Charleston's charm masks a demanding comedy scene. Upper King rooms draw audiences who've seen enough touring acts to recognize effort from coasting. French Quarter crowds know when you're reaching. Cannonborough runs warmer—newer comics find their footing there before graduating to tougher rooms. The circuit reveals itself gradually: South of Broad for polished sets, West Ashley for testing new material. Harleston Village hosts the regulars. Hampton Park Terrace keeps it neighborhood. The Southern hospitality is real, but so are the standards. Earn the laughs here, and they mean something.