Please Don't Destroy: The Funny Friends!

Please Don't Destroy, the acclaimed American comedy group, is the brainchild of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy. Their collaborative journey commenced during their formative years as students at New York University, where the seeds of their unique comedic synergy were sown. Officially established in 2017, the group drew initial inspiration from an act titled 'Please Don't Destroy My Farm,' a testament to their early exploration of absurdist and relatable humor.

This foundational period was characterized by consistent live performance, including regular monthly shows and participation in prestigious events like the New York Comedy Festival. Simultaneously, they began cultivating an online presence through sketch videos on YouTube, a crucial step in developing their distinct comedic voice and building an audience receptive to their innovative style. This early dedication to both live and digital platforms allowed them to experiment and refine their craft, laying the groundwork for future successes.

The group's adaptability proved to be a significant asset, particularly during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the shift in media consumption, Please Don't Destroy strategically pivoted towards creating short-form video content for platforms such as TikTok and Twitter. This move was not merely a reaction to circumstances but a calculated expansion of their reach and influence.

By mastering the art of concise, impactful humor tailored for these fast-paced digital environments, they were able to connect with a broader and younger demographic. Their ability to consistently generate engaging and shareable content during a period of widespread disruption underscored their creative resilience and understanding of contemporary internet culture. This digital fluency became instrumental in amplifying their visibility and attracting industry attention.

The year 2021 marked a watershed moment for Please Don't Destroy as they were recruited as writers for the legendary Saturday Night Live (SNL). This appointment represented a significant validation of their talent and a major leap into mainstream television comedy. Their primary role involved producing prerecorded digital videos for the show's 47th season, where their distinctive comedic sensibilities quickly became apparent.

Their official debut on SNL on October 9, 2021, with the sketch 'Hard Seltzer,' introduced their unique brand of humor to millions of viewers. A particularly noteworthy contribution was their song 'Three Sad Virgins,' a collaboration with Pete Davidson and Taylor Swift, which garnered widespread critical acclaim and significant cultural traction. This period not only showcased their writing prowess but also their ability to integrate seamlessly into the SNL ecosystem, contributing memorable moments to the show's legacy.

Please Don't Destroy's creative ambitions extended beyond sketch writing, leading to ambitious projects that further cemented their status in the comedy world. In 2023, they undertook an extensive 26-date live comedy tour across the United States, a testament to their growing popularity and their capacity to command a live audience. This tour allowed them to engage directly with fans and showcase their material in a dynamic, in-person setting.

Complementing their touring success, the group also wrote and starred in their first feature film, 'Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.' Released in the same year, the film explored themes of early adulthood and friendship through a comedic treasure hunt narrative, demonstrating their capabilities as both writers and leading actors. These ventures highlight their evolution from digital content creators to multifaceted entertainers.

The group's trajectory continued to evolve, with significant professional developments announced in 2025. While John Higgins transitioned away from his writing role for Saturday Night Live's 51st season, Martin Herlihy maintained his position as a writer, and Ben Marshall was elevated to a cast member. Martin also continued to contribute to prerecorded sketches, maintaining a connection to the SNL platform.

Crucially, these individual career advancements did not signify an end to the Please Don't Destroy collective. The group explicitly stated that they would not disband, though their output for SNL would cease. This decision underscores the enduring strength of their friendship and their shared commitment to their comedic vision.

It suggests a future where they may pursue new collaborative projects, leveraging their individual successes while preserving the unique creative bond that defines Please Don't Destroy.