People Vote on the Best and Worst Comedians

BEST: Scott Thompson

The Kids in the Hall was a sketch comedy show that touched millions. If not millions and billions. Yeah, we’re sticking by that. Bring it on. The ridiculous blend of realistic and polarizing comedy resonated with so many of us back in the 80s and 90s. One of the cast members, in particular Scott Thompson, delivered a performance like no other.

The portrayal of his character in the show helped open the eyes of many closeted viewers. The strength and humor he showcased were a testament to both his comedy as well as his strength. Even if it wasn’t intended, it was a performance that would instill pride in so many people that it was basically a cultural revolution.

WORST: Russel Brand

Russel Brand has the air of everyone’s favorite belligerent uncle from abroad. He has a wise-cracking and sharp personality that’s mingled with a laid-back party guy. He presents a pretty package and has used it to his advantage for a lot of his career. That’s what you have to do to advance. You also have to be able to leverage your strengths in as many situations as possible. 

Just because you’re a natural at doing interviews doesn’t mean stand-up will be just as simple. Honing your craft, and translating it to other stages and entertainment styles takes time and work. Even the big names have to keep practicing to maintain their sharpness. 

WORST: Amy Schumer

Reaching the heights of comedy can be a daunting task. You need quick wit and some strong material in your arsenal. Along the way, you’re bound to perform with other great funny people. They probably have some great stuff to work with too! A lot of the comedy community may claim to borrow or be influenced by each other. That’s different from downright copying jokes or using someone else’s story on stage. 

A lot of great comedians get accused of this on their way to the top. It’s always difficult to tell who truly came up with something first. Things get even weirder when the person accusing you of plagiarism mysteriously withdraws their statements. Some people just can’t handle another person’s fame.

BEST: Daniel Sloss

This Scottish comedian started his career at the young age of 17 and he’s been killing it ever since. He got his start when Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle hired him to write some material for the BBC panel comedy show Mock the Week. He’d go on to perform at the  Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008 and ten years later would sign a deal for two specials with Netflix.

The special that will definitely leave an imprint on your mind is “DARK” in which Sloss tells the story of his sister who died when he was young. He expertly blends serious and emotional material with comedy, one of the reasons he’s so beloved in the comedy world. 

WORST: Andrew Dice Clay

Andrew Dice Clay was a wildly famous comedian in the 90s, he was known for having a deliberately offensive and racy sense of humor. He started out performing not as himself, but as a persona known as “The Diceman”. And he doesn’t just command the stage, he’s also appeared in films such as Blue Jasmine and A Star is Born. 

But not everyone was a big fan of his act. When hosting Saturday Night Live, cast member Nora Dunn refused to perform in protest. Sinead O’Connor canceled her musical appearance on the show shortly after. Seems not everyone was a fan of Clay’s brand of comedy. Nowadays some look back and think he was overrated.

WORST: Dane Cook

There are a lot of well-known comedians throughout the land. Depending on the time period you saw them in, their career could be in any state. Comedians are kind of like quantum particles. They exist everywhere until someone looks at them. Then they’re in a fixed state in time. Now apply that idea and think of Dane Cook. Cook has been around since the 90s. 

However, this popularity became almost galactic in the early ’00s! His fanbase was rabid. The success was off the charts! He even had an entire generation of people fixated on every word he said on stage. Once those fans got older their opinions seemed to have changed a bit.

WORST: Jimmy Fallon

One of everyone’s least favorite things to do is listen to the sound of their own voice. There’s something about hearing ourselves talk or laugh that sends shivers down our spines. Even when we’re not stressed, our laughs may come off a bit weird to some. It’s not our fault, that’s just how we sound! Comedians are under even tougher scrutiny than a normal person caught on camera. 

Everything they do or say is instantly broadcast to their entire fanbase. Even those not super close to a comic will latch onto a trait they think makes them stand out. Jimmy Fallon probably can’t help how his laugh sounds. However, why should he? He’s a multi-millionaire. 

