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Joseph Pera (born July 24, 1988[1][2]) is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He is best known as the creator and star of Adult Swim's Joe Pera Talks with You, which entered development following the success of the 2016 special Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep, and ran for three seasons.[3]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Joe Pera was born in Buffalo, New York and raised in the suburb of Amherst.[4][5]

He studied film at Ithaca College, where he competed in and won the college's stand-up competition three times.[6] Pera graduated from Ithaca College in 2010.[7] He moved to New York City to pursue comedy and participated in open mic nights as often as possible.[8]

Career

[edit]

Known for his slow, "grandfatherly" delivery and his penchant for wearing sweaters, Pera created the Adult Swim Infomercials Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep.[9] This was followed by an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and another stand-alone Adult Swim special titled Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree.[10] Thanks to the success of those programs (all produced by Chestnut Walnut, founded by him and Conner O'Malley),[11] Pera developed a television series for Adult Swim, which premiered on May 20, 2018, titled Joe Pera Talks with You.[8] The show lasted for 3 seasons with Pera starring as a fictionalized version of himself, addressing the audience about seemingly mundane, everyday topics. In a interview Pera stated “Each episode is a quiet rumination on the beautiful mundanities of everyday life, I think part of the reason the show is so effective is that it tempers its kindness with brutal honesty.”[12] The show has received critical acclaim, with much of the praise going towards the show's unique tone and writing. The A.V. Club's Erik Adams wrote that "It’s a particular type of funny, of the soft-spoken, deadpan, and disarming type that Pera practices onstage and on the talk-show circuit.[13] However on July 7, 2022 Pera announced that the show had been canceled,[14] to many fans disappointment. After the announcement many tributes were made in the shows honor, writing for Collider, Chase Hutchinson stated “Pera made something that was truly and brilliantly one-of-a-kind.”[15]

He appeared on the talk show Conan on March 28, 2017, and on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on December 4, 2019.[16][17] In 2020 Adult Swim aired another special starting Pera titled Relaxing Old Footage With Joe Pera.[18] That same year a 4 minute short Pera had written alongside Joe Bennett was released titled Birds in which Pera also provided the voices.[19] In 2021, Joe Pera released a book named A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping or Peeing but Using the Bathroom as an Escape which was illustrated by Joe Bennett.[20] Pera stated “It is exactly what its title suggests: a short read to occupy yourself with when you’re overwhelmed by everything on the other side of that bathroom door.”[21]

On January 31, 2023, Joe and Chestnut Walnut announced a podcast to help people fall asleep called, Drifting Off With Joe Pera. It is similar to his "Talks You To Sleep" series. Episodes are released on the first Sunday of every month, features a guest interview, a guest musician, and a philosophical monologue on a given topic. The podcast officially debuted in February and has gone on to receive critical acclaim.[22][23] On March 3, 2023, Joe made a brief appearance on EHFM's Radio show "No Dancing",[24] where he discussed his thoughts on moving slowly and reflectively and shared a piece of music he was working on. He appears at 31:40. On October 6, 2023, Pera released a 56-minute standup special titled Joe Pera: Slow and Steady on YouTube.[25][26]

In January of 2025 the second season of Drifting Off With Joe Pera debuted.[27] In April Pera released the full audio from his live Drifting off with Joe Pera show at the Brooklyn Opra House on his YouTube channel.[28] On July 8 2025 Pera released a short film on his YouTube channel that he created alongside Carmen Christopher, titled DOING BUSINESS AT THE END OF THE WORLD.[29]

Comedic style

[edit]

Pera is known to speak in a soft, measured, often quiet voice. With pauses playing an important role, as he doesn’t rush with the timing being long-paced. Pera avoids overt mean-spiritedness, with his humor instead coming from kindness, humility, from loving the world’s small quirks. Often making the familiar feel strange or interesting by paying attention to little things.[30][31] He is also known to mention his Buffalo upbringing.[32]

His jokes often build slowly; parts are simple, not relying much on big punchlines, shock, or rapid fire jokes. The pacing gives him breathing room. His comedy has been described as “cozy,” “grandfatherly,” comforting, and therapeutic. Almost like something someone might listen to wind down.[33][30] His show Joe Pera Talks with You was also credited with giving off the same cozy feeling by viewers.[34][35]

