The Art of Digital Cringe Comedy
Megan Stalter has emerged as one of alternative comedy's most distinctive voices by using social media to create character-based cringe comedy that explores uncomfortable social dynamics. Her meteoric rise during the pandemic transformed her from an emerging improv performer to one of comedy's most talked-about new stars.
What sets Stalter apart is her commitment to character work. She presents her comedy almost solely in character, channeling personas that are unknowingly hilarious yet clearly the product of expertly calculated performance. Her specialty is portraying delusional, try-hard characters who lack self-awareness—from misguided Instagram influencers to awkward corporate spokespersons to well-meaning but clueless allies.
Her blend of awkwardness and exaggerated sincerity pushes the boundaries of online comedy, making each bit feel both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. Stalter's rise to prominence through platforms like Twitter and Instagram represents the changing landscape of alternative comedy in the digital age, demonstrating how social media has become a legitimate venue for innovative comedic voices.
"I've always been attracted to characters who don't realize they're being funny. I think there's something really beautiful about people who are completely earnest but just missing the mark."
Megan Stalter, Interview with The New York TimesSignature Performance: "Hi Gay!"
One of Stalter's most viral and defining performances is her "Hi Gay!" corporate Pride Month video, which perfectly captures her ability to satirize inauthentic corporate gestures through character work.
In this piece, Stalter portrays a nervous corporate representative filming a Pride Month message. The character's awkward delivery, technical difficulties, and transparent insincerity perfectly skewer how companies often approach inclusivity initiatives—with good intentions but poor execution. The video resonated widely because it identified something many viewers had observed but couldn't quite articulate about corporate Pride campaigns.
From Social Media to Mainstream Success
Stalter's comedic approach found the perfect showcase during the COVID-19 pandemic when performers were forced to adapt to digital platforms. Where others struggled with the lack of audience feedback, Stalter thrived in the intimate, direct-to-camera format that social media provides, creating character studies that felt immediate and authentic.
Her breakthrough to mainstream recognition came with her role as Kayla, the hilariously incompetent assistant in HBO's acclaimed series "Hacks." The character shares DNA with Stalter's social media personas—delusional yet endearing, a nepotism baby completely unqualified for her position yet convinced of her own indispensability. The role earned Stalter critical praise and introduced her distinctive comedic voice to a wider audience.
Unlike comedians who develop material on stage over months or years, Stalter's approach is remarkably spontaneous. She often films videos in a single take, preserving the mistakes and awkward moments that make her characters feel authentic. This rawness is part of her appeal—viewers never quite know where a performance is going, creating a tension that amplifies the comedy.
Character Gallery
Stalter has developed a roster of recurring characters that showcase different aspects of her comedic sensibility:
The Corporate Rep
Nervous, insincere corporate spokesperson trying desperately to seem authentic while delivering scripted messages.
The Aspiring Influencer
Over-enthusiastic social media personality with misplaced confidence in her unimpressive content.
Midwestern Mom
Well-meaning but completely out-of-touch mother figure attempting to relate to contemporary issues.
The Aggressive Agent
Overbearing talent representative who barely knows her client but feigns intimate industry knowledge.
Through these characters, Stalter explores modern anxieties about authenticity, social media performance, and corporate culture. Her ability to identify and exaggerate the uncomfortable social dynamics of everyday interactions gives her comedy a relatability that resonates across platforms.
Career Evolution
Early Career
Before gaining widespread recognition, Stalter performed with the touring company of The Second City and was part of the Chicago alternative comedy scene. She began developing her character-based approach in live performances at venues like The Annoyance Theatre.
Social Media Breakthrough
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live venues, Stalter pivoted to creating character videos on social media. Her perfectly awkward corporate character videos went viral, earning her tens of thousands of followers in a matter of months. She also launched "The Megan Stalter Show," a DIY talk show on Instagram Live.
Television Breakthrough
Cast as Kayla in HBO's "Hacks," Stalter's scene-stealing performance as Jean Smart's character's unprofessional assistant earned critical acclaim. The New Yorker called her "the series' secret weapon" and the role transformed her from internet favorite to recognizable TV personality.
Stand-up and Live Performance
Returned to live performance with a national tour that blended character work with more traditional stand-up. Stalter also appeared on late-night talk shows and comedy festivals, demonstrating her ability to translate her digital success to other formats.
Acting Expansion
While continuing her role on "Hacks," Stalter began taking on more substantial acting projects, including roles in independent films and other television series. She maintained her social media presence while developing her skills as a traditional actor.
First Starring Role
Landed her first starring role in the indie comedy film "Cora Bora," playing a struggling musician dealing with relationship problems. The film premiered at SXSW to positive reviews, with critics praising Stalter's ability to bring vulnerability alongside her comedic talents.
Current Projects
Currently starring in the third season of "Hacks" while developing her own comedy series. Stalter has also launched a podcast featuring interviews with other alternative comedians and continues to create character videos for her growing social media audience.
Influence and Legacy
Though still early in her career, Stalter has already had a significant impact on alternative comedy, particularly in how performers use social media. Her success has demonstrated that platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be legitimate venues for complex character work, not just quick gags or observational humor.
Her approach to character comedy—creating fully realized personas who are unaware of their own ridiculousness—has influenced a new generation of comedians working across digital platforms. By embracing awkwardness and imperfection rather than polished performance, Stalter has helped expand the aesthetic possibilities of online comedy.
Stalter's work is also notable for its feminist underpinnings. Many of her characters subtly critique the expectations placed on women in various contexts—from corporate environments to social media. By inhabiting and exaggerating these roles, she exposes their absurdity while maintaining an empathetic connection to the real people who might recognize themselves in her performances.
"What I'm always going for is a character who is really trying their best. I think that's more interesting than someone who's just being mean or cruel. Someone who's passionate but just can't quite get it right."
Megan Stalter, Vulture InterviewAs traditional entertainment continues to fragment and social media platforms evolve, Stalter represents a new model of comedy career development—one that begins with direct audience connection rather than industry gatekeepers. Her trajectory from social media to television and film suggests how alternative comedy voices might find success in the changing media landscape of the 2020s.
Essential Megan Stalter Performances
Explore more of Megan Stalter's unique brand of character comedy through these essential performances:
"Actress Audition Tape"
In this character piece, Stalter portrays an aspiring actress submitting an audition for a small commercial role with far too much dramatic intensity and personal backstory.
"Restaurant Host During the Pandemic"
Stalter captures the chaotic energy of early pandemic dining protocols through the character of an overwhelmed restaurant host trying to enforce contradictory safety measures.