BEST: Norm Macdonald

The death of Norm Macdonald shook the comedy industry, as well as the rest of the world at large. This legendary star of the stand-up stage and screen had been diagnosed with leukemia. For nine years he kept the diagnosis pretty much under wraps. During his treatment, he still performed and did interviews around the world. Macdonald was a workhorse who never seemed to slow down.

Even if his taste of humor isn’t to someone’s liking, it’s hard to deny that he was, and still is,  one of the funniest to ever grace the late-night stages. In addition to SNL and stand-up, he was also a writer for the acclaimed 90s sitcom Roseanne! Macdonald’s work can be found in the most surprising places.

BEST: Richard Pryor

Saturday Night Live has been home to some massive stars. It’s also helped propel those stars into the limelight before they were famous! The sketch comedy show has been on the air for so long it’s unsurprising that many successful comedians have made their way through those sets. During the first season, Richard Pryor delivered laughs that nobody in America expected at the time.

Even though many consider his best work to be off the show, this was still a huge deal. Pryor’s blend of confrontational conversations and eye-opening gut-busting observations cemented his place as a pillar in the comedy community. Many are still quoting his material well into the 2020s!

QUESTIONABLE: Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is one of the most recognizable and successful comedians today. His poignant and comedic take on parenting is pretty unique. It also helps that he loves to bring a larger-than-life attitude and frustrated persona to the stage. These things ingrained him into the cultural fabric of American, and worldwide, comedy.  The jokes and stories that got him to the big stages are legendary. 

That’s not to say that they’re super fresh. If they feel stale, that’s fine. Whatever works and whatever the majority loves is what he’s going to deliver. That’s show business and who are we to judge? He’s obviously doing something right with that tight five minutes of material.

BEST: Robin Williams

This comedy legend made people laugh around the world. He got his start doing stand-up comedy and would go on to star in the sitcom Mork &Mindy. After his breakout film role in Popeye, he’d continue to play major roles in movies like Good Morning, Vietnam, Hook, Aladdin, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Known for his impressions and improv abilities, Williams was in high demand.

He proved that he could make audiences laugh and cry with his incredible range, and his comedic skills were unparalleled by anyone else in the industry. His roles are so memorable that we still quote them to this day. It’s no wonder that people still consider Williams one of the greats nearly a decade after his untimely passing.

WORST: Post-Sitcom Jerry Seinfeld 

If there was ever to be royalty of comedy in the 90s then the only crown would belong to Jerry Seinfeld. This comedian was one of the trailblazers (alongside Larry David) to deliver a sitcom the likes we had never seen before. His observational stand-up in the early 90s also struck a chord with audiences. There was an undeniable charm that helped propel him to the top. 

What do you do once you’re at the top of EVERYTHING to do with comedy? Well, we guess you just kind of look down at everyone else. How else are you supposed to see what’s going on? But sometimes you don’t need to look like you’re doing it while you do it. Catch our drift?

BEST: Billy Connolly

Stand-up comedy isn’t as simple as grabbing a mic and making people laugh. It’s a not-so-subtle art that can be performed in a variety of ways. What unites most stand-up comedians is the ability to tell a story. It’s almost a requirement for a comedian to be able to spin a yarn creatively. A well-told story can be just as entertaining as a surprising punchline.

Some comedians are better known for their flow than others. When he was still performing live, Bill Connelly knew how to play this game quite well. Author, comedian, he has a long list of accolades. They also all seem to connect in one way or another!

BEST: Mel Brooks

Any history buff worth their salt has obviously heard of Mel Brooks. The man was responsible for creating the entire History of the World, Part One! The sequel is probably still in the works since we’re still working on surviving for a few more generations. Unfortunately, Brooks never got around to cataloging that.

He was a well-respected director who always seemed to push the boundaries in the silliest way. It takes a special type of comic genius to achieve what he did. Long before G.O.A.T was a term Brooks was already holding onto the title. Some would probably consider him the comedic shepherd for all the others goats.

