If you type "James Franco Roast full uncut version new" into a search engine, you aren’t just looking for a comedy special; you are looking for a time capsule. You are looking for a specific brand of Hollywood chaos that existed just before the culture shifted—a moment when a group of friends (and a few frenemies) gathered to mercilessly tease a movie star who was, at the time, seemingly impossible to embarrass.
The Comedy Central Roast of James Franco, which aired in September 2013, remains a unique entry in the franchise's history. Unlike the roasts of Donald Trump or Charlie Sheen, which felt like eulogies for crumbling careers, the Franco roast felt like a celebrity playground. It was the "Freaks and Geeks" reunion nobody knew they needed, featuring Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and Jason Segel sitting on the dais.
But the search for the "uncut" or "new" version speaks to the modern audience’s hunger for authenticity—and perhaps, in hindsight, a darker curiosity.
For the truly curious, here are known moments from the live taping that did NOT make either the broadcast or the DVD uncut version, according to audience reports from 2013:
None of this footage has ever surfaced in "new" form.
Samberg delivered a bizarre, cryptic joke on air about "things we’ve seen in your texts." The uncut version allegedly included Samberg pulling out a prop phone and reading fictional—but uncomfortably plausible—Franco sexts. Comedy Central lawyers reportedly flagged the bit as a liability risk.
The Comedy Central Roast of James Franco aired on September 2, 2013. It was a historic, bizarre, and polarizing event. The dais included:
The roast is remembered not for being especially funny, but for its palpable tension. James Franco sat stone-faced through much of the evening, barely laughing, appearing disconnected, aloof, or genuinely unhappy—depending on who you ask. Seth Rogen famously called him out, saying, “James, you’re not laughing. I want you to know, this is your fault.” The awkwardness became legendary. james+franco+roast+full+uncut+version+new
When people search for "james franco roast full uncut version," they are often remembering or hoping for one of two things:
The lights dropped to a honeyed glow. A single spotlight found the podium where Julian Slate, grin wide as a weekend headline, adjusted the mic like it owed him money.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, voice velvet, "we're here to celebrate someone who’s made more cameos than Starbucks has locations." The crowd chuckled. "Give it up for tonight's guest of honor — the man whose face is somehow both 'indie darling' and 'what did I just see on a late-night comedy sketch' — Marcus Vale."
Marcus slid onto a stool at stage left, wearing a tux that looked borrowed from an art-house mystery. He raised a glass. "Try to be kind," he said, smiling. "I have a fragile personal brand."
First up was Bea Torres, razor wit wrapped in silk. "Marcus is a true chameleon," she said. "He changes so often I'm convinced his agent gives him a calendar and a costume budget." A ripple of laughter. "Seriously, I've seen less commitment from people training for a marathon."
Next, an earnest young comic, Theo, stepped forward with mock-solemnity. "Marcus told me once he believes in method acting," Theo said. "I said, 'What method?' He said, 'I methodically ghost every director after call time.'"
The jokes kept landing, affectionate barbs threaded with admiration. They teased Marcus about his tendency to take risks—some wildly successful, others, as Bea put it, "creative experiments that belong in a museum's 'What Not To Try' wing." If you type "James Franco Roast full uncut
When the roast turned personal, the room leaned forward. Marcus's longtime friend and occasional collaborator, Lena Rao, mounted the stage. She smiled, then delivered a line that stopped the room: "For years Marcus told me he was searching for truth in his work. Then he found it — in a script he didn't understand but filmed anyway." Laughter burst, warm and conspiratorial. Marcus laughed loudest of all.
Between jabs, the evening revealed a gentler current: stories of late-night generosity, of faith in uncertain projects, of a stubborn work ethic even when the cameras were off. A montage of quick anecdotes—Marcus ferrying crew home after a shoot, staying late to help a first-time actor hit a beat—softened the sharper humor into something like reverence.
By the end, Marcus stood to reply. He kept his answer short. "Thank you," he said. "You roasted me because you love me. Which is collision therapy, and honestly, cheaper than a therapist."
The final toast was less a punchline than a benediction. "To Marcus," Julian said, lifting his glass. "May your choices remain interesting, your hair survive the next experiment, and may you never stop being the guy who makes us want to watch."
The crowd rose, clinking glass to glass, laughter and warmth folding over the room like a good ending. Outside, the city hummed on, unaware of the small universe of jokes and favors that had just transpired beneath its lights.
If you'd like a longer story, a different tone (darker, satirical, or heartfelt), or a roast centered on a fully fictional character with specific traits, tell me which direction and I’ll expand it.
I'm assuming you're referring to the roast of James Franco that took place at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. The roast was a comedic tribute to Franco, with many celebrities making light-hearted jokes and teasing him in a playful way. None of this footage has ever surfaced in "new" form
If you're looking for the full, uncut version of the roast, I couldn't find a video of the entire, uncensored event. However, I can try to provide some of the notable jokes and quotes from the roast.
James Franco was roasted by several celebrities, including Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and Christina Hendricks. The jokes ranged from his acting career to his personal life, and were generally light-hearted and playful.
Some notable jokes from the roast include:
The roast was well-received by many in the entertainment industry, and is often cited as one of the best roasts in recent memory.
If you're still looking for the full, uncut version of the roast, you may want to try searching for videos on YouTube or other online platforms. Keep in mind that some content may be edited or censored, depending on the source.
Comedy Central released an Uncensored & Uncut DVD shortly after the broadcast. This version includes:
Crucially, this is the definitive uncut version. It is 79-85 minutes long (versus the 60-minute broadcast). But it is not new (released in late 2013/early 2014). It is also not the mythical "full raw feed" from the camera.
Three major barriers prevent the uncut roast from seeing daylight: