10 Best American Stand-up Comedians (2023)
by Damodharan N | Updated Mar 14, 2023
Best American Stand-up Comedians
The USA has a long history of Stand-up comedy from the 1850s onwards as it was done by ministries as a part of church sermons and a pass time for the rich and this where the famous racist depiction of a Black African character called jim crow came the stand-up comedy of USA has come a long way ever since. today's top 10 best American standup comedy was indeed a top place for a black african-american called Dave Chappelle. they are the go-to place to find banal jokes. standup comedy has a long list of controversies including the famous George carlin seven words you can never say on television which sparked the famous case of Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation, in the Supreme Court of the USA (SCOTUS) 1973 which led to legal coverage for obscene or indecent material being showcased for public broadcast has to have limits which finally culminated in Communications Decency act 1996 for protection of content in online for children on the internet. Today stand-up comedy shows are also seen as a place of honest conversation in a highly polarized world of social media. We have done the list based on ranker and it may not be accurate as there were no ratings for each individual shows apart from the show itself. Also a caveat to our readers, Humor is a highly subjective topic so don't take offense at these jokers or their jokes.
10 Best American Stand-up Comedians 2023
S. NO
Stand-up Comedian Name
Dave Chappelle
Kevin Hart
Bill Burr
Chris Rock
Jerry Seinfeld
Louis C.K
James Christopher Gaffigan
Tig Notaro
Sarah Kate Silverman
Margaret Moran Cho
Who are the Best American Stand-up Comedians?
There are countless talented stand-up comedians, and it can be challenging to narrow down the list to just 10. However, here are ten comedians who have had a significant impact on the comedy scene and continue to make audiences laugh:
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle born on august 24 1974 in Washington D.C in his early career from 1990-2000 he had small movie roles and made some comedy skits.his career took off with Chapelle’s show for comedy central from 2003-2006 from 2007 to 2013 he had done some freelance-type comedy shows and from 2013- 2022 he won many accolades including grammy awards and Emmy awards in 2018. he signed a 20Million $ deal with Netflix for comedy shows in 2016 they are released as follows Deep in the Heart of Texas, age of spin, Equanimity & Bird Revelation. In 2021 his show closer makes huge controversy as it was considered transphobic but it was released. his biggest influencer was Richard Pryor and Bugs bunny a cartoon character. Dave Chappelle Known for his edgy and thought-provoking humor, Dave has become one of the most influential comedians of our time.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and producer, known for his high-energy performances and relatable humor. He was born on July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hart started his career in comedy in the early 2000s, performing at comedy clubs and small venues around the country. He gained wider recognition in the mid-2000s with his appearances on TV shows such as "Undeclared" and "The Big House." Hart's comedy often focuses on his personal experiences and relationships, as well as his struggles and triumphs. He is known for his rapid-fire delivery, physical comedy, and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Hart has released several stand-up specials over the years, including "I'm a Grown Little Man" (2009), "Laugh at My Pain" (2011), "Let Me Explain" (2013), "What Now?" (2016), "Irresponsible" (2019) and Zero F**Ks Given (2020). He has also starred in several successful films, including "Ride Along," "Get Hard," and "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle." Hart has been praised for his comedic talent and has won several awards for his work, including four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. He remains one of the most popular comedians and entertainers working today. Known for his energetic and often self-deprecating humor, Kevin Hart has become one of the most popular comedians of the past decade.
