Remember when Bridesmaids came out and everyone was shocked women are funny. I remember thinking, women have always been funny and didn’t know so many people didn’t know that. Stand-up comics have gotten me through the darkest of times. So, if you need a laugh let me introduce you to 15 Hilarious Female Stand-up Comedians to watch Today (if you haven’t already).
1. Wanda Sykes
Emmy Award winner, author, actor, and overall hilarious comedian Wanda Sykes. If you’ve seen her work, I highly recommend watching her Instagram feed during the quarantine with her family for all the laughs.
Latest Stand-up Special: Wanda Sykes: Not Normal (Netflix)
Book: Yeah, I said it
2. Ali Wong
Genius writer, stand-up comedian, and actress. Her social media feeds with her family are also comedy gold. Always Be my Maybe, is such a fun charming movie on Netflix that I watch constantly. Her last 2 comedy specials on Netflix she is very pregnant something I’ve rarely seen on comedy specials but I suspect will trend because the special is that funny.
Latest Stand-up Special: Hard knock Wife and Baby Cobra (Netflix)
Book: Dear Girls
3. Hannah Gadsby
Her Netflix special, Nannette went viral in 2018 for her unique stance on some of the darker sides of being a woman such as assault, but somehow finds a way to make it both inspirational and funny in a way that’s motivational for the viewer to understand how gut-wrenching day to day life can be. Her brilliant sense of timing and delivery are a must watch.
Latest Stand-up Special: Douglas (Netflix)
Book: Ten Steps to Nannette
4. Tig Notaro
Tig’s standup special Boyish Girl Interrupted earned her a Grammy nomination. The groundbreaking special is a humorous look at some otherwise darker topics. After a double mastectomy, she proudly walks around on stage topless, why? Because she can, she’s a badass. The dry hukamor shines a light on things that aren’t supposed to be funny, but her charm makes this standup special something unique and new.
Latest Stand-up Special: Boyish Girl Interrupted (Amazon and HBO)
Book: I’m just a person
Podcast: Professor Blastoff
5. Margaret Cho
Provocative (to some, not me) and ever hilarious Margaret Cho always challenges us to think a little deeper and to find humor through social and political comedy. She also runs a podcast entitled The Margaret Cho, which I recommend
Latest Stand-up Special: PsyCHO (Amazon)
Book: I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight
Podcast: The Margaret Cho
6. Whitney Cummings
Whitney’s observational and at times self-deprecating humor is everything I need. Her autobiography, I’m fine…and other Lies, tells the tale of her life, mental health, dating, and humor. Something about learning that celebs have the same fears as us, while simultaneously being extremely humorous that do it for me. Her latest special, is arguably her best work, in my opinion.
Latest Stand-up Special: Can I touch it? (Netflix)
Book: I’m fine…and other Lies
Podcast: Good For You
7. Amy Schumer
Amy has an impressive catalog of work: TV and Film writer, actress, author, comedian, and a slue of awards, rightfully deserved.
Latest Stand-up Special: Growing (Netflix)
Book: The Girl with the Lower back Tattoo
Podcast: Amy Schumer presents 3 girls, 1 Keith
8. Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany is extra AF and that’s why I love her. From her stand out roll in Girls Trip (which can we get a sequel), to her stand-up specials, TV shows, and books, Tiffany is finally getting recognition for being in the business a minute.
Latest Stand-up Special: She Ready
Book: The Last Black Unicorn
9. Kathleen Madigan
Kathleen Madigan is my favorite comedian that you’ve probably never heard of, but you need to. She has several stand-up specials on Netflix. My husband saw her in Atlantic City and her long-time bestie Lewis Black surprised us all by opening for her. Her hilarious take on growing up Catholic in Missouri combined with her gift of storytelling makes for a good time, every time she gets a mic in her hand.
Latest Stand-up Special: Bothering Jesus
Latest Album: Greatest Bits Vol. 1
10. Sarah Silverman
I love Sarah’s delivery. Sure, she’s smart, witty and beautiful, most would look at her and say she’s so innocent, but then do a double-take when she says something profoundly unexpected. Sarah says what she wants and doesn’t censor her thought process. And, she’s my favorite Disney Princess – Princess, err… President Vanellope in the Wreck it Ralph movies. Anyway, Sarah is a talented comedian, actress, and writer.
Latest Stand-up Special: A Speck of Dust
Book: The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee
11. Kathy Griffin
Kathy has always done comedy on her terms. Has it gotten her into a lot of hot water, yes? Will she do it again? Also, yes. And she always comes out stronger on the other side. Her latest stand-up special, A Hell of a Story, talks in detail about the “incident” and how one photo nearly destroyed her entire career. And yes- this special is not for everyone, you’ve been warned.
Latest Stand-up special: A Hell of a Story
Book: Kathy Griffin’s Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index
12. Anjelah Johnson
Anjelah is known for several characters she plays on screen and in her stand-up. This former Raiderette can make any subject funny and I hope she has a new special coming out in the future. She keeps busy acting on TV and Film
Latest Stand-up Special: Mahalo and Goodnight (Amazon & Hulu)
Podcast: Knights at the Roundtable
13. Michelle Buteau
Michelle is insanely funny, you may recognize her as host of The Circle or bestie in Always be my Maybe, or the hilarious scene-stealer in Someone Great but in addition to her exceptional comic timing, she is also a brilliant comic. Her stand-up set is combined with fellow comedians in The Comedy Line up (part 1).
Latest Stand-up Special: The Comedy Line up (Part 1 on Netflix)
Podcast: Late Night Whenever
14. Natasha Leggero
Natasha has mastered observational comedy by brilliantly commenting on life, culture, and class. Her latest stand-up special is with fellow comedy and husband Moshe Kasher entitled, The Honeymoon Standup Special. the two comedians together are stand-up gold.
Latest Stand-up Special: The Honeymoon Stand-up Special (Netflix)
Podcast: The Endless Honeymoon
15. Katherine Ryan
Katherine is a Canadian Comedian based out of the UK. She presents unique observational approach to comedy. Like all good comedians, she pushes boundaries, says what she wants, and still is charming. Her specials on Netflix are a must-see. When she isn’t making us laugh on stage, she’s on-screen acting.
Latest Stand-up Special: Glitter Room
Podcast: Telling Everybody Everything
https://www.katherineryan.co.uk
There are so many genius comedians, this list was hard to put my favorites together. Who are your favorite Stand-up Comedians? Let us know in the comments.
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You’ve got some great recommendations on here! I’m a huge comedy fan, especially female comedians. I’ve seen almost everyone on your list, but there are a couple that I can’t wait to check out. Thanks for sharing!
Wow amazing list, I don’t know any of them but I’ll check it out..
Great list! My personal favorite female comedians is Wanda Sykes and Jessica Williams.
Thanks for reading I’ll have to check out Jessica Williams