou-wilson
  66. https://headgum.com/segments/345-jake-and-jills-insane-wedding-wjillian-vogel
  67. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/series-unfortunate-updates-reversed-brooklyn-052046739.html
  68. https://headgum.com/the-easy-chair/episode-230-mad-libs
  69. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371773/
  70. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2145840/
  71. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/money-from-strangers/cast/1000207903/
  72. https://jakeandamir.fandom.com/wiki/CollegeHumor.com
  73. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1846093/
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDfEcICau5Y
  75. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5537304/
  76. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2262795/fullcredits/
  77. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9897842/
  78. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9915054/
  79. https://southstreet.com/events/jake-amir-theatre-of-the-living-arts/
  80. https://www.amazon.com/CollegeHumor-Website-Book-Writers-College/dp/0306820269
  81. https://jakehurwitz.substack.com/p/just-ask-jake
  82. https://jakehurwitz.substack.com/p/just-ask-jake-6
  83. https://jakehurwitz.substack.com/p/just-ask-jake-2
  84. https://jakehurwitz.substack.com/archive
  85. https://jakehurwitz.substack.com/
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