Pera has stated during shows his personality is a little exaggerated, adding “but really I talk as myself from experience and about the things I'm interested in and the things that I find funny.”[31]

His stage persona is somewhat unassuming, mild, nervous / awkward in benign ways. GQ described his clothing style as “simple and practical, the uniform of an old man”[36]

Personal life

[edit]

Pera is a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. He has made dozens of posts on his Instagram showing his support for the team.[37]

Pera also has a huge interest in tomatoes, posting numerous photos of tomatoes on his Instagram. In an interview, he stated, "Oh, I've been into tomatoes for years. It's a bit of a challenge when so many people bring me tomatoes after shows and I have to eat them whether I'm in the mood for a tomato or not. Because people are so kind about offering them. They aren't the easiest produce to transport so I try to eat them fresh when someone brings them. And, it is hard to turn down a good heirloom tomato."[38]

In a video to his YouTube channel, Pera endorsed Democratic candidate India Walton for mayor of Buffalo, New York in the 2021 election.[39]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2016 5 Doctors Davis
2017 Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat Zone Jim
2023 Elemental Fern Grouchwood (voice)
2024 Let’s Start a Cult Bo
2024 Boys Go to Jupiter Herschel Cretaceous Voice

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2013–14 The Chris Gethard Show Zero Fucks Boyd 4 episodes
2014 New Timers Myron 2 episodes
Pancake Breakfast Critic with Joe Pera Himself 3 episodes; Produced with MTV Other
Adam Devine’s House Party 1 episode
2015 The Special Without Brett Davis
2016 Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep Short; part of Infomercials
Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree
2016-2023 Late Night With Seth Myers 7 episodes
2017 Conan March 28
Crown Prince Jim Short: writer
Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat Zone Short
2018 The George Lucas Talk Show Himself Episode LV: Post-SOLO Show-Lo
2018–21 Joe Pera Talks with You 32 episodes; also creator, executive producer and writer
2019 The Late Show with Stephen Colbert December 4
2020 Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera Special
F Is for Family Alaquippa Ed (voice) 6 episodes
Birds All voices Short: writer
2022 Search Party Dr. Inane Episode: "Song of Songs"
2022-Present Bob's Burgers Christopher Episode: "Ferry On My Wayward Bob and Linda" & "The Shell Game"
2023 Joe Pera: Slow and Steady Himself Comedy special

YouTube series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2014 The Perfect Week[40] Himself 7 episode mini-series hosted by JASH with trailer
Pancake Breakfast Critic[41] 3 episode mini-series hosted by MTV
2015 How To Make It in USA[42] 9 episode mini-series co-starring Conner O'Malley
2021 Townsends[43] Appears in 7 episodes
2023 Stavvy's World[44] Episode 21: "Dan Licata and Joe Pera"
2023 Drifting Off with Joe Pera[45] mini-series with co-stars

Bibliography

[edit]

References

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

Joe Pera

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Joseph Pera (born July 24, 1988) is an American comedian, writer, actor, and filmmaker born in . He studied film at before pursuing , where he developed a distinctive style focused on everyday observations and gentle absurdity. Pera rose to prominence as the creator, writer, and star of the series Joe (2018–2021), in which he plays a soft-spoken choir director navigating small-town life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula through conversational sketches. The show, praised for its wholesome contrast to Adult Swim's edgier programming, earned high critical acclaim with an 8.9/10 rating on from over 4,000 user reviews. Additional credits include voicing the character Fern in Pixar's (2023) and producing specials like Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera (2020), alongside stand-up appearances on platforms such as . In recent years, Pera has expanded into podcasting with Slow and Steady, exploring themes of patience and routine.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Joseph Pera was born on July 24, 1988, in . He grew up in Buffalo, a city in noted for its blue-collar roots and location near the . Limited public details exist regarding Pera's background, as he has maintained privacy on personal matters. In a 2021 , he referenced his father and brother while discussing inspirations for his comedy, recounting a childhood memory of his dad critiquing friends' breakfast routines at a local shop, which highlighted everyday familial dynamics. No verified information on his parents' names, occupations, or additional siblings appears in reputable sources, reflecting Pera's focus on professional rather than personal disclosures in media profiles.