BEST: Maria Bamford

Being vulnerable isn’t always fun. However, when you’re a performer, it can really pay off. A lot of comedians love to talk about their neurosis. However, not everyone can make them relatable to the general public. Maria Bamford doesn’t appear to be just anyone. This comic can tackle the toughest topics around and make them both digestible and funny to her audiences.

It takes a special wordsmith to do something like that. With her growing popularity and air-tight material, it’s clear why she’s a superstar. In a few years, Maria Bamford may end up being on everyone’s must-watch list. Well, if she isn’t already, that is…

WORST: Michael Mcintyre

When you have the title of “highest-grossing stand-up comedian in the world” (2012) you better be able to deliver a funny set. Michael Mcintyre has had a storied career and has enthused audiences around the world with his charm and hilarious punchlines. Even a little bit of silliness probably doesn’t hurt. Whatever it takes to get that title, Michael McIntyre is a master of it. 

Like most comedians, when you find something you’re good at you better stick to it. Your strongest set may just be the thing to nab an award. It could also be the straw that breaks the audience’s back in terms of boredom. You never know in comedy!

BEST: Rita Rudner

Rita Rudner was one of the undisputed breakout stars from the 80s. This professional, in every sense of the word, knew how to hook an audience. Her ability to deliver a salacious punchline without disrupting fragile egos is still unmatched to this day. It’s hard to find a comedian quite like Rudner. The timing and grace that she shows on stage are hard to find and even harder to replicate.

Even when she tells a “racy” or somewhat off-color joke, she does it with grace. There’s no denying that she’s a comedic legend. Most people are surprised to hear she’s only really been performing for the last thirty or forty years. Her timeless delivery and style make her ageless.

BEST: Ellen DeGeneres

Most people reading this don’t realize that Ellen Degeneres used to be a stand-up comedian. Her trailblazing blend of real-life mixed with off-the-wall observations really surprised and entertained people for years in the 90s. After she came out as a member of the LGBT community her stardom ended up rising to meteoric proportions. When Hollywood discredited her, Ellen turned to daytime talk shows to continue to remain in the spotlight.

It also worked for her! Looking back on her illustrious stand-up career, nobody would have thought she’d become a TV host. Both versions of Ellen are incredible for their own reasons. The future only knows what else she’s going to achieve, and we’d be lying if we said we weren’t slightly interested in what’s going to happen next.

BEST: Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish has an incredible story. Regardless of how you feel about her comedy, her tale of overcoming adversity to reach the height of stardom is spectacular. Haddish exploded onto the scene and has landed movie and TV deals out the wazoo. Her Netflix specials (yes, plural) are pretty well-received and admired amongst fans.

One of her other projects, Tuca & Bertie, showcases how real friendships can be (even if everyone is birds and plants). This surreal take on real-life is both the perfect escape and social commentary that the world probably needs right now. While we can’t see Haddish herself on screen (she’s a toucan in the show) her personality and realistic take on the world shine through.

WORST: Carlos Mencia 

Comedians grow up in tight circles that run in larger circles. Eventually, people start to influence each other. A few comics take this a bit too far and decide to just use another performer’s material! That’s really not cool. Sure some jokes may sound the same, but there’s a difference between similarities and plagiarism.

Carlos Mencia is a massive force to be reckoned with in the comedy world. That doesn’t stop certain stories from being published and other big names from coming forward. They all have some interesting things to say about Mencia’s delivery, too. This comic has a bad reputation that might take time to reverse. 

BEST: Jeff Foxworthy…Up to a Certain Point

You might be a redneck if…you listen to Jeff Foxworthy. The Atlanta native has made a MASSIVE career off of telling people if they’re part of an exclusive club of backwoods country folk. Nobody should fault him for that. If you find a niche that you can master then you better take hold and never let go!

What people don’t realize is that Foxworthy has an entire lifetime of material that appeared on-stage before the “You might be a redneck if…” stuff started to appear. Foxworthy was just like every other stand-up comedian before the Blue Collar Comedy tour took off! Game shows may change people, but the material remains the same.

