Connor Wood, a comedian, podcaster, and social media figure recognized for his comedic take on unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a fondness for good television. His top picks include Broad City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Seinfeld, and Veep. So, when we met one May morning in New York City’s West Village, he recounted his life as though it were a television show.
His narratives are episodic: “The Gang Gets a Pig” describes how he and his sister secretly acquired a pig in Texas. “The One Where Connor Broke His Arm” tells of him pretending to have a broken arm for attention until it actually occurred. “The Cowboy Trials” shares his realization that cowboy life isn’t for him. Finally, “Connor Gets Put on a Watch List” reveals that he was born on 9/11.
Connor relocated to the West Village in February, shortly after The Cut released a viral article about the area’s It girls. He acknowledges the influencer culture of the neighborhood but selected it for its “incredible light” for filming, seeking to avoid a “deep, deep void.”
At a café, the owner requests no cameras due to his dislike for TikTok. Connor, who brought his own coffee, finishes it quickly and orders an iced coffee from the venue. We chat about his surge to over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram, where he shares comedic clips and podcast moments from “Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast” alongside Brooke Averick, known as @ladyefron. Fans often envision them in a romantic comedy, but Connor assures that their connection is platonic and they find fan theories entertaining.
We exit the café to search for knick-knacks for Connor’s place. In a quirky shop, he becomes fascinated by art prints depicting famous figures as sandwiches. His publicist is reprimanded for touching a celebrity prayer candle, leading to a hasty departure.
Fans observe Connor and Brooke’s physical affection as merely friendly. Dave Portnoy labeled Connor the “top 1 most annoying dude” for being overly friendly. While Connor’s kindness may lead to misunderstandings, it’s rare to dislike someone for being nice.
Connor’s amiability draws fans to his performances. He embarked on his solo tour in 2024, appearing at the New York Comedy Festival and in the UK and Ireland. Although categorized as the “TikTok Guy at comedy clubs,” he views TikTok as merely another platform for comedy, equally as valid as traditional formats.
Connor posts TikToks every week, some garnering millions of views. He incorporates audience reactions to polish his comedy sets, presently wrapping up his “Fibs and Friends” stand-up tour across the U.S.
We check out a quirky store filled with overpriced goods and try to enter some closed antique shops. Connor finds humor in the misadventure, showcasing his resilience.
As we stroll, Connor exudes a relaxed vibe, pausing to appreciate dogs and altering his itinerary to enjoy coffee near Will Ferrell. His humor leans more towards the confessional side rather than the performative one, and he maintains privacy regarding future projects.
Connor aims to moderate his fame to preserve personal freedom, such as jogging on the West Side Highway. He jokes about his desire for more fans, irrespective of gender.
Connor’s blend of ambition and groundedness makes him intriguing. He’s driven yet not insatiable, self-aware without being tormented, and humorous without losing care. His comedy career resembles an unending pilot season, perpetually transforming.
Following a final visit to Restoration Hardware, we relax on Little Island in Hudson River Park. Connor doesn’t strive to impress, and his unpretentious nature is charming. If his life were portrayed as a TV show, this season would be significant, marking his transition from TikTok comedian to live performer, honing his craft while balancing fame with genuine life. It appears to be a conclusion worthy of a sequel.