Upbringing and Early Influences

Joe Pera was born on July 24, 1988, in . He grew up in Buffalo's tight-knit neighborhoods, where the city's blue-collar ethos, resilience, and appreciation for small joys amid harsh snowy winters shaped his early worldview and later comedic sensibility focused on quiet, comforting moments. From a young age, his life involved rough-and-tumble activities such as smashing televisions and playing hockey, reflecting the energetic, working-class environment of . Pera's family played a central role in his upbringing, with both parents contributing to his sense of humor through teasing and joke-cracking; his father particularly enjoyed delivering punchlines, while his mother expressed wit in her distinctive manner. He was raised partly by his grandparents, two sets of whom lived within five minutes of his home and were frequent presences in his daily life. His grandfather Jerry was a performative "ham" who loved hamming it up, and his nana Josephine was regarded by Pera as one of the funniest people he knew, even compared to professional comedians; both appeared in his early videos, distinguishing his work from peers and fostering his interest in collaborative, character-driven humor. Another grandfather's traits as an antique hoarder—marked by curiosity and a deliberate pace—influenced Pera's portrayal of slow, inquisitive characters. Family dynamics emphasized mutual teasing, which Pera has credited as a foundational source of his comedic voice. During his teenage years, Pera encountered early formal exposure to comedy by taking a course with writer , sparking his interest in structured joke-writing. He later attended , majoring in cinema and photography at the Roy H. Park School of Communications, where he won the school's stand-up competition multiple times, honing his delivery amid academic pursuits in film. These experiences, combined with influences from high school friend Dan Licata (who later collaborated on his projects), bridged his family-rooted humor to professional stand-up beginnings.

Comedic Career

Stand-up Beginnings

Joe Pera began performing during his undergraduate studies at , where he studied film. He won the Ithaca College Annual Stand-Up Competition three times, demonstrating early proficiency in his distinctive style focused on mundane observations. After graduating from in 2010, Pera relocated to , New York, to pursue a professional career. In , he regularly performed stand-up at clubs and developed alongside his live sets, gradually building recognition for his slow-paced, observational humor. By 2013, he achieved a milestone as a finalist in Comedy Central's "Up Next" competition, which highlighted emerging talent and provided exposure beyond local scenes. Pera's early professional sets, often shared on platforms like , featured bits on everyday topics such as and sports fandom, performed in venues including the Wilbur Theater in . These appearances, dating to around 2013–2014, underscored his commitment to a gentle, unhurried delivery that contrasted with the high-energy norms of the New York comedy circuit. He later co-founded the Chestnut Walnut Unlimited with comedian Connor O'Malley, supporting his stand-up through collaborative video projects.

Television and Film Roles

Pera's breakthrough in television came with , an series he created, co-wrote, and starred in from May 20, 2018, to July 11, 2021, across three seasons totaling 24 episodes. In the show, he portrays a fictionalized version of himself as a reserved middle-school choir teacher in , delivering monologues on mundane subjects like relaxation techniques or , interspersed with interactions involving recurring characters such as his grandmother and a . The series also spawned specials, including Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep (2018) and Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera (August 9, 2020, ), where he narrates soothing content amid pandemic-era uncertainty. He has made recurring voice appearances in animated television, including as Christopher Calabrese, , in Bob's Burgers starting with the episode "Ferry on My Wayward Bob and Linda" (February 27, 2022). Other credits include voicing Alaquippa Ed in F Is for Family (2020), Dr. Inane in Search Party (2022), and roles in Teenage Euthanasia (2021) and the short Birds (2020). In film, Pera debuted in the short 5 Doctors (2016), playing Davis in a comedic medical scenario. He directed, wrote, and starred as Jim in the surreal short Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat Zone (2017). His voice work expanded to major studio animation with the role of Fern Grouchwood, a grumpy earth elemental, in Pixar's Elemental (June 16, 2023). Upcoming projects include acting roles in Boys Go to Jupiter (2024), voicing Herschel, and Let's Start a Cult (2024).

