SlapStik Comedy Written By: Julia Caramagna
Social media has launched careers of celebrities, influencers, comedians, and performers for well over a decade. All it takes is one viral moment spiraling into something even bigger, which was the case for comedian Jake Shane.
While attending the University of Southern California and obtaining his Public Relations degree in 2021, Shane joined the popular social media app TikTok under the username “@octopusslover8.”
Starting off, Shane’s shtick was simply uploading food reviews featuring various octopus-themed dishes. Shane changed his plan of attack when he became inspired by model Julia Fox. Little did he know this decision would change his life forever.
He recalled seeing Fox reply to comments on her videos telling him to act spontaneous things out. So that’s what he did. “I remember the first one was Bill Clinton denying his affair with Monica Lewinsky. Before filming it, I was Googling how to speak like him,” Shane told Elite Daily, “I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but it was midnight, so I was like, ‘Fuck it.’ I just acted as I would act if I were Bill Clinton in that situation, and people thought it was really funny.”
Shane continued to upload his funny takes on his TikTok platform for the next few years, even collaborating with other popular influencers. By the year 2023, the new TikTok comedian was signed with WME (Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc).
From an early age, Shane knew he wanted space in the spotlight. While growing up in New York City, he took part in his middle school productions and plays, but he quit because of inner struggles.
He once again became inspired to restart his podcast, “Therapuss,” back in January 2024. Featuring therapy-style interviews with different celebrities and influencers, he immediately roped in fans. Some episodes included guests like Sophia Richie Grainge, Glen Powell and Ross Lynch. The hysterical podcast reached no. 3 on Spotify’s Top Comedy podcasts and no. 8 on Spotify’s Overall podcast chart.
Shane’s expanding career got him a spot on the Rolling Stone’s Most Influential Creators List in 2024. Standing at no. 14 out of 25, the “Therapuss” host made a real name for himself, starting off on a social media platform and just keeping it real.
Just a few months later, Shane decided to host a short live tour based off of his skyrocketing podcast. The tour took place in 21 U.S. cities from Oct. 7 to Nov. 21.
While on tour, Shane released a comedy album “Puss & Poems” in Nov. featuring “Jersey Shore’s” Snooki, Joe Jonas, Tate McRae and more. The album was produced by Alexander 23, who has also produced songs for Olivia Rodrigo and Reneé Rapp.
After the release of the album, his last show of the tour at The Wiltern in Los Angeles was sold out and Rapp herself came out to perform.
“The album seems to be a perfectly crafted, silly joke, but is also a meaningful piece of art encompassing Shane’s authentic online persona,” said Ellie Miller at The Washington Square News.
Shane is now holding live comedy shows around the U.S. for this Spring and Summer, not focused around the podcast. “Touring for the first time was truly a life changing experience, and I felt as if I finally found my purpose,” the TikTok comedian told Deadline. “There’s something about making people laugh in person that brings a connection the internet doesn’t.”
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