800 Pound Gorilla Media Acquires Comedy Brand The Laugh Button

Leading comedy brand The Laugh Button is pleased to announce its acquisition by 800 Pound Gorilla Media, a prominent comedy media company specializing in comedy albums and content. This exciting development marks a new chapter for The Laugh Button (TLB, operating now as 800PG News), which recently celebrated 20 years of covering stand-up comedy and the world it encompasses.

In 2019, a partnership between The Syndicate (TLB’s parent company), 800 Pound Gorilla Media, and Robert Kelly’s Riotcast podcast network set out to build a leading comedy brand merging comedy editorial, record label expertise, and cutting-edge comedy podcasting. The result was an award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated comedy collective, The Laugh Button.

Moving forward, the collective will spin its three expertise off into various elements of the comedy world as The Laugh Button’s arm initiative will continue to flourish and be nurtured underneath the direction of 800 Pound Gorilla Media.

The Laugh Button news arm now operates as 800PG News, where comedy fans all around the world can follow for the latest comedy news from the destination for comedy. Fans can follow the comedy news outlet on @800PGNews on Instagram, Twitter, & Threads.

The Syndicate will continue to provide its Award-winning marketing to the comedy space running point on social campaigns for comedy brands like Gotham Comedy Club, the New York Comedy Festival, and longtime marketing agencies for industry heavy hitters including Craig Ferguson. The agency will also continue its long-term partnership with Lewis Black, which recently oversaw the launch of Black’s latest special Tragically, I Need You (following up the GRAMMY Nominated Thanks For Risking Your Life released by The Laugh Button Records), in addition to continue serving as Black’s social marketing team, and Executive Producers to his popular podcast Lewis Black’s Rantcast.

Chris Elles, Partner / Chief Executive Officer of The Syndicate, said, “I'm extremely proud of our hard work in growing The Laugh Button (TLB) and all the hysterical content we created with stand-up comics on every level of their career. The Syndicate has been supporting stand-up comedy for nearly 20 years and I'm very excited for our future as we continue working directly with comedians, networks, venues, and brands who have an affinity for comedic entertainment."

“It’s a really exciting time for the brand,” said The Laugh Button’s Editor-In-Chief, Matt Kleinschmidt. “Since the site’s launch I’ve had the pleasure of overseeing its editorial vision, and most recently curating its record label and podcast talent. And though I will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations/vision of the site, it’s being put into some incredibly capable hands to lead it to a new future.”

800 Pound Gorilla Media will continue to offer its label services for countless top-notch and emerging comedians across the world. Releasing the best in stand-up comedy albums but also a pioneer in the video special space which has led them to in just the last few months alone, recorded and released specials from comedy’s finest including Kyle Kinane, Brian Posehn, Greg Warren, Kelsey Cook, and Matt Rife, whose latest special Only Fans is nearing a staggering 10 Million views on YouTube.

“All of us here at 800 Pound Gorilla Media have loved working with Robert Kelly and The Syndicate and are excited for what they both take on next.  By integrating the comedy news of TLB, here at Gorilla, we have elevated our stand-up specials and albums to new heights.  800PGM, Robert Kelly, and the Syndicate will collaborate again. We are already looking forward to a blockbuster summer flick produced by 800PGM starring comedy action hero Bobby Kelly, marketed by The Syndicate.” - Damion Greiman, founder of 800 Pound Gorilla Media

Robert Kelly’s career profile has never been higher. In late 2022, he released an amazing stand-up comedy special, Killbox, produced, directed, and distributed by his longtime friend Louis CK. Kelly recently started an exciting new chapter in his career as the new co-host of The Bonfire, opposite Big Jay Oakerson and airing daily on SiriusXM. Additionally, he continues to entertain the masses in venues as a National headliner, as co-host of the Bone to Pick Podcast with Paul Virzi, and his long-running YKWD Podcast which produces weekly episodes alongside fellow comedians and special guests out of its studio at the world-famous Comedy Cellar.

"Working with The Laugh Button and 800 Pound Gorilla on the podcast network has been an incredible experience,” said Robert Kelly. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a talented team. I'm excited for what the future holds, and I look forward to continuing projects with both The Syndicate and 800 Pound Gorilla. Together, I hope we can continue to create amazing content that will entertain audiences everywhere!”