Rife has earned himself an audience among women by giving advice about relationships he thought might help, leading them to watch his Netflix comedy special Natural Selection. Critics, however, believe his special is unfunny and claim he has reached new lows by making jokes about domestic violence that are considered offensive.

Linda Mizejewski, professor of women’s and gender studies at Ohio State, and Hayden Moncada, president of Buckeye Standup Comedy Club are both highly critical of this special.

He is a stand-up comedian

Rife has long been active in comedy. He appeared as a regular cast member on MTV improv show “Wild n’ Out,” as well as having roles in several movies and TV shows.

But his rise to fame appears to have come through TikTok. After one clip showing him conversing with an audience member about her breakup from her ER worker boyfriend went viral, his subsequent crowd work clips also became widely watched and his audience quickly fell in love with him.

Critics have asserted that his popularity stems less from humor or wit, than from his looks. They cite his target demographic – straight women who come out to watch him perform for flirtatious purposes or relationship advice exchanged during shows; also critics have taken issue with some of his more regressive jokes like the opening one from his Netflix special.

He is a TikTok star

Rife’s ascent to viral fame was propelled by TikTok clips of his stand-up shows, particularly crowd work scenes that involved him engaging with audience members. These videos amassed millions of views and likes – earning partnerships with brands such as Hugo Boss.

Natural Selection, Rife’s debut Netflix special, immediately caused controversy when it began with an offensive joke about domestic abuse. Rife responded to this backlash by posting an Instagram story video which appeared to serve as an apology.

Rife’s backlash has raised significant questions about the future of comedy and its relationship to social media. While some argue that all comedians deserve the freedom to say whatever strikes their fancy, others have noted how Rife often crosses into offensive territory with her material. Therefore, comedians should be cognizant of boundaries when creating content, as well as being willing to adjust it as necessary.

He is an actor

Matt Rife is one of the fastest-rising comedians on TikTok and has become one of the most-watched YouTube comedians. His success has earned him two Netflix specials and sold-out shows across the country; but with it has come some controversy: Rife’s recent Netflix special opened with a joke about domestic violence which caused much debate online.

Before becoming famous on TikTok, Rife earned his stripes as a stand-up comedian, appearing on MTV variety shows and guest starring on shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His flirtatious stage presence earned him many female followers; however, his new Netflix special Natural Selection has come under fire due to its opening joke referencing domestic violence.

Rife has since apologized for offending people with his joke and taken steps to retract it, while critics of his comedy have used Twitter as a means of damaging others’ careers. Rife currently embarks on his sold-out “ProbleMATTic Tour”, performing shows at Duluth DECC Symphony Hall tonight as well as four in Minneapolis State Theatre this Friday and Saturday.

He is a member of the IU “Ladies’ Night Comedy” group

Matt Rife finally found success after years of bouncing between MTV variety shows and guest roles on sitcoms such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine with TikTok. His popularity skyrocketed, leading him to secure his own Netflix special called Natural Selection that caused some controversy for its offensive jokes about vulnerable groups of people.

However, Rife was unprepared to handle his sudden rise to fame and public scrutiny. TikTok artificially exaggerated his talent level; otherwise his established comedic efforts wouldn’t have garnered as much notice.

Rife first gained fame as an Ohio native when his crowd work from one of his stand-up shows went viral on TikTok in 2022. Since then, he has released four more specials on YouTube; “Natural Selection,” his most recent offering sparked controversy due to its opening joke about domestic violence; Rife issued a mock apology through Instagram as soon as he received backlash from viewers.