Podcasting and Digital Media

In 2023, Joe Pera launched Drifting Off with Joe Pera: A Sleep Podcast, co-hosted with composer Ryan Dann, featuring low-key comedic elements, ambient , and simulated late-night phone calls aimed at promoting relaxation and . Episodes typically run 20-30 minutes, with extended eight-hour versions available for overnight listening, and often include guest appearances from musicians or comedians such as , , or Carmen Christopher. The has garnered a 4.9 rating on based on over 1,200 reviews, reflecting its niche appeal in blending gentle humor with ASMR-like audio production. A page supports the series, offering exclusive content to subscribers. Pera maintains an active digital presence through his YouTube channel, which has amassed over 160,000 subscribers and hosts full podcast episodes, live performances like a 2023 Brooklyn Opera House special, and stand-up clips. In October 2023, he released his hour-long stand-up special Slow and Steady exclusively on the platform, showcasing his signature deadpan style through observational routines on everyday topics. The channel also promotes podcast tie-ins, such as episodes themed around answering machines or late-night drives. On , Pera engages via X (formerly ) under the handle @JosephPera, where he shares updates on his projects, including podcast releases and tour dates, maintaining a low-volume posting style consistent with his persona. He has made guest appearances on other , such as the April 2025 episode of Transmissions, discussing his evolution and sleep podcast's therapeutic intent. These digital efforts extend his comedic reach beyond traditional television, emphasizing audio and video formats that align with his understated, introspective approach.

Comedic Style and Philosophy

Core Elements of Deadpan Delivery

Joe Pera's delivery features a soft-spoken voice, delivered in a halting manner with deliberate pauses that underscore timing without rushing punchlines. This approach creates space for humor to emerge organically, often through understated repetition or sincere observations, as in routines identifying trees as "This is a " multiple times. Central to his style is an earnest, wholesome persona that projects sincerity, evoking a geriatric demeanor despite his youthful appearance, which amplifies the deadpan effect via subtle fidgeting and minimal expressiveness. Pera applies this to mundane topics like family interactions or everyday comforts, inviting audience affinity rather than confrontation, differing from aggressive or snarky norms in stand-up. In his 2023 special Slow & Steady, this delivery manifests as gentle crowd work and meditative routines, such as talking viewers to sleep, reinforcing a low-key cadence that prioritizes decency and subtle wit over overt bombast. Pera has described his onstage self as an exaggerated yet battle-tested version of his personality, less naive than his television characters, allowing ironic to peek through the composed facade.

Influences and Evolution

Pera's comedic influences draw heavily from personal family dynamics and observational media. His grandparents, particularly Grandpa Jerry, described as a performative "ham," and Nana Josephine, whom Pera has called "one of the funniest people I know or have seen," featured prominently in his early videos, shaping his appreciation for authentic, character-driven humor over polished detachment. emerged as an early stylistic influence, with Pera citing Guest's approach and meticulous character development in films like as models for controlling comedic tone and detail. Additional inspirations include the documentary , which informed his vision of a touring, collaborative career, and childhood exposure to Robert Munsch's , fostering an early interest in whimsical family-oriented narratives. Critics and observers have frequently compared Pera's deadpan, persona-driven delivery to , noting parallels in performance artistry and audience provocation through subtlety rather than overt punchlines; Pera himself submitted entries to the Award in 2011 and 2012, underscoring this affinity. Later works reflect broader media absorptions, such as mid-1990s films including for comedic timing, channels like Townsends for a DIY aesthetic, and books like Witold Rybczynski's Now I Sit Me Down for episode-specific research on everyday objects. Pera's style evolved from tentative stand-up beginnings at age 18 during college, where initial struggles gave way to refinement through gigs in Buffalo, New York, emphasizing slow-paced, precise joke construction suited to his reserved demeanor. While studying film at Ithaca College around 2007–2011, he produced student films and public access content, collaborating early with Dan Licata, which bridged to professional video sketches incorporating real-life figures like his grandparents. This foundation led to Adult Swim's animated special Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep in spring 2016, marking a shift toward scripted, visually stylized shorts that evolved into the live-action series Joe Pera Talks With You by 2018, with seasons progressing from seasonal vignettes (e.g., autumn/winter in Season 1) to narrative arcs involving relationships and heavier themes like grief in later installments. The series' format maintained a constrained 11-minute structure, demanding rigorous writing and research into mundane topics—such as furniture or fishing—to balance whimsy with emotional depth, while collaborators like Connor O'Malley and contributed to its growing ambition without sacrificing homemade intimacy. By 2021, Pera expanded into print with A Bathroom Book for People Who Find Themselves Talking to Strangers in the , and in 2023 launched the Drifting Off with Joe Pera, integrating sleep-aid narration with , reflecting a maturation toward explorations of comfort and observation. Throughout, his avoidance of vulgarity or meanness persisted, prioritizing humor derived from and small quirks, as evidenced in stand-up specials and evolving television output.