WORST: Trevor Noah

This South African comedian walks the line between humor and politics. You probably know him as the host of The Daily Show or Tonight with Trevor Noah. He’s really worked his way up in the TV host circuit and his political commentary, often coming from his perspective as a child of a mixed-race couple in South Africa, is followed by many. But how funny is he really?

Most people see Noah as more of a political commentator and less of a comedian. His delivery leaves much to be desired, and doesn’t quite measure up to his funnier Late Show counterparts. It’s safe to say that this comedian isn’t to everyone’s taste.

BEST: Jo Brand

How do you go from being a psychiatric nurse to an all-star stand-up comedian? If you’re Jo Brand you do it with an air of ease and professionalism. It takes a lot of willpower to go from treating those who need care the most to being someone who feeds the masses with laughter. England’s own Jo Brand understood the call and answered it with gusto.

Formerly known as Sea Monster, Brand never shied away from the sensitive topics. Her incredible strength and insight, as well as timing, has made her a staple in the British and worldwide comedy scene for decades. It’s also great to see that she not only cares about laughs but about people’s mental well-being as well.

QUESTIONABLE: Donald Glover 

Donald Glover has a whole lot to be proud of. Being a Grammy winner and an Emmy nominee is not an easy feat. Glover has found the perfect rhythm between comedy and music that has helped propel this genius to the realms of superstardom. His unique take on life and beautiful vocals have amassed him millions of fans around the world.

That doesn’t always mean everything he does is gold. While his stand-up is well-known, he’s not everyone’s favorite. That’s fine. We doubt he’s worried about one critique. Even if he does get upset, those Grammys and Emmy noms probably help keep him warm and filled with love.

WORST: James Corden

Who feels like grabbing a ride with someone who loves to sing? That doesn’t sound so bad. Oh, it’s kind of like a game show and the driver is the host. And he’s super duper boisterous. So far, none of that sounds too bad. However, just because your driver is the host of a funny show doesn’t mean he’s a comedian. 

James Corden has built an amazing career off of giving celebrities rides and having them sing a tune or two with him. It’s a pretty sweet gig if you ask us. Being a TV show host doesn’t automatically make you the headliner in a comedy show. The occasional flat joke is fine. But what do you do when half the show is bad jokes? 

WORST: Bob Saget

If you didn’t grow up with Full House we’re sorry. Your childhood clearly wasn’t as enriching as ours. It’s not your fault. Bob Saget’s portrayal as a single dad in a way-too-big San Francisco house was enchanting. Who didn’t want to be part of that chaotically busy and hilarious family? Bob Saget was probably one of those people. Not many people realize that outside of the show he wasn’t the most family-friendly person. 

Saget’s comedy would tread the “blue line” (bordering on words not able to be said in most places) for years. His brand of comedy lives on the edge of tasteful and he was really good at it. While his stand-up may not have been for everyone, we will forever love and remember him as America’s favorite sitcom dad. 

BEST: Catherine Tate

In the world of comedy, it helps to have a side-gig. Since a lot of comedians gig as funny people on the side…that may sound confusing. Just stick it out with us. Someone who makes it big as a comedian gets a lot of opportunities. If you just so happen to be a good actor on top of being funny, then your career can skyrocket. 

There’s no end to your success when you can act in front of a camera. Catherine Tate probably knew this early in her career. Once that light goes red she’s ON and ready to deliver. That’s the hallmark of a great entertainer: funny, but can also deliver a serious line when needed.

BEST: Dave Chapelle

There’s no way any list of great comedians would be complete without Dave Chapelle. It doesn’t matter what side of the fence you’re on with him. There’s no denying how astronomical his success has been. The three seasons of the original Chappelle’s Show, plus his specials, set the bar very high for other comics. It’s not laughable to think that nobody will be able to top him. 

