A Night of Laughter and Legends: Jeff Ross’s “Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year”

If you haven’t watched Jeff Ross’s latest Netflix special, “Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year,” you’re missing out on one of the most memorable comedy shows of the year.  Actually he’s 2-0 after producing and co-hosting the Tom Brady roast earlier.

Jeff is my buddy and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him on various projects over the years, opening for him, and Bumping Mics, so seeing him in his glory on this roast, was like watching a master painter work his brush.

The setting was perfect—recorded at The Bellwether in Los Angeles, the stage was set for Jeff to do what he does best: roast with love, precision, and an unapologetic bite of humor. From the moment the show opened you knew you were in for a roller coaster of emotions, from shock to big laughs, to pathos and more laughs..

This roast wasn’t just about the big names they targeted  but it was also a reflection on the year that was 2024. Jeff has a unique way of weaving current events into his comedy, making you laugh about things you might have been cringing at just months before. His take on the year’s most talked-about moments was savage and mostly right on, showing why he’s not just a comedian but a true commentator of our times.

What made this special stand out for me was Jeff’s personal touch. Having shared stages and laughs with him, I know Jeff’s comedy isn’t just about the punchline; it’s about connecting with the audience, making them part of the moment. His opening bit, where he humorously lamented his own aging while roasting the year, was a perfect blend of self-deprecation and sharp wit and health problems.

The guest lineup was stellar, featuring comedians like Tim Dillon, Hannah Berner, Sam Morrill, and Mark Normand, among others. Each brought their unique flavor to the roast, but under Jeff’s direction, it was like watching a symphony where every note was perfectly placed. Tim Dillon’s take on the year, especially his bit about playing the ghost of a CEO, was both dark and hilariously on-point.

Hannah Berner’s media blow up was weird. If it was genuine, I can’t see Blake Lively even caring about it.

But what I loved the most was the camaraderie. Here we were, a group of comedians who, in one way or another, have crossed paths before obviously, all coming together to celebrate the end of a tumultuous year. The mutual respect, the jabs, and the laughs—it was like a family reunion where everyone’s there to make fun of each other out of love.

Jeff’s roasts have always had this feel of a comedic gladiator match, but with “Torching 2024,” there was an added layer of storytelling. He took us through the highs and lows, making us laugh at the absurdity of it all. What really stood out was his ability to make it universally funny, not just for one side of the political aisle.

The special ended on a note that was both reflective and forward-looking. Jeff’s closing remarks weren’t just about saying goodbye to 2024 but about looking forward to what comedy could bring in the new year. It was a poignant reminder of why we do what we do as comedians—to find humor in the chaos, to bring light to the dark, and to make people feel a little less alone in their laughter.

So, if you’re looking for a way to close out the year with a bang, or if you just need a good laugh, do yourself a favor and check out “Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year.” On Netflix. It’s not just comedy; it’s a cultural moment captured through the lens of one of the best in the business.

Also… TONIGHT. THE LAUGH FACTORY.. 7:45 PM

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