Reception and Impact

Critical Praise

Joe Pera's television series (2018–2021) garnered widespread critical acclaim for its distinctive blend of humor, earnest pacing, and emphasis on everyday mundanities, earning a 100% approval rating on for its first season based on seven reviews. Critics highlighted the show's subversion of comedic cynicism, with The Guardian describing it as "heartrending TV that will take your breath away" for its refusal to mock its protagonist's quirks and its protective affection toward its characters. Similarly, Vox praised it as a "great comedy about being a good person," noting its ambitious exploration of moral goodness through short, episodic vignettes that prioritize sincerity over irony. Reviewers frequently commended Pera's delivery and the series' calming aesthetic, which characterized as offering "surprising pleasures of gentle humor" amid a landscape dominated by edgier , positioning it as a rewarding alternative focused on quiet observation rather than confrontation. awarded it four out of five stars, calling it a "sweet, thoughtful about the joys of everyday life" that appeals through its wholesome portrayal of small-scale human connections. Pera's 2023 stand-up special Slow & Steady, released on YouTube, received positive notices for extending his signature style into a full-hour format, with Paste magazine hailing it as a "rare island of decency and joy" that provides respite from broader cultural tensions through its inviting, non-aggressive wit. Decider recommended streaming it for Pera's efforts to maintain composure amid personal anecdotes, underscoring the special's emotional depth and whimsy without veering into pretension. These elements collectively affirm critics' view of Pera's work as a niche but impactful counterpoint to prevailing comedic trends, valued for its precision and restraint.

Audience and Cultural Reception

Joe Pera's work has cultivated a dedicated niche audience, particularly among viewers seeking wholesome, earnest comedy amid broader cultural cynicism, with his television series earning an 8.9/10 rating on from over 4,000 user reviews. The show's fanbase often grows through word-of-mouth recommendations, reflecting appreciation for its gentle humor and sincerity rather than . Live performances draw engaged crowds, where audiences participate in call-and-response interactions encouraged by Pera, contributing to sold-out shows such as six dates in November 2023 accommodating approximately 850 attendees. Culturally, Pera's style is received as a subversive counterpoint to irony-saturated media, especially within Adult Swim's typically irreverent programming, by emphasizing unadulterated genuineness and everyday wonder. Critics and viewers alike praise its heart and personality, positioning it as a rare example of comedy that restores a sense of earnest connection lost in adult life. Audience demand metrics indicate sustained interest, with the series achieving 7.0 times the demand of an average U.S. television show in April 2025. This reception underscores Pera's appeal to those valuing observational humor rooted in Midwestern-like politeness and simplicity, despite his New York origins, fostering a perception of his persona as authentically restorative.

Criticisms and Debates

Joe Pera's , deliberately paced style has elicited debate over its accessibility and effectiveness as . Detractors contend that the slow delivery and focus on mundane, non-confrontational subjects can render his material monotonous or insufficiently engaging for audiences accustomed to higher-energy formats, with some likening the experience to "" despite intentional embrace of such as part of the humor. User reviews on echo this, describing episodes of as boring or unfunny for viewers who fail to attune to its subtle and earnestness, highlighting a divide between those who appreciate the anti-cynical restraint and others who perceive it as lacking punch or edge. Critics have also questioned the of Pera's wholesome , with occasional suggestions that it borders on performative irony rather than genuine sentiment, as noted in analyses interpreting his work as potentially "ironically ironic." His deliberate avoidance of , offensive topics, and swearing—eschewing elements common in contemporary stand-up—sparks discussion on whether this restraint innovates or constrains comedic breadth, particularly in a dominated by acts. These stylistic critiques persist amid broad acclaim, underscoring Pera's niche appeal without evidence of broader controversies or ethical lapses in his career.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Joe Pera was raised by his grandparents, who influenced his appreciation for a slower pace of life. The death of his last remaining grandmother informed aspects of the writing for the first season of Joe Pera Talks With You, including episodes centered on themes of loss and remembrance. Pera has shared no verified details about romantic relationships, , or children in public interviews or profiles. Claims circulating online, such as a purported marriage to a woman named Lakeisha with children, originate from unverified and likely satirical sources and lack corroboration from reputable outlets.