His awards and honorable mentions of projects trumps most others in the field. Even amidst the controversies of his material Chapelle always seem to be smiling through stuff. A true professional regardless of taste, Dave Chapelle is always going to be amongst the greatest comedians to live in our generation.

WORST: John Oliver 

This British-born comedian made a big splash on American late-night talk shows. He started out his career doing stand-up in the UK, making his first appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2001. It wasn’t until 2006 that he joined The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Nowadays he has his own segment, Last Week Tonight. While the comedian has secured four Emmys, he’s not everyone’s favorite.

There are viewers who feel his jokes fall a little flat. Some appreciate his reporting style but aren’t busting a gut at his jokes. Whether you’re a fan of his journalism, comedy, both, or neither, it’s clear that this Brit has had a major influence on American culture.

BEST: Hasan Minaj

The fun part about comedy is that it can be multiple things at once. While funny (main goal) it can also be touching. Some comedians can create laughter and tears at the same time. Others can pump their audiences full of adrenaline while leading them to the perfect punch. There are no rules! That’s what makes comedy, especially stand-up, so great. 

Hasan Minhaj can combine humor and a slap of reality into his sets in a way nobody else has really mastered. Don’t believe us? That’s fine. His Peabody awards and other trophies agree. Plus, the millions around the world who see his rising star getting brighter every year know what’s up.

WORST: Jeff Dunham

Jeff Dunham is a stand-up comedian known for his ventriloquism. He was a big deal in the 2000s, being named comedian of the year by Slate magazine and releasing specials with Comedy Central. But he’s been a divisive figure in the comedy world for a long time, his comedy has never been particularly politically correct. Edgy humor is always going to get mixed responses. 

While some take issue with his racy comedy, others find him plain unfunny. Ventriloquism can grow stale quickly, and audiences will eventually tire of seeing the same characters time and time again. Nevertheless, Dunham has carved out a pretty respectable career and continues to perform to this day.

WORST: Bill Maher

Bill Maher is an interesting combination of stand-up comedy and political commentary. Though many comedians incorporate politics and social issues into their jokes, Maher has made political commentary and activism a big part of his career. Political correctness has never been part of his vocabulary, he’ll go off on certain issues without holding back. But does that translate well comedy-wise? 

Though some respect his opinions and views, they might not find him particularly funny. Combining comedy and commentary is a fine art that many don’t master. People might agree with his perspective but they’ll find his delivery leaving much to be desired. As far as comedy goes, it doesn’t seem like he’s anyone’s favorite.

BEST: Bill Burr

Bill Burr has proved himself as a lasting stand up comedian as well as an actor. You might’ve caught him as Patrick Kuby on Breaking Bad or Migs Mayfield in The Mandalorian. Burr is known for his observational comedy and his everyman persona. Well maybe not EVERY man, his jokes are usually delivered with some level of anger or frustration, that’s what makes them so funny! 

Like other comedians, he’s launched his own podcast called Monday Morning Podcast which has been running since 2007. His most recent Netflix special, Paper Tiger, was nominated for Best Comedy Album at the 2021 Grammys. This multi-talented comedian never fails to show us what he’s got!

WORST: George Lopez

George Lopez is a comedian known for his observations on Mexican-American culture. His big break came years after he had been performing in stand up comedy. Sandra Bullock approached him and asked him to produce a comedy that put a spotlight on Hispanic life in the US. The sitcom was picked up in 2002 by ABC and launched Lopez into the spotlight.

He’s considered a hugely influential figure in the Latino American community, but what do people think of his jokes? Some aren’t as enthusiastic about his comedy as you might think. People say his clean comedy wasn’t quite as funny as his original work, but we don’t think he minds the critics. He’s had more than enough success to satisfy anyone! 

BEST: John Pinette

This performer knew how to take his comedic chops from a standup set to the Broadway stage. John Pinette was known for his impressions, especially of Michael Jackson, an Ewok, and Marlon Brando. The guy had a ton of vocal range, going so far as to include musical numbers into some of his acts.

