by Michael Buzzelli
In his first comedy special, Tyler Ray Kendrick proves that he is Pittsburgh Famous in “Pittsburgh Famous.”
For more than a decade, Kendrick has taught improv, stand-up, and comedy-based courses to over 300 students from all walks of life. He’s brought his sharp wit and commanding stage presence to comedy hubs like New York City, Los Angeles, and, naturally, the cultural capital of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania—a four-time member of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Improv Team, The Latchkey Kids, and two-time Best Comedian winner.
In 2025, he was named one of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 40 Under 40, recognizing his impact both on and off the stage. Kendrick has built a reputation for clever writing, magnetic performances, and deeply human humor.
While Kendrick’s comedy has national, possibly international (there’s a joke about the Frankfurt Airport) appeal, there are many references to Pittsburgh (the Steel City is name-checked in the title). Kendrick opens with a bit about the Northside Giant Eagle, which is side-splitting. The localized laughs might get lost on some snooty suburbanites, but they should recognize the Giant Eagle employee’s desperate grasp for authority when Kendrick tries to buy fried chicken.
His punchlines are delivered in his deep baritone voice. He has confidence and swagger, even when delivering self-deprecating material. His self-effacing bit about Seth Rogan is hysterical. His storytelling ability is magnificent, filled with hyperbole; “With the force of a thousand Niagara Falls.”
He gets away with a lot because he doles out the jibes with such charm.
Kendrick filmed his special at the Glitterbox Theater in Homestead. The comedian stands on a stark stage, surrounded by darkness. There are no distracting props or scenery, allowing the audience to stay focused directly on the talent.
Director Dan Sweeney does a marvelous job keeping the camera tightly on the star, only zooming out for shots where Kendrick uses more of the space. Sweeney, who also edited the special, manages to keep a masterful eye on his subject, and Kendrick holds every minute of our attention. Sweeney only zooms all the way out for Kendrick’s standing O at the end of the show.
The only gripe is that Kendrick makes reference to his opening acts, Sean Collier (also Pittsburgh famous) and Don Arner, but their performances were cut from the final video, and we never quite catch set up for his punch (it helps if you are familiar with Collier and Arner’s appearance).
There are no other missteps in the video. His material is relatable and very funny. Stay for the end credits to hear Kid Mental’s rap, “Pittsburgh Famous.”
Pittsburgh is oozing with talent. If you’ve not seen Tyler Ray Kendrick at a local venue, you should (Editor’s note: The reviewer is a self-professed fan of the comedian).
The best part is that “Pittsburgh Famous” is available for free on Kendrick’s website.
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To learn more about Tyler Ray Kendrick, or watch the full comedy special, you can click here.
