Tom Papa
Tour

Your Complete Guide to Seeing Tom Papa Live

Who Is Tom Papa?

Tom Papa is an American stand-up comedian, actor, author, podcast host, and radio personality with a career spanning more than 25 years. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake, Papa got his start in New York City comedy clubs and earned his first big break when Jerry Seinfeld hand-picked him as an opening act, a touring relationship that continues to this day. Papa has since become one of the most prolific and respected comedians in the country, known for a warm, clean, observational style that makes audiences feel like they are sitting at a dinner table with a very funny friend. His official website and Instagram (426K+ followers) keep fans updated on all upcoming dates.

Tom Papa's Netflix Specials

Papa has released six stand-up specials, with a heavy Netflix partnership that has introduced his comedy to millions of new fans worldwide. His most recent, Home Free (October 2024), was filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. and trended in Netflix's Top 10 during its premiere week. Previous specials include What A Day! (2022, taped at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston), You're Doing Great! (2020), Human Mule, Freaked Out, and Tom Papa Live in New York City. Two of his specials were directed by filmmaker Rob Zombie. Each special showcases Papa's ability to find comedy in the universal experiences of family life, aging, food, technology, and the daily rhythms that define modern existence.

Breaking Bread: The Podcast and the Passion

Papa's weekly podcast, Breaking Bread with Tom Papa, features Tom and a guest sharing a meal while engaging in funny, revealing, and insightful conversation. The show captures the spirit that defines Papa's comedy: connection, warmth, and the joy of simple pleasures. His real-life passion for bread baking is not a gimmick. Papa is a dedicated home baker who has spoken extensively about sourdough on podcasts, in his books, and on social media, and even collaborated with design brand Nambé on a bread-making collection. He also co-hosts the daily Netflix radio show What A Joke with Papa and Fortune on SiriusXM Channel 93 alongside comedian Fortune Feimster, and hosts the monthly Come to Papa Live on SiriusXM Channel 94.

Tom Papa on Screen

Beyond stand-up, Papa has built a notable career in film and television. His credits include roles opposite Matt Damon in Steven Soderbergh's The Informant!, opposite Robert De Niro in Analyze That, alongside Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in the Emmy-winning HBO film Behind the Candelabra (directed by Soderbergh), and opposite Lili Taylor in Paper Spiders. He voiced the title character in Rob Zombie's animated feature The Haunted World of El Superbeasto alongside Paul Giamatti, and appeared in the DreamWorks animated film Bee Movie. On television, he hosted NBC's The Marriage Ref (personally chosen by Jerry Seinfeld), had a recurring role on CBS's The New Adventures of Old Christine opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and was a featured performer on NPR's Live From Here (formerly A Prairie Home Companion). He remains a regular guest on late-night shows and The Joe Rogan Experience.

Tom Papa's Books

Papa is the author of three books published by St. Martin's Press: We're All In This Together… So Make Some Room (2023), You're Doing Great!: And Other Reasons to Stay Alive (2020), and Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas (2018). All three compile comedic essays about the absurdities of family, daily life, and modern existence. His books have appeared on "Summer Must Read" lists from Parade Magazine to The New York Post. He is also a contributing writer to The New Yorker.

How to Buy Tom Papa Tour Tickets

1. Browse upcoming dates. The Grateful Bread Tour visits theaters and performing arts centers across the country. Find a show near you from the schedule above.
2. Choose your seats. Theater venues offer intimate sightlines at every level. Papa's comedy rewards proximity, but every seat in a well-designed theater delivers the experience.
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Quick Answers

• What is the tour called? The Grateful Bread Tour, a nod to Papa's well-known love of baking sourdough bread.
• How long is the show? Approximately 75 to 90 minutes, typically preceded by a short set from a local or touring opener.
• Is this a clean show? Yes. Papa is widely known for sharp, smart, feel-good comedy that works for all audiences without relying on shock value.
• Is there an intermission? Most theater dates do not include a formal intermission.
• What's his latest special? Home Free (Netflix, October 2024), filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tom Papa Tour

What is the Tom Papa Grateful Bread Tour?

The Grateful Bread Tour is Tom Papa's current national stand-up tour, featuring all-new material performed in theaters and performing arts centers across the United States. The tour name references Papa's well-known passion for baking sourdough bread. Each show delivers approximately 75 to 90 minutes of polished observational comedy covering family, aging, food, modern life, and the small moments that make the everyday hilarious.

