--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What you don't think when you sit down to…" description: "\"What you don't think when you sit down to write a show is, 'How can I be shocking?' That question isn't interesting, it's all about, 'Is this funny, do..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f11/jesse-armstrong-5759_funny_what-you-don-t-think-when-you-sit-down-t_1422160.jpg" --- # What you don't think when you sit down to write a show is… ![“What you don't think when you sit down to write a show is, 'How can I be shocking?' That question isn't interesting, it's all about, 'Is this funny, does it work?'” quote by Jesse Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f11/jesse-armstrong-5759_funny_what-you-don-t-think-when-you-sit-down-t_1422160.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f11/jesse-armstrong-5759_funny_what-you-don-t-think-when-you-sit-down-t_1422160.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f11/jesse-armstrong-5759_funny_what-you-don-t-think-when-you-sit-down-t_1422160.jpg) > “What you don't think when you sit down to write a show is, 'How can I be shocking?' That question isn't interesting, it's all about, 'Is this funny, does it work?'” [Jesse Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-armstrong/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Effective comedy writing focuses on humor and functionality rather than trying to shock, prioritizing what works over being provocative. **In simple terms:** Write jokes that are funny and work, not just shocking. Key Takeaway Prioritize humor and effectiveness. Themes writing humor creativity Mood analytical pragmatic Type creative professional When to use this quote - drafting scripts - stand‑up routines - TV pilots - improvisation Key Concepts comedic timing audience engagement authenticity Questions to Reflect On - How do you test if a joke works? - When is shock appropriate in comedy? A Different Perspective Shock value can alienate audiences if not balanced with genuine humor. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Comedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedy/) [Funny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funny/) [Interesting Funny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interesting-funny/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) ## Related quotes > [When someone calls me up and wants me to do something, of course I am open to it. But I am not going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-faustino/when-someone-calls-me-up-and-wants-me-to-do-something-of-course-i-am/) [David Faustino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-faustino/) > [No one but John Oliver is going to be able to figure out the code of making a 20-minute monologue on futures, securities, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moshe-kasher/no-one-but-john-oliver-is-going-to-be-able-to-figure-out-the-code-of/) [Moshe Kasher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moshe-kasher/) > [I'm all alone. 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