Stand-up comedy is a comic style in which the comedian performs in front of the live audience, where the comedian tells a humorous joke, one liner (monologue) or perform an act. The origin of standup comedy can be traced back to Parrhesia in 400 BC, where it was the medium to express reality without censorship.
Whatever the origin, standup comedy has flooded our TV sets recently, even though, a decade ago there would be ten to twelve televised hours of standup comedy; the number has raised to eighty last year. Therefore, we have made a list of ten best standup comedians at the moment for the fans of standup comedies.
1. Kyle Kinane
If you are a fan of standup comedy, you may have heard and seen these works of Kyle Kinane and if you have, these comic materials must have made it to your top five lists every year. Yes, he is that good. He is the best of the best right now and is one of the most prolific comedians of his generation.
His works have his own personal touch, is relatable and feels universal. These coupled with a specificity of language and point of view merits him the top ten position in this list. Loose in Chicago must be on your bucket list, watch it now and experience the comedy world full of hilarious jokes.
2. Bill Burr
William Frederic Bill Burr, an American comedian, writer, and actor is one of the best standup comedians right now. Characterized by the prominent Boston accent and jaunty moving way, his materials are direct, brimming with bravado and distinct from many other standup comedians.
This comedy genius is charismatic on stage and builds the comedic moment with his magnetic voice. His standup comedy covers a vast array of topic ranging from women, guns, Chinese driver and everything that infuriates you. In his works, he sounds like a frustrated person, who doesn’t like to be judged or told to do things and surprised by the tyranny of nerds.
Married to wife Nia Renee Hill since 2013, he is absolutely hilarious and if you haven’t watched his works, go see some of his acts, ordering sandwich, punching muffins on table and find for yourself how good he is.
3. Jim Jefferies
Jim Jefferies was born in Perth, Western Australia, Australia as Geoffrey James Nugent. He is an actor and writer, whose notable works include Legit, Jim Jefferies: I Swear to God and Jim Jefferies Alcoholocaust. The slurred Australian accent in addition to his use of foul languages in standup shows are trademarks of his works.
His works are available on DVDs but to do justice to him and his works, you must watch him live in action. Currently, he is doing Freedumb, which includes his stances on gun control to the president election of USA and his efforts to be a good dad.
4. Janeane Garofalo
Janeane Garofalo is one of the most popular female standup comedians, who revolutionized the form in the ‘90s, pioneering Alternative Comedy, the world where originality and honesty became as important as hard jokes.
If you want strict setups and like punches in the comedy, scroll on as this uncompromising comedian covers many topics; some personal, some political and some reality TV shows. Her work is her identity and gives you an insight about her as the person at the moment. She is creating the waves in standup comedy world with If I May right now.
5. Pete Holmes
Most of the standup comedy fans may know him due to his work on popular podcast You Made It Weird but he is back with faces and sounds where he talks about anything and everything. Whether it is complicated issues like fear or prenotion of the society that man thinks about sex all the time, he is hilarious all the time.
6. Kevin Hart
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin Darnell Hart is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He began his career by winning several amateur comedy competitions at clubs throughout New England, who broke mainstream through the recurring role on TV series Undeclared.
His materials are strong, and his impersonations and facial expression are out of the world. He can tell long stories yet make you laugh in every twist and turn by keeping it fresh. His only flaw is he tends to rush things a little with the facetious beat. Apart from that, he is the best and a very hot property right now in standup comedy world. His mild controversies have certainly helped his popularity. He recently married Eniko Parrish amidst allegations of black celebrities opting for white girls after attaining stardom from his ex-wife Torrei Hart .
7. Ali Wong
Alexandra “Ali” Wong is an Asian American actress, stand-up comedian, and writer. She is the first artist to sell out 6 shows at the Theater at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, which proves how popular she is right now.
The words don’t do justice to her exceptional abilities and nothing stops her. Watch the Baby Cobra which was shot when she was seven months pregnant, where she managed to make the gross body fluid mechanism hilarious and what’s more? Everyone loved it.
8. Hannibal Buress
Hannibal Buress was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for The Eric Andre Show, The Secret Life of Pets and The Angry Birds Movie. He began his journey of standup comedy in 2002 while attending Southern Illinois University.
His laid back style of delivery and uncontrollable fits of laughter occasionally is sure to impress you. Comedy Camisado, his work on 2016, is enough alone to propel him to the top ten positions.
9. Joe Rogan
If you are an avid fan of UFC, you may have known him as the commentator on UFC pay per view. However, Joe Rogan is also one of the funniest standup comedians at the moment. This American standup comedian hosts podcasts, television shows, and acts on the films besides making you laugh with his comic punches.
Known for his works like Joe Rogan: Triggered, Joe Rogan: Rock Mountain, Joe Rogan: Live from Tabernacle and much more, his material has an inquisitive and intense comedic style.
Go and watch his live shows, you are definitely going to like them. However, don’t muster a courage to criticize him, this is highly injurious to your health as he knows taekwondo and knows how to throw punches in his real life as well.
10. Laurie Kilmartin
Can the death of dad make a good comedy material? If you think, it doesn’t, then watch 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad. I will ensure you that you won’t be able to stop laughing. Born in California, USA, Laurie Kilmartin is one of the most popular female comedians currently.