When he didn’t have a mic stand in hand he was part of the cast of Hairspray, playing none other than the large and rambunctious Edna Turnblad. In 1999 he was named Stand-Up Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards and recorded his best-known special John Pinette: Still Hungry in 2010. He sadly passed at the young age of 50 due to pulmonary embolism, but his legacy continues to live on.

BEST: David Mitchell

You might recognize this British comedian from his role on the wildly popular series Peep Show. He’s dabbled in sketch comedy here in there, appearing in short-lived series like Bruiser and The Mitchell and Webb Situation. Though these two didn’t last long, he managed to find success with the series That Mitchell and Webb Look, once again starring alongside fellow comedian Robert Webb.

While he’s known for working with Webb as a duo,  he’s appeared on his own in a number of British panel shows. He’s made several appearances on Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. People around the world really resonate with his sense of humor! 

BEST: Anthony Jeselnik

If you don’t like dark comedy then Anthony Jeselnik is definitely not for you! His jokes often take a shocking turn that keeps audiences on their toes. He was one of a few breakout stars from Comedy Central in the late 2000s, alongside other big names like Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings, and Donald Glover.

The guy is a big fan of roasts and has written and participated in a number of them. It seems people are captivated by the ways he continues to push the limits of comedy in new and creative ways. Some comics attempt and fail when it comes to offensive humor, but Jeselnick doesn’t seem to be one of them! 

BEST: Joan Rivers

Can we talk? When people think of great women comedians her name always comes up. Joan Rivers had an impressively long career, starting in 1959 and ending the year of her passing in 2014. She was well-known for her insult comedy and astute observations, taking inspiration from predecessors like Ganny Brice, Totie Fields, and Gracie Allen. 

She really left her mark on the world of comedy, many consider her to be a pioneer for women in the field. Many comedians of today reference her as one of their inspirations, including Sarah Silverman, Whitney Cummings, and Whoopi Goldberg. Though she was gone too soon, we’ll remember her forever. 

WORST: Tyler Perry

This comedic actor was the highest-paid man in entertainment back in 2011, while he might not be universally loved he’s definitely successful! He’s best known for playing an original character known as Madea, a tough senior African-American woman. He’s performed as the character in a number of plays and films, but not everyone’s a fan. 

Perry has been met with criticism for what some feel is an offensive stereotype. Others feel like he uses cheap humor to get undeserved laughs. Nevertheless, Perry needs to be commended for writing much of his own material. While he’s not everyone’s favorite, he’s still made quite a significant mark in the world of comedy. 

BEST: Sam Kinison

Sometimes great comedians manage to captivate their audience through personality alone. This comedian could read from a phone book and still be entertaining! His background as a Pentecostal preacher definitely influenced his style, he was known for going off on tirades with a distinct inflection similar to his former job. He pulled no punches when it came to sensitive topics like religion or politics.

One of the things people loved about Kinison was his ability to be totally raw. The man didn’t care about filtering himself, as fellow comedian Bill Hicks put it, “He was the first guy I ever saw to go on stage and not in any way ask the audience to like him.” He was tragically killed in a car accident, but his legacy lives on.

WORST: Lisa Lampanelli

This comedian made her big break by performing at New York Friar’s Club roasts, this would get her a spot on The Howard Stern Show roasts as well.  Her comedy tends to go in the realms of race, sexuality, and other observational humor. She retired back in 2018, but that might’ve been because her shtick was beginning to feel tired.

Many describe her as never being all that funny and only making it during a time when insult comedy was hugely popular. Edgy comedy can be funny when done right, and most comedy fans agree that Lampanelli doesn’t have what it takes to sell a controversial joke. 

WORST: Lilly Singh

Some comedians get big off of social media platforms like YouTube, but that doesn’t always mean they have the talent to back up their fame. Bo Burnham is a YouTube success story who’s really shown us what he’s made of. When fellow YouTube comedian Lilly Singh got her own late night show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh, people thought she’d rise to the same heights.

