There are only a handful of stand-up comedians that can keep me laughing throughout their entire act. Whether you prefer clean or dirty comedy, I compiled a list of 7 stand-up comedians that everyone should hear at least once. Some are well-known while others aren’t as famous, but they’re all hilarious. Prepare to do a YouTube search and get ready to laugh!
1 John Heffron
If you prefer clean comedy, listen to John Heffron. He got his start on Last Comic Standing and has acts about his childhood and stupid things people do when they drive. He manages to center his act on family and other relatable topics. Plus, he’s adorable. If you like stand-up comedians that you can watch with your friends or parents, you should listen to some John Heffron.
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2 Josh Blue
Another comic who got his start on Last Comic Standing. Josh Blue has cerebral palsy and isn’t afraid to joke about it. His routine is clean and will keep you laughing. Not only is he hysterical, but he’s a role model for anyone who doubts themselves. He’s a fine example of why you should never let anything stand in the way of pursing your dreams.
He has a negative point of view on life and is not for the easily offended. Even the acts involving his family are dirty and he’s not afraid to curse. If you like raunchy humor, you’ll love Louis CK. My favorite act of his involves judging strangers while waiting in line at the post office. His comedy is relatable and I find myself agreeing with most of what he says. Check out his stand-up or his TV series Louie.
4 Noel Fielding
Noel Fielding’s act is definitely out there. He’s an offbeat English comedian who’s not for everyone, but he’s quite successful. He’s been on multiple shows on the BBC like The Mighty Boosh, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy. He likes to dress up as different characters, sing songs, and perform physical comedy. If you want to hear something different than what you’re used to, definitely check out one of Noel Fielding’s acts.
You all know her. Even though she hasn’t had a stand-up special in years, you can still watch her show. It airs every weekday and she has a comedic monologue at the start of each episode. Ellen DeGeneres always keeps it clean and lighthearted. Also keep an eye out for Finding Dory, where she voices the main character.
6 Russell Brand
Russell’s favorite topic is sex. He likes to joke about masculinity and sexuality, but there’s more to his act than pure raunchiness. He also tends to take articles from newspapers or magazines to make fun of them. My favorite act involves him reading death threats he’d been sent in the past. His extensive vocabulary, confidence, and overall air on stage keep me entertained. So watch some of his stand-up or his films like Get Him to the Greek and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
7 Craig Ferguson
If you dislike cursing or all things dirty, Craig Ferguson is not for you. But if you enjoy ridiculous gags, deconstructing traditional comedy, and sexy Scottish accents, he’s your man. He has a few stand-up specials and his own talk show (I never miss an episode). Although he’s dirty, he has a good heart and refused to make fun of Britney Spears when she was going through her breakdown. Craig is by far my favorite comedian and I could watch him all day.
I hope you find these comedians as funny as I do. Who’s your favorite stand-up comedian? Have you ever seen a show performed live?