Bill Burr
Bill Burr is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, known for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and distinctive Boston accent. He was born on June 10, 1968, in Canton, Massachusetts. Burr started his career in comedy in the 1990s, performing at small clubs and theaters around the country. He gained wider recognition in the 2000s, appearing on shows such as "Chappelle's Show," "Late Show with David Letterman," and "Conan." Burr is known for his no-holds-barred approach to comedy, often tackling controversial topics such as race, gender, and politics. His humor is characterized by his ability to find humor in the absurdities of everyday life and his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Burr has released several stand-up specials over the years, including "Why Do I Do This?" (2008), "Let It Go" (2010), "You People Are All the Same" (2012), "I'm Sorry You Feel That Way" (2014), and "Walk Your Way Out" (2017). He also co-created and stars in the Netflix animated series "F Is for Family."Burr has been praised for his comedic talent and has won several awards for his work, including the Comedian of the Year award at 2019 Just For Laughs comedy festival. He continues to perform stand-up comedy and remains one of the most popular comedians working today. With his sharp wit and often controversial opinions, Bill Burr has become a favorite among fans of stand-up comedy.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director, known for his sharp wit, political commentary, and distinctive voice. He was born on February 7, 1965, in Andrews, South Carolina. Rock started his career in comedy in the 1980s, performing at small clubs and theaters around the country. He gained wider recognition in the early 1990s, appearing on "Saturday Night Live" and releasing his first comedy album, "Born Suspect." Rock's comedy often deals with social and political issues, including race, relationships, and contemporary culture. He is known for his observational humor, his ability to turn mundane situations into hilarious anecdotes, and his willingness to tackle controversial subjects head-on. Rock has released several stand-up specials over the years, including “Big Ass Jokes”(1994)“the Pain"(1996), "Bigger and Blacker"(1999), "Never Scared" (2004), “Kill the Messenger”(2008) "Tamborine" (2018) and Selective Outrage(2023). He has also appeared in numerous films, including "New Jack City," "Lethal Weapon 4," and "Madagascar." Rock has won several awards for his work, including four Emmy Awards for his television specials and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Comedy Album. He continues to perform stand-up comedy and remains one of the most influential and successful comedians of his generation.
Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld was Born on 29th April 1954 in Brooklyn, New York. he started his career in 1976 for a decade he was trying some shows here and there. In 1987 he got his first one-hour show called stand-up confidential he started the show along with larry david called Seinfeld in 1989 on NBC show continued till 1998 with over 180 episodes and 9 seasons. In 2012 he started web series called comedians in a car getting a coffee which was later signed to Netflix in 2017 he has also written many books some of them seinlangauge in 1993 and in 2020 is this anything a collection of his 45-year comedy bits. According to Forbes, he was the most-paid comedian in 2015 and 2017 Best known for his observational humor, he also won primetime Emmy awards for Seinfeld in the category for best outstanding comedy series in 1993. Seinfeld's comedy has resonated with audiences for decades.
Louis C.K.
Louis C.K. is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and filmmaker, known for his observational humor and his willingness to confront taboo subjects. He was born on September 12, 1967, in Washington, D.C. C.K. began his career in comedy in the 1990s, performing at small clubs and theaters in New York City. He gained wider recognition in the 2000s, with appearances on TV shows such as "The Chris Rock Show" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." C.K.'s comedy often deals with uncomfortable or controversial subjects, including sex, parenting, and American society. He is known for his self-deprecating humor, his ability to turn personal experiences into hilarious anecdotes, and his willingness to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations. C.K. has released several stand-up specials over the years, including "Live at the Beacon Theater" (2011), "Oh My God" (2013), and "2017" (2017) Sincerely Louis CK(2020) Sorry(2021). He has also written and starred in several critically acclaimed TV shows, including "Louie" and "Horace and Pete.” In 2017, C.K. was accused of sexual misconduct by several women, which led to the cancellation of his projects and the revocation of his awards. He later admitted to the allegations and apologized for his behavior. Despite the controversy, C.K. continues to perform stand-up comedy, though his reputation has been significantly tarnished by the scandal. Despite the controversy, Louis C.K.'s frank and unapologetic humor has earned him a loyal following.
James Christopher Gaffigan
Jim Gaffigan is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer, known for his observational humor, his clean and family-friendly material, and his signature "Hot Pockets" joke. He was born on July 7, 1966, in Chesterton, Indiana. Gaffigan began his career in comedy in the early 1990s, performing at small clubs and theaters in New York City. He gained wider recognition in the 2000s, with appearances on TV shows such as "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Conan." Gaffigan's comedy often deals with food, laziness, and everyday life, with a particular focus on fatherhood and family life. He is known for his soft-spoken delivery, his ability to create relatable characters and situations, and his clean and non-offensive material. Gaffigan has released several stand-up specials over the years, including "Beyond the Pale" (2006), "Mr. Universe" (2012), and "Cinco" (2017) Comedy Monster (2021). He has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Super Troopers," "The Ellen Show," and "The Jim Gaffigan Show." Gaffigan has been praised for his comedic talent and has won several awards for his work, including two Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Album. He continues to tour extensively, performing stand-up comedy in venues around the world, and remains one of the most popular and beloved comedians of his generation.
