Picture an American comedic genius who spins everyday absurdities into laugh-out-loud tales—meet Jen Spyra! With her debut short story collection, Big Time, Spyra has carved a niche in contemporary fiction, blending razor-sharp wit with surreal humor. Her knack for turning the mundane into the fantastical, paired with biting social commentary, makes her a rising star in comedy literature.
From her days crafting headlines at The Onion to voicing characters on Our Cartoon President, Spyra’s career is a masterclass in versatility. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable stories, and why she’s a voice to watch.
The Making of Jen Spyra
Born in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, Jen Spyra grew up glued to the TV, soaking in everything from sitcoms to psychosexual thrillers—a quirky mix that shaped her dark, playful humor. A Barnard College English grad (’07) and later a Northwestern MFA in Playwriting and Screenwriting (’12), Spyra honed her craft with a blend of academic rigor and comedic instinct. Her early career kicked off at The Onion, where she rose to senior writer, sharpening her satirical edge. This led to a four-season stint as a staff writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she tackled the chaos of daily news with her signature wit.
Jen Spyra’s Unforgettable Stories
Spyra’s debut, Big Time (2021), is a collection of short stories that dance between the absurd and the profound. Take “Bridal Body,” where a bride-to-be’s quest for the perfect wedding physique spirals into a darkly funny obsession with a bizarre fitness cult. Or “The First Influencer,” which imagines a cavewoman hawking flat-belly tea with modern-day influencer flair. Each story showcases Spyra’s ability to parody cultural tropes—body image, social media, even holiday traditions—while weaving in surreal twists.
Her style? Think dark comedy with a light touch, blending the grim with the absurd. Spyra draws inspiration from literary heavyweights like Shirley Jackson and P.G. Wodehouse, alongside comedic voices like David Sedaris and Jack Handey. Her work in The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and The New York Times further displays her range, from biting essays to improv performances at UCB Theatre. Recently, she contributed to The Regime (2024), proving her comedic chops extend to scripted drama.
What sets Spyra apart is her fearless escalation—pushing narratives to delightfully unhinged conclusions. Whether it’s a sentient snowman with questionable morals or a 1940s starlet navigating woke Hollywood, her stories are rollercoasters of laughter and insight, reflecting a world both familiar and fantastically warped.
Why Jen Spyra Matters
Jen Spyra’s impact lies in her ability to hold a mirror to modern culture, exposing its absurdities with humor and heart. In an era of fleeting attention spans, her stories demand engagement, offering sharp commentary on everything from consumerism to self-obsession. Her work resonates with readers who crave humor that’s both smart and unapologetic, earning praise from peers like Stephen Colbert, who penned the foreword for Big Time.
As a female voice in a male-dominated comedy landscape, Spyra’s unique perspective—honed through years at The Onion and The Late Show—adds depth to her satire. Her growing influence in literature and TV signals a bright future, making her a must-read for fans of contemporary humor.
- Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Work: Big Time (2021)
- Notable Roles: Writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, voice actor in Our Cartoon President
- Education: BA, Barnard College; MFA, Northwestern University
Snag Big Time and dive into Jen Spyra’s wild, witty world—your funny bone will thank you!