Unfortunately, Singh’s humor just didn’t translate as well on the silver screen. Many find her brand of comedy low-brow and too reliant on stereotypes. The kind of humor that makes a young YouTube audience laugh doesn’t get you very far in mainstream media. 

BEST: Steven Wright

It takes talent to make one-liner jokes that are clever and interesting, and Steven Wright definitely has what it takes. The comedian is known for his melancholic tone and deadpan, anti-humor style of comedy. He was named in the top 50 Greatest Stand-up Comics in Rolling Stone in 2017, and it’s easy to understand why. 

The man has had an impressively long career, starting way back in 1978 and releasing his most recent special in 2006. He was also on the production team for Louie and was nominated twice for Primetime Emmy Awards. You can’t call yourself a fan of comedy if you haven’t seen his stuff! 

BEST: Kathleen Madigan

The term blue-collar comedy normally refers to the type of jokes the average Joe can relate to. It’s familiar and feels like home. There are a few big names in “blue-collar” comedy, but one of the true superstars is Kathleen Madigan. She’s been in the business for years and for some reason always seems to get compared to other comedians.

That’s not right. Madigan is a superstar who’s been commanding stages and screens for decades. However, comparing her to Ron White isn’t the worst thing you could say. White is actually one of the reasons she started doing stand-up! If anything, that’s a compliment that she might be happy to drink to.

WORST: Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan has had an interesting career to say the least. Many of us will remember him as the host of the larger-than-life TV show Fear Factor. But he’s been working in comedy before and after that interesting gig. You may have caught one or both of his Netflix specials, or perhaps you’re an avid fan of his podcast.

The Joe Rogan Experience is one of the bigger podcasts today. But what do listeners think of his comedy? Looks like audiences might be split on that one. Some of his viewpoints don’t really resonate with his fans, others find his jokes repetitive and pedestrian. He may not be everyone’s favorite but he’s definitely made a name for himself! 

BEST: George Carlin

Few comedians can claim to be a hilarious and forward-thinking type of person. Even fewer would be lauded as such by so many people. Even fewer can claim to be at the same level of adoration at George Carlin. Equal parts hilarious observations and life insight were always served during a Carlin show.

There was something, and still is, so magnetic and eye-opening about watching him explore what makes people do what they do and why. There have been very few comics that could marry such a weird combination of thoughts to make something beautiful and thought-provoking. Thankfully, just like Carlin himself, his words are part of the universe and always will be.

BEST: Mitch Hedberg

Mitch Hedberg was a talent who left us too soon. The stand-up comedian was famous for his short jokes, memorable punchlines, and unique delivery. He got his big break after performing on The David Letterman Show, and was respected by a number of big-name comics including George Carlin and Dave Chappelle. A number of his jokes referenced drug use, sadly this would lead to his untimely death.

Though he passed away in 2005, this comedian will go down in history as one of the greats. His sense of humor was both unique and brilliant, people still quote his best jokes to this day. We only wish we got to see more of this funny man.

BEST: Eddie Izzard

Every so often a comedian stomps onto the scene and changes the cultural landscape forever. Once is a breakthrough moment. Over and over again is something that few can claim to do. Eddie Izzard is one of those few. Her career has spanned decades and her activism is nearly unrivaled by any peers in the industry. Izzard’s 1998 special, Dress to Kill, netted the comedian two Emmys!

She’s also been extremely active in both political causes and cultural and community outreach. Even outside of the realm of funny people, Izzard has been a guiding light for millions. She’s a well-known marathon runner (over forty in less than fifty days) and even performs in multiple languages to reach a larger audience.

BEST: Bo Burnham

The great thing about stand-up, and just comedy in general, is how personal it is. Sure, that sounds like a major turn-off to some. However, if you’ve been in the business a while you know you have to put a bit of yourself out there to connect with an audience. You also need to find a way to deliver something funny AND original. These days, thanks to social media, some people may find it hard to let their originality stand out.