Tig Notaro
Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actress, known for her deadpan delivery, her dry wit, and her willingness to address difficult and personal subjects. She was born on March 24, 1971, in Jackson, Mississippi. Notaro began her career in comedy in the early 2000s, performing at small clubs and theaters in Los Angeles. She gained wider recognition in 2012, with a legendary performance at the Largo nightclub in which she discussed her recent breast cancer diagnosis and the death of her mother. Notaro's comedy often deals with personal experiences and emotions, including her own struggles with cancer, grief, and motherhood. She is known for her understated style, her ability to find humor in even the darkest situations, and her willingness to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. Notaro has released several stand-up specials over the years, including Good One (2011) "Live" (2012), "Boyish Girl Interrupted" (2015), and "Happy to Be Here" (2018). Drawn(2021) is her latest show for HBO Max its comic show where she had written and directed the show. She has also acted in several films and TV shows, including "One Mississippi" and "Star Trek: Discovery." Notaro has won several awards for her work, including a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album and an Emmy nomination for her writing on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." She continues to tour and perform stand-up comedy, inspiring audiences with her honesty, courage, and humor.
Sarah kate Silverman
Sarah Silverman is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer, known for her irreverent humor, her willingness to confront controversial subjects, and her commitment to social and political activism. She was born on December 1, 1970, in Bedford, New Hampshire. Silverman began her career in comedy in the early 1990s, performing at small clubs and theaters in New York City. She gained wider recognition in the 2000s, with appearances on TV shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "The Sarah Silverman Program," and "The Larry Sanders Show." Silverman's comedy often deals with taboo subjects such as religion, sex, and politics, and she is known for her use of dark humor and satire. She is also an outspoken activist and advocates for progressive causes, including women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare reform. Silverman has released several stand-up specials over the years, including "Jesus Is Magic" (2005), "We Are Miracles" (2013), and "A Speck of Dust" (2017). She has also acted in numerous films and TV shows, including "School of Rock," "The Good Place," and "Wreck-It Ralph." Silverman has won several awards for her work, including a Primetime Emmy Award for her writing on "The Sarah Silverman Program." She continues to be a popular and influential figure in the world of comedy and activism, using her platform to promote social change and challenge traditional norms and values.
Margaret Moran Cho
Margaret Cho is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and singer-songwriter, known for her edgy humor, her frank discussions of sexuality and identity, and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ and Asian American rights. She was born on December 5, 1968, in San Francisco, California. Cho began her career in comedy in the 1990s, performing at small clubs and theaters in San Francisco. She gained wider recognition in the 2000s, with her own TV show, "All-American Girl," and appearances in films such as "Face/Off" and "It's My Party." Cho's comedy often deals with her own experiences and struggles, including her battles with addiction, her body image issues, and her exploration of her Korean-American heritage. She is also known for her willingness to tackle controversial subjects, including politics, race, and sexuality, with a sharp wit and a keen sense of social justice. Cho has released several stand-up specials over the years, including "I'm the One That I Want" (2000), "Notorious C.H.O." (2002), and "PsyCHO" (2015). She has also released several music albums, including "Cho Dependent" (2010), which was nominated for a Grammy Award. Cho has won several awards for her work, including an Emmy Award for her guest role on "30 Rock." She continues to be a vocal and influential figure in the worlds of comedy and activism, using her platform to promote diversity, acceptance, and social change.
10 Best American Stand-up Comedians 2023
The top standup comedian is dave chappelle
According to Forbes Bill Burr was the top-paid comedian in 2015 & 2017
Sexual misconduct was an issue that happened in 2017
The top 3 are Dave, Kevin, and Bill Burr.