Lifestyle and Interests

Pera resides in , having relocated there to advance his career, in contrast to the small-town setting of his television persona. He maintains a deliberate, unhurried approach to daily life, prioritizing relaxation and comfort, as evidenced by his late-night habit of consuming and his production of content designed to induce sleep, such as the monthly Drifting Off with Joe Pera. His interests center on self-sufficiency and historical practices, including frequent viewing of channels like Townsends, which demonstrate 18th-century cooking and construction techniques; he has collaborated with the channel on recreations such as thatched roof pie. Pera also enjoys "catch and cook" fishing videos depicting immediate preparation of catches riverside, reflecting an affinity for nature-based activities during periods like the lockdown. Pera expresses deep admiration for Michigan's Upper Peninsula landscapes, including its geological formations and Lake Superior shoreline, which inform his creative output despite his urban residence. He engages in research on niche subjects, such as historical furniture—having read Now I Sit Me Down by Witold Rybczynski—and obscure topics like hermits or pest control methods, often incorporating these into his comedy. Musically, he favors mellow, instrumental works, including albums like Elori Saxl's The Blue of Distance and Gia Margaret's Romantic Piano.

Notable Works

Stand-up Specials

Joe Pera's debut special, Slow and Steady, premiered on on October 6, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The 56-minute performance was recorded live before a full audience at the in , on June 15, 2023. It draws from material refined over nearly ten years of stand-up experience, including an intensive 18-month touring schedule prior to filming. The special showcases Pera's signature delivery, focusing on observational humor about everyday routines, personal anecdotes, and subtle absurdities, such as reflections on losing his and broader life observations. Produced in association with and Art & Industry, it marked Pera's first full-length stand-up release, distinguishing it from his prior television appearances and shorts. Slow and Steady received a 7.6 out of 10 rating on IMDb based on 268 user votes as of late 2023. Critics noted its gentle, inviting tone as a counterpoint to more aggressive comedy styles, with Paste magazine describing it as "a rare island of decency and joy" that provides temporary relief from worldly concerns through Pera's understated approach. No subsequent stand-up specials have been released as of October 2025.

Television Series

Joe Pera Talks With You is an American comedy television series created by and starring Joe Pera as a fictionalized version of himself, a choir residing in Michigan's Upper . The program premiered on on May 20, 2018, and concluded after three seasons in 2021, consisting of 31 episodes along with two specials. Its format centers on Pera delivering monologues directly to the audience, exploring mundane subjects such as routines, varieties, grocery shopping, and seasonal hikes, often interwoven with interactions involving local characters like family members and neighbors. The series evolved from earlier short-form content, including a 2016 pilot special titled "Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect ," which aired as a precursor on . Season 1, comprising 10 episodes, debuted in 2018 and focused on introductory themes like local and daily rituals. Subsequent seasons expanded on relational dynamics, such as Pera's and family life, while maintaining the low-key, observational humor characteristic of his style; for instance, Season 2 episodes addressed topics like waiting in line and navigating darkness, and Season 3 delved into legacy and community events. Pera's portrayal emphasizes gentle, earnest commentary on ordinary experiences, distinguishing the show from typical programming through its wholesome tone and absence of irony or cynicism. Production involved collaboration with recurring members portraying figures like the Melsky family, and episodes typically run 11-22 minutes, prioritizing narrative simplicity over rapid pacing. The series concluded without a formal fourth season renewal, reflecting 's programming decisions amid shifting network priorities.

Films and Voice Acting

Pera's film appearances are primarily in short films, beginning with the role of Davis in the 2016 comedy short 5 Doctors. He followed this with the lead role of Jim in the 2017 stop-motion animated short Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat Zone, which he also co-wrote and produced. In feature films, Pera provided the voice of Fern Grouchwood, a supporting character, in Pixar's 2023 animated release , directed by . Pera has also performed in animated television series, including Alaquippa Ed in the 2020 episode of and Christopher in multiple episodes of starting from 2022. Additional voice credits include roles in from 2021.
YearTitleRoleType
20165 DoctorsDavis
2017Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat ZoneJimAnimated short
2023Fern Grouchwood (voice)Feature film

