Lucy Smith: the 10 funniest things I have ever seen (on the internet)

My first memory of the internet was “the big computer” in “the home office” – probably standing (because “the computer chair” would have been reserved for one of my older siblings). On the screen appeared a one-eyed alien on a stool, shrouded in darkness except for a spotlight. The notes of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive began and the alien started lip-syncing, which turned into a disco strut. If you were around at this time, you know how it ended. It was the height of comedy and held that position for months.

I think little me would have been mind-blown to know that one day I’d have all of that and more in the palm of my hand, and I’d actually hate it at times.

As a radio host and music journalist, I’m always online, scoping out artists, music news and the latest releases. Before that, I manned accounts on Tumblr, Myspace and Stardoll. Here’s some of the content that’s made me laugh (or exhale through my nose) along the way.

1. bennydrama7 – Throat Rippin’ Annie

Benito Skinner aka bennydrama7 might be my favourite person on the internet. Actor, podcaster, wig connoisseur. His impressions span the Kardashians, the star signs, Shawn Mendes, Gossip Girl, Lana Del Rey and Jonathan Van Ness as Jesus Christ. Plus his original characters – real estate agent Deliverance Richards, Jenni the TMI Hair Stylist, Kooper the Gen Z intern and IRL bot Nina Drama. My underrated fav? Throat Rippin’ Annie.

If we’re locking in for a YouTube viewing party, casting to the screen – this is my contribution. From the BBC comedy series Extras, this 13-minute compilation is more than a blooper reel. It’s equal parts hilarious and anxiety-inducing – these people cannot stop laughing even when the joke is over. Highlights are Daniel Radcliffe saying “wood elf” and Sir Ian McKellen breaking character.

3. Servideo – Anubis

Like bennydrama7, Lauren Servideo can unlock a whole backstory with each character. Some highlights: Victoria, chick Clint Eastwood, cheugy Bond villain, David Bowie’s normie daughter. But my standout is Anubis – a vampire turned influencer, named after the Egyptian god of the dead, thrust into downtown New York with a smartphone and a love of vintage, designer brands.

4. Hamish & Andy – Random Job Reference

A classic. The beloved radio duo ask the question, “would an everyday Australian be a job reference for someone they’ve never met?” They call a random number and find a national living treasure.

5. Marty Miller and Missy McIntosh

Proof that some of the best comedic bits start by working in the service industry. These two best friends (“girl” and “guy”) work at Bernie’s in NYC and have a language which I now completely understand in my head, heart and ‘tomach.

6. Mitch Churi lets Miley Cyrus into a Zoom call early

The Zoom waiting room can be an anxiety-inducing place before a major international interview. But that can wear off the longer you’re kept waiting. This is the moment radio host Mitch Churi got a little too comfortable before speaking with Miley Cyrus.

7. Elouise Eftos – Mandy in lockdown

Elouise Eftos is “Australia’s first attractive comedian” and has a knack for accents. Cast your mind back to 2021 when a cohort of students at St Joseph’s College were given the Pfizer vaccine due to “an error”, despite it not being available to most Australians under 40. “Mandy”, a South African jewellery designer whose son attends the college, had some things to say.

8. Mitch Wood – My impression of British theatre

Mitch Wood first came across my feed with an impression of the McDonald’s drive thru which was spot on – that is, inaudible. His feed cuts to my core with impressions of hospitality employees and theatre – curtain calls, director’s notes, auditions, box office attendants and veteran actresses. If you’ve ever been in a production with a bad tech rehearsal three days out from opening night, you’ll get it.

9. veronika_iscool – Veronika & Kyle

Similar to Mitch Wood, my introduction to Veronika Slowikowska was her impression of brunch. Since then, I’ve been swept up in the cinematic universe of Veronika and Kyle. It’s a will-they-won’t-they where the pair are equal parts roommates, agent-talent and unrequited lovers. This video is just the beginning.

10. tagashowie – host Triple j’s Hottest 100

I’ve seen a lot of Triple J presenter impressions – both before and during my time. They usually involve a circa-2012 vocal fry, flowery references to underground bands “you’ve probably never heard of” and upward inflections. While this may have rung true at some point (no offence to my predecessors), this is the only impression I’ve seen that taps into the present day with such accuracy. Incredible. Take my job.

• You can follow Lucy Smith on Instagram and listen to Triple J Mornings every weekday from 9am. She’ll be counting down the Triple J Hottest 100 on Saturday 25 Jan from noon AEDT.