Howie Mandel And Arsenio Hall Share Their Weekly Comedy Store Ritual

Instagram/@howiemandel

Howie Mandel just gave us a look into one of his random weekly happenings with another comedy great, Arsenio Hall. The ‘America’s Got Talent’ judge posted a photo of himself and Hall outside The Comedy Store in L.A. with a throwaway comment that they go every Wednesday looking for pigeons.

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Mandel and Hall stand with drinks in hand outside the venerable comedy club, looking up into the sky, we suppose, if we run with the pigeon-hunting gag. Shadowing one of the most casual moments that could ever be captured was the faint glow from the neon marquee, behind which were etched the names of comedy greats who have walked into the club. The freezing coolness of the hour and surroundings makes one want to stay and eavesdrop on that dialogue.

The caption read, “Every #wednesday @arseniohall and I go to @thecomedystore to look for pigeons.” It somehow conjures up Howie’s brand of dry humor: the own absurdity is grated into a gentle chuckle. The post very quickly was bombarded with comments, responded to either in earnest praise or tongue-in-cheek puzzlement.

“Imagine driving down the street and seeing these two outside,” joked a user, while another sang praises of the duo for being so cool, stating, “legend × legend = legendary.” A third commentator, clearly a comedy geek, remarked, “Every comedian genius has been on that stage. It’s a genius you have to be born with.”

The whole pigeon thing, however, was apparently lost on some of them. One replied deadpan, “Arsenio Hall’s standup is great for falling asleep,” which, ouch. But the rest kept the praise flowing, showering Mandel with appreciation for his unique humor and Hall for his ever-present charisma.

The Comedy Store has serves as the platform for many esteemed comedians like Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle, so it’s virtually natural for Mandel and Hall to visit almost weekly. Whichever way they term it- pigeon scouting or pigeon hunting-would be a reason to chill out together-I feel this post gives us insight into that camaraderie.

Since Mandel is said to suffer from OCD, one theorized that maybe he “broke his habit” because of how casually he looked in that photo. Another follower jumped in to pitch his comedy career: “Hi Howie Mandel, I’m really hoping from my virtual auditions on Friday you will get to see next year onstage to hear my comedy.”

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If anything, this post is a reminder that even big shots like Mandel and Hall still cherish the good simple things- a bad joke about birds or just sharing a drink outside a club that has heard countless giggles for decades. And honestly? If they say looking for pigeons is a pastime, then who are we to question that?