How many Netflix specials does Tom Papa have?

Tom Papa has released six stand-up specials, with five available on Netflix. His most recent, Home Free, premiered in October 2024. Previous specials include What A Day! (2022), You're Doing Great! (2020), Human Mule, Freaked Out, and Tom Papa Live in New York City. Two of his specials were directed by Rob Zombie.

What kind of comedy does Tom Papa do?

Tom Papa is known for warm, clean, observational stand-up that finds humor in the universal experiences of everyday life. His material covers family dynamics, marriage, parenting, aging, food, technology, and the absurdities of modern existence. His style has been compared to the storytelling tradition of comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan, with an emphasis on relatability and genuine warmth over shock value or controversy.

Is Tom Papa's show appropriate for all ages?

Tom Papa is widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most universally enjoyable comedians touring today. His material is sharp and smart without relying on profanity or explicit content, making his shows a comfortable choice for a wide range of audiences. Venue-specific age policies may vary, so check with the individual theater for any restrictions.

What is Breaking Bread with Tom Papa?

Breaking Bread with Tom Papa is his weekly podcast featuring Tom and a guest sharing a meal while having an insightful, revealing, and funny conversation. The show celebrates the true meaning of breaking bread: connection, food, and honest talk. It reflects Papa's genuine passion for cooking and community, which extends to his real-life sourdough baking hobby and his collaboration with Nambé on a bread-making collection.

What is Tom Papa's connection to Jerry Seinfeld?

Jerry Seinfeld hand-picked Tom Papa as an opening act early in Papa's career, a touring relationship that has continued for decades. Seinfeld also personally selected Papa to host NBC's The Marriage Ref, which ran for two seasons. The two share a deep mutual respect rooted in their commitment to clean, craft-driven stand-up comedy. Papa appeared alongside Seinfeld in the documentary film Comedian (2002).

Where does Tom Papa perform on The Grateful Bread Tour?

The tour visits a wide range of theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, and casino showrooms across the United States. Stops include venues in Florida, Ohio, Utah, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Las Vegas, among others. Papa also performs at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival in Los Angeles. Check the schedule above for the full list of upcoming dates and cities.

Does Tom Papa have opening acts?

Most Grateful Bread Tour dates feature a short opening set from a local or touring comedian, typically running 15 to 20 minutes before Papa takes the stage. Opening acts are not typically announced in advance and vary by city. The main event is Papa's headlining set of approximately 75 to 90 minutes of new material.

What books has Tom Papa written?

Tom Papa has authored three books: We're All In This Together… So Make Some Room (2023), You're Doing Great!: And Other Reasons to Stay Alive (2020), and Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas (2018). All three are published by St. Martin's Press and collect comedic essays about family, daily life, and modern existence. He is also a contributing writer to The New Yorker.

What movies and TV shows has Tom Papa been in?

Papa's film credits include The Informant! (opposite Matt Damon), Analyze That (opposite Robert De Niro), the Emmy-winning HBO film Behind the Candelabra (directed by Steven Soderbergh), Paper Spiders, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, and Bee Movie. On television, he hosted NBC's The Marriage Ref, had a recurring role on CBS's The New Adventures of Old Christine, hosted Food Network's Baked, and was a featured performer on NPR's Live From Here.

Is Tom Papa on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me?

Yes. Tom Papa is a regular and beloved panelist on NPR's Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!, the popular weekly news quiz show. His appearances on the program have introduced his humor to a broad public radio audience and complement his stand-up, podcast, and SiriusXM work.

What is Tom Papa's latest Netflix special?

Tom Papa's most recent Netflix special is Home Free, which premiered in October 2024. Filmed at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C., the special covers aging, parenthood, empty-nest life, and the simple joys of domestic routines. It trended in Netflix's Top 10 TV during its debut week and marks Papa's sixth hour-long stand-up special overall.

How do Tom Papa ticket prices work on BigStub?

Every Tom Papa listing on BigStub displays the full all-in price upfront with no hidden fees. Prices are set by verified third-party sellers and may vary by venue, section, row, and demand. BigStub has been a trusted ticket resale marketplace for over 20 years and holds the highest seller rating on Trustpilot. All purchases are backed by buyer protection.