Andrew Santino is a Chicago-born comedian, actor, and podcast host known for his role in FX’s Dave, Netflix’s Beef, and co-hosting the Bad Friends podcast with Bobby Lee. His stand-up specials include Cheeseburger (2023) and the upcoming Hulu special White Noise.
You know Andrew Santino even if you think you don’t. The redheaded comedian from Chicago has been everywhere lately. He’s the guy who made you laugh on Netflix, held his own next to Lil Dicky on FX, and drops episodes every Monday that rack up millions of downloads. Born October 16, 1983, Santino built his reputation through stand-up comedy and acting, creating a career that refuses to fit into one box.
His work spans comedy clubs, television sets, and podcast studios. This article explores how Santino went from Chicago comedy stages to becoming one of the most recognized names in modern comedy.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Santino grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he discovered his gift for making people laugh. By his early 20s, he committed to stand-up comedy full time. He spent years performing in Chicago’s brick-walled comedy clubs before touring nationally.
The grind paid off. Throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, Santino made appearances on various late-night shows, including TBS’s Conan. But comedy wasn’t his only goal. He wanted to act.
His first big acting break came in 2012 when he landed roles on MTV’s prank show Punk’d. From there, guest spots on established shows followed: The Office, Arrested Development, and Children’s Hospital. Each role built his profile.
Television Success: Dave and Beyond
FX’s Dave
Santino’s most recognized television role came in FX’s Dave, where he played Mike, the roommate and manager of rapper Lil Dicky. The series premiered on March 4, 2020, and became FX’s most popular comedy.
The show ran for three seasons before ending in 2023. Despite earlier reports suggesting a pause, Santino confirmed in 2024 that the show would not return. He expressed gratitude for the experience but made clear the series had concluded.
Key TV Appearances:
| Show | Role | Year | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dave | Mike | 2020-2023 | FX |
| I’m Dying Up Here | Bill Hobbs | 2017 | Showtime |
| Beef | Michael | 2023 | Netflix |
| Mixology | Craig Frank | 2013-2014 | ABC |
Netflix’s Beef
In 2023, Santino appeared in Netflix’s award-winning anthology series Beef, playing Michael, an associate of Isaac. The show received critical acclaim and showcased Santino’s range as an actor in a darker, dramatic role.
Stand-Up Comedy Career
Santino’s stand-up remains his foundation. His comedy style is direct, observational, and self-deprecating. He doesn’t hide behind characters or gimmicks.
Stand-Up Specials
His special catalog shows consistent growth:
- Say No More (2015): Comedy Central half-hour special
- Home Field Advantage (2017): Showtime hour-long special
- Cheeseburger (2023): Netflix special
- White Noise (2024): Hulu special
In October 2024, news broke that Santino signed on for another comedy special with Hulu as part of the Hularious lineup, executive produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. This places him alongside comedians like Bill Burr and Sebastian Maniscalco.
Bad Friends Podcast Phenomenon
The Bad Friends podcast launched on February 17, 2020, co-hosted by Santino and comedian Bobby Lee, with new episodes released weekly every Monday. The show became one of the most popular comedy podcasts.
What Makes Bad Friends Work
The chemistry between Santino and Lee drives the show. They improvise, argue, and create fictional characters while discussing current events and personal stories. Episodes feature discussions between Santino and Lee that may include current events, improvised sketches, advice, mental health support, fictional characters, and celebrity guests.
The podcast accumulates upwards of a million downloads per week. Its success led to live tours, with a 32-city run produced by Live Nation that kicked off in April with stops across the US and Canada.
Whiskey Ginger Podcast
Beyond Bad Friends, Santino hosts his solo podcast, Whiskey Ginger. The show features long-form interviews with comedians, actors, and other entertainers. Combined with Bad Friends, his podcasts generate massive weekly listener numbers.
Film Roles and Other Projects
Santino’s film work includes:
- The Disaster Artist (2017): James Franco’s acclaimed film about The Room
- Game Over, Man! (2018): Netflix action-comedy written by the Workaholics crew
- Ricky Stanicky (2024): Comedy starring John Cena and Zac Efron
He was born on October 16, 1983, in Chicago, Illinois, and built a career that spans multiple entertainment mediums without losing his comedic voice.
Current Tour: Freeze Peach
Santino continues touring nationally. His Freeze Peach Tour includes stops across the United States, bringing his stand-up to theaters and comedy clubs nationwide.
Why Andrew Santino Matters in Comedy
Santino represents a new generation of comedians who don’t wait for traditional gatekeepers. He built his audience through podcasts, streaming specials, and consistent touring. His success shows how modern comedians create their own paths.
His willingness to take supporting roles in critically acclaimed shows like Beef demonstrates range. His podcast work proves he can carry content weekly. His stand-up confirms he’s got the fundamental skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andrew Santino most famous for?
Andrew Santino is known for television series and films such as Sin City Saints, The Disaster Artist, Mixology, I’m Dying Up Here, Beef, and Dave.
Does Andrew Santino still do Bad Friends podcast?
Yes, Bad Friends releases new episodes every Monday, featuring Santino and Bobby Lee discussing comedy, life, and current events.
Where can I watch Andrew Santino’s stand-up?
His specials are available on Netflix (Cheeseburger), Hulu (White Noise), and Showtime (Home Field Advantage).
Is Andrew Santino still acting?
While Dave ended in 2023, Santino continues acting in various projects while focusing on stand-up comedy and podcasting.
How did Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee meet?
The two comedians met through the Los Angeles comedy scene and launched Bad Friends in 2020, capitalizing on their natural chemistry.
Conclusion
Andrew Santino carved out a unique space in comedy. He doesn’t fit one mold. He acts, he performs stand-up, he hosts podcasts, and he does it all without compromising his voice.
From Chicago comedy clubs to Netflix specials, from FX sitcoms to millions of podcast downloads, Santino built a career on authenticity. He’s not chasing trends. He’s creating them. Whether you discovered him through Dave, Beef, or Bad Friends, you’re watching a comedian who knows exactly who he is and what makes people laugh.