Bo Burnham has none of these problems. This comedian’s take on the one-man show combines humor, music, and life musings. His ability to captivate audiences has helped me carve out a market that only he can fill. Regardless of what you think about him, you gotta admit, that’s some smart thinking and execution.

BEST: Jimmy Carr

Is it safe to say Jimmy Carr is one of the biggest names in British comedy? We think so. This comedian started his career in the early 2000s and has been rising to the top ever since. He’s known for his brilliant one-liners as well as handling hecklers with scathing humor. Some people would sell their right arm for a chance to be roasted by this guy.

He was voted best in stand up by Time Out magazine and received a British Comedy Award for best stand up in 2006. But his career has continued to flourish throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s. We’re excited to see where else his career will go! 

BEST: Patrice O’Neal

Would you believe us if we said this natural-born comedian found fame by accident? While attending a random open mic night, a performer challenged Patrice O’Neal to try stand up himself. From that moment he fell in love not only with the stage but the ability to bring smiles and joy to an audience.

Known by fans for his spontaneity and everyday humor, it’s no wonder he was voted onto this list. He had the ability to light up any room and fill it with laughter as well. O’Neal could’ve been saying virtually anything and everyone would be hanging on his every word. That’s a rare talent for a comedian to have!  

WORST: Katt Williams

This multi-talented comedian, musician, and actor wasn’t always successful. From the young age of 13, he was emancipated from his parents to chase a better life. It wasn’t until 1999 that his career took off and he could make a name for himself. Since then he’s starred in a series of specials, definitely making his younger self proud.

Though he’s performed on big stages and in many movies, critics wonder if he deserved all these roles. Viewers aren’t crazy about the number of curse words he uses throughout his sets. In many ways, the foul language tends to detract from the jokes which would’ve otherwise been funny. 

BEST: Don Rickles

You might recognize his name, know him, and love him for his various movies, or past headline performances in Las Vegas casinos.  You might not be familiar with his face if you’re from a younger generation, but you’ll definitely recognize his voice as Mr. Potato Head from The Toy Story Franchise!

Acting as a true icon and inspiration to many, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see Don Rickles listed as one of the best. Listeners were astounded by his incredible wordplay, and how effectively he engaged with an audience. This true gentleman laid the groundwork for which many future comedians can look up to.

WORST: Russell Brand

Always wanting to be a comedian, Russell Brand started stand-up as a young teen. As his career progressed, he would become a TV show host, star in various films, and dabble in public activism. Later on in life, his reputation would revolve more around his controversial opinions. Media coverage of the comedian became more focused on his outrageous behavior at award ceremonies and marriage to Katy Perry rather than his comedic material. 

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Though being very distinguished, many don’t recognize his name for positive reasons. His audience claimed they all remembered his performances for their silence. They attribute this to the flowery almost pretentious language he uses and how ineffectively he delivers punchlines.

BEST: Chris Rock

With almost as many awards as performances, Chris Rock has been spewing comedy gold since his career started. It all began with minor film roles in comedies like Beverly Hills Cop II. In the blink of an eye, his career skyrocketed when he became an SNL cast member!

Whether it was Bigger & Blacker, or Bring the Pain, Chris Rock has had people crying from laughter for years. His fans note that there’s truly no one else who can own the stage quite as he can. Even from his early specials, it was clear he would rock the comedy industry with his sheer talent and stage presence. 

WORST: Kathy Griffin

With a passion for the red carpet, Kathy Griffin always wanted to be in the spotlight.  During college, she became a member of the improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings. After receiving her degree in drama, she went on to chase her stand-up dream. She successfully landed a spot as a guest star in an NBC sitcom early in her career. 

Fans have felt her performances failed to hold her audience’s attention, despite practically begging for it. Many think her acts are tedious and in poor taste. Her persona is described as going around bothering famous people and then telling stories about it in an unfunny manner. Some even describe her as leeching on Hollywood for fame.