Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan has slugged his way back into prime time. The standup-turned-actor-cum-reality host resumes his duties on Fear Factor, which returns next week following a six-year absence.
Born and raised in Newark, N.J., Rogan was a struggling standup when he began acting on the Fox comedy Hardball in 1994. His next role came on the NBC sitcom Newsradio, where he spent five seasons as radio technician Joe Garrelli.
Rogan's pugnacious reputation made him the natural choice to host the NBC version of Fear Factor, which aired from 2001 to 2006.
In recent years Rogan has made use of his expertise in mixed martial-arts fighting by working as a commentator on UFC events, but he's pumped for the return of Fear Factor. He spoke to us from Los Angeles last week.
Does the new Fear Factor pick up where the old show left off?
We knew we couldn't bring back the exact same show. Fortunately, stunt technology has evolved quite a bit since the time we stopped doing the show six years ago. We're now able to do a lot of things that just weren't physically possible six years ago. We also have high-definition television now, so it looks better, it looks cooler. The gross-out parts are much more graphic.
Is the viewing public likely to be more accepting of Fear Factor today?
I think viewers are more used to this kind of programming now. When we first came out in 2001, we were like the redheaded stepchild of television. There were some articles saying we were the downfall of Western civilization – and not from a joking standpoint. It's probably a better time for it now.
You've always been rather vocal about the show's lack of redeeming qualities. Does that annoy the creators?
No, the producers know me really well and there is no way, as a standup comedian, that I could not make fun of Fear Factor. Essentially it's a job and I do it for the money. But as jobs go, it's a fun one. It's pretty crazy and pretty ridiculous. This is not Masterpiece Theatre. It's a wild and crazy game show where people eat disgusting things.
What separates Fear Factor from other reality shows?
Fear Factor is a contest. Everything is absolutely artificial and staged. We have helicopters and explosions and people eating scorpions. It's not reality. If you wanted to make the argument there's a plot to dumb down America, Jersey Shore is your evidence. It's hypnotizing. I'm watching these talking monkeys arguing over who's going to pick up the dry cleaning. How did this become entertaining?
Is social media the new frontier for standup comedy?
For me, Twitter is one of the most amazing resources. Right now I have a half million people who know where my head is at. There's never been this kind of direct connection between audience and performer before. I think it's the most honest connection you can have today.
Any ambition to work on a sitcom again?
The stars aligned for me on Newsradio, and I was privileged to be part of that cast. I was a really young guy and had never done any acting before. I would do a show like that again at the drop of a hat, even if it was with Andy Dick. The problem is it's incredibly difficult to create a good sitcom. I've been in some pilots for some bad ones and I've been around actors I want to strangle.
Any there any plans for a celebrity edition of Fear Factor?
We only did eight episodes for this season, so they're all regular shows. But if we come back for another season, that's definitely part of the plan. Of course the problem is getting actual celebrities to take part. You end up with the Snookis of the world.
This interview has been condensed and edited.
Fear Factor returns Dec. 12 on NBC and Global.