Release Date Set for Paul Elia’s Comedy Special “Good Son”
According to the CinemaDrame News Agency, American comedian Paul Elia has announced that his new comedy special titled “Good Son”—independently produced and financed—will be released on April 8 via YouTube.
The special was recorded at The Den Theatre in Chicago and presents a personal yet humorous account of Elia’s life experiences.
In “Good Son,” Paul Elia explores the experience of moving back in with his Iraqi-Assyrian parents—an event that occurs after his fiancée (now his wife) is accepted into an oral surgery residency program in her hometown of Detroit.
The work focuses on his internal conflict, as he tries to gain the approval of his traditional immigrant parents while coming to the realization that being a “good son” may have turned him into a “bad husband.”
Speaking to the media about the project, Elia said:
“This special is the best work I’ve done so far. It includes everything I’ve always wanted to say to my parents but was too embarrassed to admit—kind of like when I used to sneak out of their house at 37. I’m proud of the honesty I brought to this project and very satisfied with the final result.”
The special is directed by Liza Wiegand (known for directing series such as “Mayans M.C.” and “Chicago Fire”), who is also a longtime friend of Elia.
Executive producers of the project include Azhar Usman, Mohammed Ali, and Logan Potter. Dan Ringe, Amna Mirza, and Greg Van Horn also serve as producers on the project.
Paul Elia, who in addition to stand-up is active in acting, writing, and producing, has consistently sought to work independently and remain less reliant on traditional Hollywood structures.
He said:
“I’ve always had a strange relationship with Hollywood. For years, I scheduled my own shows and chased opportunities. Eventually, I realized I shouldn’t wait for opportunities—I should create them myself. If it succeeds, great; if not, it still doesn’t matter. I just want to make something I can be proud of.”
Among his activities are collaborating with Matt Rife to create the “LowKey Comedy Show” during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as independently producing comedy specials.
Elia’s first independent special, “Detroit Player,” was released in late 2023. In 2025, he also produced the “LowKey Comedy Special” alongside Matt Rife.
Currently, Elia is a regular cast member of the adult animated series “#1 Happy Family USA” on Prime Video (an A24 production), created by Ramy Youssef, in which he voices multiple characters. He also has a recurring role in the second season of the series “Diarra from Detroit” on BET+.
