The comedy scene is always evolving, with new talent emerging every year to captivate audiences and reshape the landscape of humor. While big names like Dave Chappelle and Tiffany Haddish still dominate the comedy world, a new generation of comedians is rapidly gaining attention with their unique voices, fresh perspectives, and innovative approaches to comedy. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some rising stars in the comedy world who are poised to become household names in 2025 and beyond.
1. Zarna Garg
Style: Observational, Relatable Humor
Zarna Garg has quickly become a standout voice in the world of comedy with her sharp observational humor and witty storytelling. Originally from India, Zarna’s comedy focuses on her experiences as a mother, a woman in comedy, and a daughter in an immigrant family. Her ability to draw humor from everyday life while addressing cultural differences has resonated with audiences across the globe. Zarna has performed at renowned comedy festivals and has recently gained recognition with her Netflix special, “Culturally Cancelled.”
- Why to Watch: Zarna’s combination of smart humor and cultural commentary makes her a fresh voice in stand-up comedy. She is breaking barriers and providing much-needed representation in the comedy world.
2. Sam Jay
Style: Bold, Political, Provocative
Sam Jay is a rising star known for her raw and unapologetic comedy. With a unique voice that blends political commentary and personal anecdotes, she tackles heavy topics like race, identity, and social justice with sharp wit. Sam has written for Saturday Night Live (SNL) and is known for her Netflix comedy special, “3 in the Morning,” which has garnered critical acclaim for its fearless approach to taboo subjects.
- Why to Watch: Sam’s fearless approach to sensitive topics and her willingness to speak her truth with humor make her an exciting and important voice in contemporary comedy.
3. Taylor Tomlinson
Style: Self-Deprecating, Relatable
Taylor Tomlinson’s comedic style is rooted in self-deprecation and honest reflections on the struggles of growing up in the modern world. With her relatable humor, Taylor discusses topics like relationships, mental health, and the pressures of adulthood. Her Netflix special, “Quarter-Life Crisis,” has made her a favorite among young adults. Taylor’s ability to connect with her audience through shared experiences and her witty insights into everyday life has earned her widespread recognition.
- Why to Watch: Taylor’s sharp, witty humor, combined with her ability to tap into the challenges faced by her generation, makes her a relatable and funny voice in the comedy scene.
4. Jaboukie Young-White
Style: Absurd, Satirical, Playful
Jaboukie Young-White is one of the most innovative and exciting comedians to watch. Known for his absurd humor and sharp satirical commentary, Jaboukie pushes the boundaries of traditional comedy. With appearances on The Daily Show and his Netflix comedy special “The Comedy Lineup,” Jaboukie blends political satire with his unique sense of humor to address issues like race, identity, and pop culture. His quick wit and offbeat approach make him stand out in the comedy world.
- Why to Watch: Jaboukie’s creativity and ability to tackle controversial subjects with an offbeat sense of humor is why he’s considered one of the funniest rising stars in comedy today.
5. Quinta Brunson
Style: Sketch, Character Comedy, Viral Humor
Quinta Brunson is a multi-talented comedian, writer, and actor who first gained attention with her viral Instagram sketches. Now a well-known name in both television and stand-up comedy, Quinta has starred in the popular sitcom Abbott Elementary, which she also created and produced. Her comedy often involves quirky characters and clever observations about everyday situations. Quinta’s ability to seamlessly blend humor with heart has earned her widespread praise.
- Why to Watch: Quinta’s knack for creating memorable characters and her success in both television and stand-up make her a rising star in the comedy world. Her work on Abbott Elementary showcases her ability to balance comedy with insightful social commentary.
6. Chris Redd
Style: Improv, Sketch, Stand-Up
Chris Redd’s career has taken off through his work on Saturday Night Live and his stand-up performances. Known for his improv skills and his high-energy comedy, Chris has a natural ability to make people laugh with his unique take on current events, relationships, and pop culture. Chris brings a fresh perspective to both sketch comedy and stand-up, often blending the two for a dynamic performance style.
- Why to Watch: Chris’s infectious energy and talent for combining improvisational humor with sharp observations make him an exciting comedian to watch.
7. Nicole Byer
Style: Outrageous, Energetic, Self-Confident
Nicole Byer is known for her bold comedic voice and larger-than-life personality. Her humor is often outrageous and unapologetically honest, with a focus on body positivity, dating, and personal experiences. Nicole’s stand-up comedy, as well as her role as the host of Nailed It! on Netflix, has made her a favorite among comedy fans. She brings a high level of energy to everything she does, and her confidence on stage makes her stand out in the comedy world.
- Why to Watch: Nicole’s fearless, unapologetic humor about body image and relationships, paired with her infectious personality, make her one of the most exciting comedians on the rise.
8. Sarah Cooper
Style: Satirical, Lip-Sync, Political
Sarah Cooper gained viral fame for her lip-syncing videos of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s speeches. Her unique way of blending satire, lip-syncing, and political humor quickly captured the attention of millions. Sarah has since made her way into the world of stand-up comedy, with a Netflix special called Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine. Her blend of observational humor and biting political satire sets her apart as one of the most innovative rising stars in comedy.
- Why to Watch: Sarah’s ability to make profound political statements through humor, combined with her viral success, makes her a comedian to keep an eye on.
9. Bret Raybould
Style: Dark Humor, Irreverent, Intelligent
Bret Raybould has been steadily building a name for himself with his dark, intelligent humor. He takes on topics like existential dread, absurdity, and social issues with a unique blend of irreverence and wit. Known for his clever punchlines and thought-provoking material, Bret has a rapidly growing fanbase and continues to make waves in the comedy world.
- Why to Watch: Bret’s sharp, dark humor and willingness to address uncomfortable truths make him an exciting voice for fans of intelligent, thought-provoking comedy.
10. Maria Bamford
Style: Surreal, Quirky, Self-Reflective
Maria Bamford’s comedy is eccentric and deeply personal. Known for her unique voice and ability to turn her personal struggles into comedic gold, Maria’s style is quirky, surreal, and often introspective. She uses her experiences with mental health, family, and everyday life to create a comedic atmosphere that is both raw and hilarious. Maria’s approach to comedy is often described as therapeutic and cathartic for both her and the audience.
- Why to Watch: Maria’s surreal, self-reflective humor and her willingness to explore deeply personal topics with such vulnerability make her a standout comedian in the current comedy scene.
Conclusion
The world of comedy is evolving, and these rising stars are at the forefront of the movement. From bold political commentary to relatable humor, these comedians are making waves in the comedy scene with their fresh perspectives and unique voices. Whether you’re into dark humor, observational comedy, or character-driven sketches, these rising stars are certainly ones to watch as they continue to take the industry by storm.
