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The ultimate observer, ISMO is able to make people see familiar things anew through his unique perspective. ISMO started his comedy career in 2002 in his home country of Finland; becoming one of the top performing comedians in the country today. There, ISMO wrote and starred in 2 seasons of his own sitcom, ISMO, and also filmed four DVD specials from 2008 to 2016. The comedian made his US debut in 2014 at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood where he won the title of “The Funniest Person in the World.”
In December 2015, he relocated to Los Angeles from Finland, and now performs to sold out crowds around the world including: US, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Europe. He has also gained attention at the biggest comedy festivals including: Just For Laughs (Montreal, Toronto and Bermuda), Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and The New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Ismo can be seen regularly performing in LA clubs and headlining across the US. Ismo appeared on a couple episodes of NBC’s Bring The Funny in 2019 .
He has worked with Merriam Webster to release a digital comedy series of videos roasting the English language. He’s also appeared on NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly, and became the first Finnish Comedian to perform on Conan in 2018. Ismo’s clip from Conan has become one of the most viewed late night sets with over 70 million views.
“"The highlight of the night. His observational comedy with a Finnish accent can be blamed for the teary mascara mishaps. He brought the rating of the show up from not just five stars, but to five Michelin stars - the cream of the crop."
Stuff Entertainment
Leikola is the Scandinavian Mitch Hedberg; an oddball with a few extra twists. ★★★★
The List
An excellent ambassador for stand-up. ★★★★
Three Weeks
For a man speaking his second language, Ismo Leikola is uncannily incisive, charismatic and entertaining. ★★★★
The Dubliner
The wonderful Finn Ismo Leikola bringing the house down with his daft ”foreigner abroad” shtick. He’s got an entertaining off-kilter mind and a gift for comic misunderstanding which probably made him the hit of the night.
Chortle
The most insightful comic in Finland at the moment. Leikola`s trademark, being surprising, hasn't diminished over the years. Leikola is a genius in how he sees, hears and understands things in a completely unique way.
Kouvolan Sanomat Newspaper