Clean Comedy Makes a Confident Comeback With a New Generation of Stand-Ups
The rise of clean comedy is gaining real momentum thanks to performers like Nate Bargatze, Leanne Morgan, and Dusty Slay, who are building a family-friendly scene without criticizing comedians who prefer edgier material. This shift is especially notable because earlier clean-comedy movements often came with a sense of moral judgment, but this new wave is focused on accessibility rather than policing taste.
On a Sunday night in September, Dusty Slay performed at the Zanies comedy club in Nashville during a weekly PG-rated show called Good, Clean Fun. The event’s title appeared behind him as he took the stage in his signature baseball cap and long heavy-metal hair, creating an unexpected contrast with the wholesome theme.
Slay’s appearance and vibe might suggest someone who curses regularly, and even his name sounds like a throwback to the Attitude Era of the W.W.E., yet his act is deliberately crafted to stay clean. This contrast is central to what makes his comedy stand out, giving him a unique persona that blends old-school showmanship with modern sensibilities.
During his performance, Slay repeatedly used his familiar catchphrase “We’re having a good time”, which he delivers like a rhythmic anchor throughout his sets. He fiddles with his hat much the way Rodney Dangerfield would adjust his tie, echoing a classic comedic style while keeping his material accessible to a broad audience.
The clean-comedy trend has strong roots in Nashville, where performers like Slay are helping reshape expectations for contemporary stand-up. The goal is not to reject mainstream or explicit comedy but to offer an alternative where audiences can comfortably bring family members of all ages.
Comedy critic Jason Zinoman, who covers the industry for the Culture section of The New York Times, highlights this movement as part of a broader shift in how performers connect with their audiences.
He regularly analyzes these evolving trends in his comedy column, which you can find through his profile at the New York Times website:
https://www.nytimes.com/by/jason-zinoman
By presenting clean comedy without a sense of superiority or judgment, today’s comics are proving the style can be inviting rather than restrictive. They are building environments where everyone—from parents to teens to longtime comedy fans—can enjoy the show without worrying about unexpected vulgarity.
Slay and his peers demonstrate that clean humor doesn’t have to feel watered-down or dull. Instead, it can be crafty, self-aware, and rooted in precise comedic timing, all while respecting the boundaries of PG-rated entertainment.
The success of shows like Good, Clean Fun reflects a growing appetite for stand-up that feels inclusive and comfortable for a wider crowd. As more comedians experiment within this lane, audiences are discovering that clean comedy can be just as funny, sharp, and engaging as any other style—just delivered through a different lens.
This resurgence also underscores how comedy continues to evolve, adapting to new cultural expectations while finding fresh ways to connect people through shared laughter.