Podcasts

"Drifting Off with Joe Pera: A Sleep Podcast" is a series hosted by Joe Pera in collaboration with composer Ryan Dann, emphasizing relaxation through subdued humor, ambient audio design, and scripted dialogues on everyday subjects to facilitate . The podcast debuted on February 5, 2023, with its first episode centered on soup preparation and discussion, featuring comedian in a phone call segment. Episodes typically run 20-40 minutes, blending Pera's narration with Dann's soundscapes to evoke calm, avoiding high-energy elements. Season 1 explores themes like the history of clock chimes, video games, and desk books, while later installments incorporate guests for themed conversations, such as bedtime drinks with Carmen Christopher in a March 2025 release or wind patterns with musician Elori Saxl in January 2025. A live recording, "Drifting Off: Live from the Opera House," extends the format to stage performance. Distributed via , , , and , it maintains a for exclusive content. Listener feedback highlights its efficacy for bedtime routines, reflected in a 4.9-star average from 1,276 Apple Podcasts reviews as of late 2025. Pera has also guested on external shows, including a 2022 interview with musician Dave Bazan discussing his comedic approach. No additional hosted podcasts by Pera have been produced as of October 2025.

References

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  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vlNmfaIxOY
  32. https://x.com/JosephPera
  33. https://open.spotify.com/episode/32I9PkiXMLzZA8L3sLrkQ2
  34. https://www.theringer.com/2016/12/09/uncategorized/joe-pera-is-the-cozy-sweater-of-comedy-acf9f42cabc4
  35. https://observer.com/2018/09/film-crit-hulk-joe-pera-bizarre-wholesome-outsider-comedy/
  36. https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/joe-pera/joe-peras-stand-up-special-slow-steady-is-a-rare-island-of-decency-and-joy
  37. https://www.nuvo.net/entertainment/a-chill-chat-with-comedian-joe-pera/article_79922ed9-b717-423e-8caa-da14cf800ce0.html
  38. https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/joe-pera-talks-with-you-joe-pera-interview
  39. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_pera_talks_with_you/s01
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/12/joe-pera-talks-with-you-heartrending-tv-that-will-take-your-breath-away
  41. https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/5/18/21219712/joe-pera-talks-with-you-adult-swim-review
  42. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/joe-pera-talks-with-you
  43. https://decider.com/2023/10/07/joe-pera-slow-amp-steady-youtube-special-review-stream-it-or-skip-it/
  44. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jan/27/so-beautiful-it-almost-brought-me-to-tears-the-comedy-and-wonder-of-joe-pera
  45. https://www.reddit.com/r/JoePera/comments/10uvi00/tonights_show_and_crowd_etiquette/
  46. https://bottlerocketpgh.substack.com/p/joe-pera-a-week-in-review
  47. https://medium.com/wisecrack/how-joe-pera-subverts-adult-swims-cynicism-f5dd876fabc
  48. https://tv.parrotanalytics.com/US/joe-pera-talks-with-you-adult-swim
  49. https://racketmn.com/joe-pera-tour-interview-st-paul-minnesota
  50. https://bookandfilmglobe.com/television/tv-review-joe-pera-talks-with-you/
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8199790/reviews/
  52. https://www.uccuniversityexpress.com/latestissue/joe-peras-calm-reformation-of-comedy
  53. https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/joe-pera-talked-with-you-interview
  54. https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/joe-pera-talks-with-you-interview.html
  55. https://www.reddit.com/r/JoePera/comments/s5g318/joe_was_once_married_with_2_5_kids_and_a_wife/
  56. https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment-2/joe-pera-talks-with-me-21606207/
  57. https://deadline.com/2023/09/joe-pera-special-slow-and-steady-youtube-premiere-date-1235547920/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29145235/
  59. https://joepera.com/
  60. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-pera-talks-with-you/1000754012/
  61. https://joepera.com/jptwy/
  62. https://cnas.fandom.com/wiki/Joe_Pera_Talks_with_You
  63. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Joe-Pera-Talks-With-You/0KN76XWSK8K6YWX6F5RC44X9YR
  64. https://www.tvinsider.com/show/joe-pera-talks-with-you/
  65. https://www.reddit.com/r/JoePera/comments/qu99sj/joe_pera_talks_with_you_season_3_episode_3_4_post/
  66. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Joe-Pera/
  67. https://bobs-burgers.fandom.com/wiki/Joe_Pera
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxIvVunSZZk
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L_sFPdiWLk
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVTO4qiFQP8
  71. https://www.reddit.com/r/JoePera/comments/x9f17r/joe_on_podcasts/
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