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Onondaga artist makes a splash on new reality TV competition: 'Humor is medicine'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 19:26 GMT by syracuse.com
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Onondaga Artist Splashes Into New Reality TV Competition, “Humor Is Medicine”

The bustling arts scene of Onondaga County is now on the national radar, thanks to a local artist’s breakout moment on a fresh reality‑TV competition called Humor Is Medicine. The show, which premiered in early 2023 on the streaming platform Hulu, blends stand‑up comedy, sketch writing, and improv with a health‑care twist—each contestant must develop a comedic routine that highlights a medical theme. The competition has attracted a diverse roster of performers from across the country, but it was Syracuse‑born, painter‑turned‑comedian Jamie Lee Hanks who stole the show.

From Canvas to Comedy: Jamie Lee’s Journey

Jamie Lee, a 28‑year‑old graphic novelist and muralist, grew up in Syracuse’s historic Southside neighborhood. After earning a BFA from the School of Visual Arts, she moved back to Onondaga County to paint community murals that explore identity, resilience, and the region’s working‑class ethos. Her work, showcased in venues such as the Onondaga Cultural Center and the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts, earned her the 2022 “Emerging Artist” award from the National Arts Network.

“I’ve always loved humor,” Jamie Lee told Syracuse.com in a candid interview. “The sketches I create on my wall always come with a wink. When the producers of Humor Is Medicine asked me to audition, I thought, ‘Why not? It’s a chance to bring my visual storytelling into a new medium.’”

Her audition reel, which combined a quick sketch about “the irony of a dentist’s office” with a painted backdrop of a bustling clinic, earned her a spot in the top twelve finalists.

The Show’s Unique Premise

Humor Is Medicine was created by comedy duo Kevin & Karen Lee (no relation to Jamie Lee). The premise is simple: each week, contestants are given a health‑related theme—ranging from chronic illness to medical technology—and must produce a 3‑minute sketch that delivers both laughs and a subtle message. The show, hosted by seasoned comedian Mike “Mighty Mike” Hernandez, features guest judges such as pediatrician Dr. Angela Ruiz, former sitcom star Tiffany James, and YouTuber The Comedy Doctor (a channel that reviews medical myths).

The show’s format includes a live studio audience, audience voting, and “The Laugh Meter,” an interactive score that tracks real‑time laughter levels. Contestants also collaborate with professional writers and choreographers in a “creative studio” segment, designed to blend Jamie Lee’s visual artistry with the show’s comedic demands.

Jamie Lee’s Breakout Performance

The first episode that featured Jamie Lee aired on March 15, 2023. She was given the theme of “Medical Misinformation.” Using her signature bold color palette, she painted a comic‑strip‑style backdrop of a hospital room with exaggerated, cartoonish elements—a giant syringe, a stethoscope that doubles as a slingshot, and a hospital chart that morphs into a comic book cover. Her routine, titled “The Doctor’s Dispensary,” satirized the way patients sometimes mistrust medical jargon, while delivering a gentle reminder about the importance of open doctor‑patient communication.

The segment was a hit. Audience laughter spiked at the moment when a patient in the sketch mistakenly tried to read a medication label as a comic strip. “I was like, ‘Did you know that a lot of people read the labels as if they’re reading a superhero comic?’ That’s when the room erupted,” Jamie Lee recalled.

After her performance, she was praised by guest judge Dr. Ruiz for her “ability to translate complex medical topics into relatable, humorous visuals.” She also earned a 92% score on The Laugh Meter, placing her in the top 20% of contestants that week.

Behind the Scenes: The Role of Community Support

The article highlights how the local arts community rallied behind Jamie Lee. The Onondaga Arts Council provided her with a small grant to cover production costs for her set design. Meanwhile, the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts organized a “Digital Sketch Session” where the museum’s conservators taught Jamie how to preserve her painted backdrop, ensuring it remained vibrant for the live filming.

Local journalist Marcy Phelps (link to Marcy’s article) emphasized the importance of representation. “It’s not just about a comedian from Syracuse; it’s about a woman who uses her art to talk about health and wellness in a way that feels personal,” Phelps wrote. “She brings a depth to comedy that goes beyond punchlines.”

What’s Next for Jamie Lee?

While Humor Is Medicine is still in its first season, industry insiders predict Jamie Lee’s participation could open doors beyond the show. The article cites her potential involvement in a new podcast series, “Art & Anatomy,” where she would collaborate with medical illustrators to explore how humor can demystify health topics for the public. Additionally, a local production company has expressed interest in creating a short‑film feature that showcases her mural work, incorporating comedic elements that reflect her Humor Is Medicine experience.

The show’s producers also hinted at a potential “All‑Stars” season, featuring previous contestants and winners. “Jamie Lee’s blend of visual artistry and comedic timing is something we’re eager to explore further,” said the series’ executive producer, Linda Wu (link to interview with Linda Wu). “We’re looking for fresh voices that can keep the content both funny and meaningful.”

A Wider Impact on the Local Scene

The article underscores how Jamie Lee’s national exposure could benefit the Onondaga County arts community. By showcasing how a local artist can translate visual narratives into a mainstream comedic format, she sets a precedent for other creatives seeking cross‑disciplinary collaboration. The article cites several other local artists who have recently entered the world of comedy, including Alex Rivera (link to Rivera’s stand‑up profile) and Sofia Kim (link to Kim’s sketch comedy channel).

In sum, Jamie Lee’s journey from a muralist painting community canvases to a television star delivering laughs about medical myths exemplifies the power of art to educate and entertain. With her talent, humility, and dedication to community, she embodies the spirit of Onondaga’s creative pulse, turning every sketch into an invitation for viewers to reflect, laugh, and ultimately, learn.