You know that feeling when you're flipping through Netflix and you see a guy who looks like he just stepped out of a 1970s roadside diner in Alabama? Long hair. Massive glasses. A trucker hat that says something like "We're Having a Good Time." That’s Dusty Slay. Honestly, if you haven’t fallen down the rabbit hole of tv shows with dusty slay, you are missing out on the cleanest, most specific brand of observational comedy working today.
He’s not your typical Hollywood comic. There’s no bitterness. No edge for the sake of being edgy. Just a guy talking about living in a trailer park and working at a Western Sizzlin’. People love him because he feels real. He feels like your cousin who actually has his life together but still drinks Natty Light.
The Standups: Where to See Dusty Slay Really Shine
Most people first ran into Dusty on The Standups on Netflix. This was back in Season 3. It was a massive moment. Before this, he was a killer on the club circuit, but the Netflix bump is a real thing. In his episode, he basically dismantles the concept of "middle class" living from the perspective of someone who grew up without much. He talks about "good" grocery stores versus "bad" grocery stores. You know exactly what he means. You’ve been to that grocery store where the floor is sticky for no reason.
It’s about the relatability.
When you look for tv shows with dusty slay, you’re mostly looking for his specific rhythm. He has this catchphrase—"We're having a good time"—that he uses to reset the room. It’s genius. It’s a verbal punctuation mark. It tells the audience, "Hey, don't take this too seriously. We're just hanging out."
The Netflix Special: Old Soul
Then came the big one. Dusty Slay: Old Soul. Released in early 2024, this special cemented him as a household name for comedy fans. He digs deep into his childhood in the trailer park. But here’s the thing: he doesn’t make it sad. A lot of comics use their upbringing as a "woe is me" trope. Dusty does the opposite. He makes it sound like the most logical, funny way to grow up.
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He talks about his dad’s vintage style and his mom’s quirks with a level of affection that is rare in modern stand-up. It’s refreshing. Truly.
Late Night and The Variety Circuit
You can’t talk about tv shows with dusty slay without mentioning the late-night run. Jimmy Fallon is a huge fan. Dusty has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon multiple times. Each set is a masterclass in economy. He doesn’t waste words.
He also popped up on Lights Out with David Spade. That show was a bit more chaotic, but Dusty held his own. It showed that he could riff. He’s not just a guy with a rehearsed script; he’s a guy who can sit on a panel with other heavy hitters and keep the energy up without losing his "country boy" persona. It’s a delicate balance.
Then there's The Guest List on LiveXLive. It’s a bit more niche, but it captures that raw club energy.
The Podcast Factor: Nateland and Beyond
Okay, technically podcasts are often watched as tv shows with dusty slay now, thanks to YouTube and streaming platforms. The Nateland Podcast is where Dusty really gets to stretch his legs. Alongside Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, and Aaron Weber, Dusty is the "wildcard."
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If Nate is the straight man, Dusty is the guy bringing up conspiracy theories about the moon or explaining the intricate politics of a middle-school talent show. The chemistry is electric because they all come from a similar "clean comedy" background, but their perspectives are wildly different.
- Nate is the suburban dad.
- Dusty is the guy who might still have a collection of VHS tapes "just in case."
- Brian is the intellectual observer.
- Aaron is the younger, slightly more cynical voice.
Watching them argue about whether or not a horse can be a witness in a court case is peak entertainment. It’s the kind of content you put on in the background while you’re cleaning the house, and then suddenly you’ve been standing still for twenty minutes holding a vacuum because you’re laughing too hard to move.
Why Dusty Slay Works on Camera
There is a visual language to Dusty Slay. The hat. The hair. The Western shirts. It’s a costume, sure, but it’s also who he is. On tv shows with dusty slay, the camera loves him because he’s a static image in a moving world. He doesn’t pace. He doesn't sweat. He just stands there, adjusts his glasses, and tells you why people who own boats are inherently suspicious.
It’s nostalgic without being dated. He taps into a 1990s aesthetic that feels cozy. He reminds us of a time before everyone was shouting at each other on the internet.
The "Clean" Factor
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to find funny stuff you can watch with your parents. Dusty Slay solved that. He’s "clean" but not "squeaky clean." He’s not doing church humor. He’s just doing life humor that happens to not rely on four-letter words to get a point across. That makes his appearances on various tv shows incredibly versatile. He can do a morning talk show and a late-night set on the same day and not have to change a single joke.
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The Future: What's Next for Dusty Slay?
The industry is leaning into his vibe. There are rumors—always rumors—of sitcom developments. Imagine a show set in a small-town glass company (where Dusty actually worked) or a trailer park that isn't a caricature.
He’s already appeared on The Great American Joke Off on The CW. It’s a fast-paced improv-style show where he gets to show off his quick wit. He’s also been a regular guest at the Grand Ole Opry. Seeing a comedian on that stage is a big deal. It bridges the gap between country music culture and mainstream comedy.
How to Get More Dusty in Your Life
If you’ve binged the Netflix specials and watched the YouTube clips, where do you go?
- Check out his YouTube channel. He uploads "Road Snaps" which are basically mini-documentaries of his life on tour. It’s the closest thing to a reality show we have for him.
- Follow the Nateland socials. They release clips daily that are often funnier than full-length sitcoms.
- Look for his appearances on This Week at the Comedy Cellar. It shows a slightly different side of his comedy—more experimental and raw.
People sometimes think Dusty is a character. He’s not. He’s just a guy from Opelika, Alabama, who figured out that the things we think are normal are actually hilarious. He notices the weird stuff. The way people talk. The way we prioritize things.
Actionable Steps for the Dusty Slay Fan
If you want to keep up with tv shows with dusty slay and his evolving career, here is what you actually need to do:
- Turn on Netflix notifications: Search for "Dusty Slay" and click the "Remind Me" bell. Netflix’s algorithm needs to know people want more of him so they greenlight the next hour-long special.
- Subscribe to the Nateland YouTube: Don't just listen to the audio. The visual gags and the "stares" Dusty gives the camera are half the fun.
- See him live: This is the big one. TV is great, but Dusty is a road warrior. He tours constantly. Seeing his "We're having a good time" bit in a room full of three hundred people is a completely different energy than watching it on your phone.
- Track his Grand Ole Opry dates: The Opry often streams segments or broadcasts them on Circle TV. It’s a unique way to see him perform in a legendary, high-pressure environment.
Dusty Slay represents a shift in comedy. We’re moving away from the "angry philosopher" stage and back into the "funny storyteller" era. He isn't trying to change your mind about politics; he’s trying to change your mind about whether or not you should buy a used hot tub from a guy on Craigslist. And honestly? We need that right now. We really do. So, go find some Dusty Slay content, sit back, and just have a good time. It’s literally what he’s asking you to do.
Next Steps to Explore More Comedy:
- Watch The Standups Season 3, Episode 3 on Netflix.
- Search for "Dusty Slay Jimmy Fallon" on YouTube to see his most recent late-night sets.
- Check out the "Nateland" podcast episode titled "Gas Stations" for a prime example of Dusty’s observational genius.