As the world slowly collapses into chaos, stand-up comedy is thriving. With a huge lineup of Netflix specials and international tours, people turn to comedians to push away hectic lifestyles and take a minute to laugh. Here is a list of 10 hilarious comedians that you should check out, regardless of whether you’re a long-term fan or still getting familiar.
- Taylor Tomlinson
With her millennial vibes and quick wit, Taylor Tomlinson is taking over as one of the best and most relatable comedians of her generation. With several hit shows, including Have It All, Quarter-Life Crisis, and New Couple Gets Quarantined, Tomlinson’s skill at confronting her vulnerabilities through humor makes her a favorite among the younger generation as well as the ladies going through their midlife crisis.
- Matt Rife
Best known for his self-produced comedy specials, Matt Rife has gained a reputation for being quite controversial. Despite this, his charisma and Gen Z appeal have earned him a huge following, with upcoming shows happening at Madison Square Garden later this month. If you haven’t watched his shows before, be sure to check out Lucid—A Crowd Work Special and Natural Selection.
- Ricky Gervais
Speaking of controversial, this actor, writer, television producer, filmmaker, and comedian knows how to stir up outrage. However, despite putting himself at the center of controversy again and again, there’s something to be said about his sharp, unapologetic humor.
- Ali Wong
This stand-up comedian is famous for performing two hit specials while pregnant. With a style as raunchy as it is wholesome, the hit specials in question, Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife, are a must-watch. If you are intrigued, you can also move on to her Emmy-winning series, BEEF.
- Atsuko Okatsuka
This comedian is a good example of finding humor in struggle-filled childhoods. Born in Taiwan, she grew up undocumented in her uncle’s garage in the US. Named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch” in 2022, and is the second Asian American woman to have an hour-long standup special on HBO. Be sure to check out her shows, The Intruder and Father.
- Zarna Garg
An Indian-American screenwriter who was popularly described by CNBC as “the zany, outspoken voice of the Indian American woman”, Garg is an absolute force of nature, with her funny, witty, mom-type humor. Check out her first streaming special, One in a Billion, and her ‘Zarna Garg Family Podcast”. You will definitely get hooked.
- Gabriel Iglesias
Aptly nicknamed Fluffy, Gabriel Iglesias gives you cool, hilarious uncle vibes even five minutes into a performance. And just when his jokes are making you cry with laughter, he strikes from the left, leaving you awestruck with his spot-on sound effects. Even if you haven’t seen him perform stand-up, you’ve definitely seen his work as an actor in popular hits like Magic Mike and even a feature on Modern Family.
- John Mulaney
Known for his writing work on Saturday Night Live, John Mulaney has worked on multiple films, television shows, and Broadway productions. Some of his stand-up specials include Baby J, Kid Gorgeous, and The Comeback Kid.
- Jack Whitehall
A comedian, writer, actor, and television personality, there is no doubt that Whitehall makes excellent use of his English humor. Having also dabbled in acting with Jungle Cruise, Fresh Meat, and Bad Education, he also wrote and performed five stand-up tours, including Jack Whitehall Live (2010–2011), Gets Around (2014), At Large (2017), Stood Up (2019), and Settle Down (2023–2024).
- Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart is best known for his acting and his antics with Dwayne Johnson, so it just makes sense that he also ventured into stand-up, right? If you’re a big fan of his movies (or not), check out some of his comedy albums: Seriously Funny (2010), Laugh at My Pain (2011), Let Me Explain (2013), and What Now? (2016).
