Ilya Sobolev, a familiar face on the Comedy Club stage, recently opened up in a podcast episode titled “In Contact” about his feelings on the jokes in the project. He expressed clear reservations about the humor choices, suggesting that the quality and direction of the jokes did not land with him. Sobolev also questioned the criteria used to select new residents for the show, hinting at a systematic misalignment between the casting process and the program’s evolving needs. He noted that some attempts to recruit participants seemed misjudged, signaling broader concerns about how the lineup was being built. (Source: interview excerpt from the podcast appearance)
In a candid aside, Sobolev referenced the legendary trio of which he was once a member, playfully naming them Ivanov, Smirnov, Sobolev. The line underscores his long-standing ties to the Comedy Club era and frames his current critique within a narrative of shared history and professional camaraderie. (Source: retrospective discussion on the show’s culture)
Back in April 2023, Sobolev explained a critical turning point in his career. He recalled being offered a choice by the creators of Stand Up on TNT: participate in stand-up on the channel or perform on the Comedy Club. He believed he could handle both platforms, yet the production team did not permit him to split time between them. According to Sobolev, this restriction became a stumbling block for the management and ultimately influenced his decision to commit to the Comedy Club full-time. (Source: personal account from the artist)
The entertainer began his path in comedy through KVN, where many performers sharpen their timing and stage presence. Over the years, Sobolev broadened his portfolio with appearances on shows such as Laughter Without Rules, Let’s Get Married!, Sing Without Rules, and of course Comedy Club. His career trajectory also includes a role as co-host on the program Will Show, highlighting his versatility on screen and his ability to connect with audiences beyond stand-up. (Source: career timeline and show credits)
Sobolev expanded his creative footprint in 2017 with a foray into film and television. His debut came through the series The Phantom of the Opera, marking a transition from live comedic performance to scripted storytelling. This move demonstrated his willingness to explore different formats and audiences while maintaining a distinct comedic voice. (Source: project history and filmography notes)
In related industry chatter, there have been ongoing remarks from former producers about star power and audience expectations. One such commentary involved claims that Pugacheva would not extend help to Kirkorov in certain circumstances, a reflection of the often intricate web of relationships and alliances that can shape careers in show business. (Source: industry commentary and public statements)