Howie Mandel is everywhere. Seriously. If you’ve turned on a television or scrolled through a social media feed in the last forty-eight hours, you’ve likely seen that familiar bald head and those expressive, slightly anxious eyes. But the Howie Mandel news today isn't just about another season of buzzer-hitting on America’s Got Talent.
It’s deeper. It’s personal.
Honestly, the man is 70 now. Most people his age are eyeing a quiet golf course in Florida, but Howie is busy launching a massive comedy showcase at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. Why? Because he's terrified that the "art of the funny" is getting lost in the digital noise. He’s looking for the next superstar, and he’s doing it by going back to his roots: the stand-up stage.
The AGT Comedy Showcase: A High-Stakes Talent Hunt
On January 28, 2026, the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard is going to be packed. Howie isn't just showing up to sign autographs; he’s hosting a curated "AGT Comedy Showcase." This isn't some casual open mic. It’s a literal bridge to the NBC stage. Mandel has been vocal about his frustration that a comedian has never actually won the main America’s Got Talent show. He wants to change that.
"I’m looking forward to some great standup and discovering who is ready to take the next step to stardom," Howie said recently. It’s a bold move. He’s essentially using his leverage as the longest-running judge on the panel to hand-pick contestants who might finally break the "comedy curse" on the show.
✨ Don't miss: Whitney Houston Wedding Dress: Why This 1992 Look Still Matters
Why Comedians Struggle on AGT
It’s a weird phenomenon. You’ve got singers, acrobats, and magicians who sweep the votes, but the comics always seem to hit a wall. According to Howie, the biggest mistake rising stars make isn't about their material—it’s about their money and their "brand" before they even have one. They try to be everything to everyone. Mandel’s advice? Just be funny. That's it.
The Family Health Battles Behind the Scenes
While the public sees the "prankster" Howie, the Howie Mandel news today also touches on some heavy family milestones. Most people know about Howie’s lifelong battle with OCD and ADHD. He’s been the face of mental health transparency for decades. But lately, the focus has shifted to his grandson, Axel.
In late 2025, it was revealed that Axel, the nine-year-old son of Howie’s daughter Jackelyn Shultz, had been privately battling leukemia. It’s the kind of news that stops a family in its tracks.
A Hopeful Update
The good news? Axel is in remission. Howie recently shared that the journey has been "heartbreaking," but the family is finally feeling like they’re on the other side of the mountain. Axel even received a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Abbey. It’s a reminder that beneath the sparkly suits and the Hollywood smile, Mandel is a guy who worries about his kids and grandkids just like anyone else. Maybe even a little more, given his documented struggles with health-related anxiety.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Perfect Donny Osmond Birthday Card: What Fans Often Get Wrong
The Podcast Phenomenon: Howie Mandel Does Stuff
If you aren't listening to Howie Mandel Does Stuff, you’re missing out on the rawest version of the man. Co-hosted with Jackelyn, the podcast has become a Tuesday staple for millions. It’s quick-witted, often inappropriate, and surprisingly deep.
Just this month, they’ve had:
- Ron Funches (discussing his time on Traitors)
- Robby Hoffman (bringing her signature sharp wit)
- Terry Crews (celebrating the 20th anniversary of AGT)
The dynamic between Howie and Jackelyn is what makes it work. She isn't afraid to call him out on his "boomer" moments, and he’s happy to play the role of the slightly confused but supportive dad. It’s authentic. You can’t fake that kind of chemistry.
What's Next for the Mandel Empire?
Beyond the comedy showcase and the podcast, Howie is still hitting the road. He has tour dates lined up through May 2026, including a massive show with Arsenio Hall at the La Mirada Theatre.
💡 You might also like: Martha Stewart Young Modeling: What Most People Get Wrong
People ask if he’s ever going to retire.
Probably not.
He’s admitted that he has a "tough time being with himself," so the constant work is as much a coping mechanism as it is a career.
If you're following the Howie Mandel news today, keep your eyes on the Laugh Factory results. The comedians he picks this month are almost certainly going to be the ones we’re talking about when the next season of America’s Got Talent premieres.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check Out the Showcase: If you're in LA on January 28, the Laugh Factory event starts at 9:45 PM. Tickets are surprisingly affordable (starting around $27), but there’s a two-drink minimum.
- Tune In to the Podcast: If you want the latest updates directly from the source, subscribe to Howie Mandel Does Stuff. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
- Watch for AGT Casting: If you’re a comic yourself, keep an eye on the official AGT audition portal; the showcase is a sign that the scouts are leaning heavily into stand-up this year.