Ian Karmel

Ian Karmel is an Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian, television writer, author, and podcast host known for his work in comedy writing and performance. After his appearance on "Chelsea Lately," Karmel was hired as one of the show's writers shortly after moving to Los Angeles. When "Chelsea Lately" ended, he met with James Corden, who was becoming the new host of "The Late Late Show," and was hired as one of Corden's first writers. He later served as head writer for the Emmy Award-winning "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and was among the founding writers during the show's re-creation.

Karmel trained at the Los Angeles improv company The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade, building a foundation in performance and comedic craft that informs his work across multiple platforms. His television writing credits include "Chelsea Lately," the Grammys, the Tonys, and "Who Is America?" with Sacha Baron Cohen. His work on the Tony Awards earned him an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special, and his work on "Carpool Karaoke: When Corden Met McCartney Live From Liverpool" won him an Emmy Award. Karmel has also written for events including the Golden Globes, Oscars, and the Mark Twain Prize. He appeared as an actor in the comedy film "Summer of 69," demonstrating his range as a performer in addition to his writing.

As a stand-up comedian, Karmel has developed a following through his candid, self-aware style. He was featured at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal as a breakout stand-up in the New Faces category. He made his late night debut on TBS' "Conan" and was featured on Comedy Central's "Adam DeVine's House Party." Karmel released his album "9.2 on Pitchfork" through the Portland label Kill Rock Stars and was featured in the Netflix stand-up special series "The Comedy Lineup." He released his debut stand-up special, "Comfort Beyond God's Foresight," filmed in his hometown. Karmel also hosts the comedy podcast "All Fantasy Everything," which reimagines pop culture through fantasy sports drafts. In 2026, he featured in "FIFA World Cup on Fox After Hours with James Corden" alongside Rio Ferdinand during the tournament.

Beyond his comedy career, Karmel authored the national bestseller "T-Shirt Swim Club: Stories from Being Fat in a World of Thin People," sharing personal experiences and insights about body image. His experiences navigating gym classes and enduring fat jokes fueled his comedy, with much of his stand-up centered around his body. Karmel has since lost more than 200 pounds but maintains a lifelong relationship with fatness. Kirkus Reviews praised the book, noting its focus on resilience and growth. The memoir demonstrates Karmel's ability to transform personal struggle into storytelling that resonates across multiple mediums, defining his work in comedy, television writing, and literature.