Stand-up comedy in 2025 is thriving — not just on stage, but also on Netflix, YouTube, podcasts, and TikTok. Comedians today are more than just performers. They’re influencers, actors, content creators, and cultural voices.
So, who are the top 15 comedians right now? While rankings can vary based on personal taste, we’ve combined data from viewership, critical lists, fan votes, and tour popularity to bring you the most complete and balanced list available.
How We Chose These Comedians
This list pulls from several reliable sources:
- Comedy Specials Released in 2025 (via Wikipedia)
- Fan Rankings from Ranker
- Expert Picks from Comedyville’s Top 10 Comedians of 2025
- Social Media Popularity & Tour Activity (like Ticketmaster and TikTok)
We combined these to find comedians who are not only funny but also relevant, critically respected, and in-demand around the world.
The Top 15 Comedians in 2025
Here’s the ultimate list — a blend of legends, rising stars, and viral sensations:
| Rank | Comedian | Why They Stand Out |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Tomlinson | Hilarious and heartfelt; host of After Midnight, known for millennial and Gen Z relatability. |
| 2 | Andrew Schulz | Viral crowd work king; self-released specials; massive global tours. |
| 3 | Ramy Youssef | Mixes humor with deep cultural insight; praised HBO special in 2025. |
| 4 | Ali Wong | Fearless and funny; stand-up, acting, and writing powerhouse. |
| 5 | Matt Rife | TikTok breakout: funny Indian mom persona with wide family appeal. |
| 6 | Zarna Garg | From YouTube to live arenas, frat culture satire meets thoughtful comedy. |
| 7 | Ricky Gervais | Always controversial; Armageddon II released; still globally relevant. |
| 8 | Trevor Wallace | Bold and political, The Daily Show alum with a new stand-up hour. |
| 9 | Dulcé Sloan | Known for smart, self-deprecating humor, a popular 2025 tour, and special. |
| 10 | Shane Gillis | YouTube star turned headliner; raw, edgy humor; gaining momentum fast. |
| 11 | Dave Chappelle | Still at the top with sharp commentary and huge influence. |
| 12 | Bill Burr | Legendary style and energy; brutal honesty keeps him timeless. |
| 13 | Nate Bargatze | Clean, family-friendly laughs; relatable and effortlessly funny. |
| 14 | Chris Rock | Comedy icon; still draws huge crowds and delivers sharp insights. |
| 15 | John Mulaney | Known for smart, self-deprecating humor, a popular 2025 tour and special. |
Specials That Made Waves in 2025
Some comedians on the list released major specials this year:
- Gabriel Iglesias – Legend of Fluffy (Netflix, Jan 7)
- Chelsea Handler – The Feeling (Netflix, Mar 25)
- Vir Das – Fool Volume (Netflix, Jul 18)
While they didn’t all crack the top 15, their continued activity keeps them on the radar.
Social Media Stars vs. Stage Legends
In 2025, comedy success isn’t just about TV. Some comedians (like Matt Rife and Zarna Garg) have huge TikTok followings, while others (like Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr) dominate through traditional stand-up and Netflix specials.
This list balances both worlds — viral reach and classic stage power
From political commentary to personal stories, comedians in 2025 are delivering laughs in more formats than ever. Whether you love edgy jokes, family-friendly humor, or cultural insights, this list has something for everyone.
So go ahead — stream a special, book a ticket, or follow a comic on TikTok. The future of comedy is here, and it’s funnier than ever.
Sources Used:
- Comedyville – Top 10 Stand-Up Comedians to Watch in 2025
- Ranker – The 200+ Funniest Male Comedians of 2025
- Wikipedia – 2025 in Stand-up Comedy