In this day and age, it is very easy to get swept away by disheartening personal issues and global tragedies. While it is vital that we experience those moments and work to prevent them in the future, sometimes it can be good to just take a step back and breathe. So, here are some great people that will have you laughing and get you back into the fight!
1. Jim Gaffigan
Renowned for his unique delivery and "clean" come style, Jim Gaffigan is a hilarious and timeless comedian. His material often surrounds topics like fatherhood (as he is the father of FIVE KIDS, wow), observations about people's behaviours, laziness, and food. Some of his hit specials include Mr. Universe, Beyond The Pale, Obsessed, King Baby, and Cinco. He has also had an illustrious career on film and television and has even starred in a show about himself, titled The Jim Gaffigan Show.
Personally, I find Gaffigan's style of comedy to be appealing to a wide array of people. He has bits that are hilarious and relevant to current and past trends. Give him a look, a great comic!
2. Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon made her first big break in 2007 on The Big Gay Sketch Show and become a sensation in 2012 when she became a cast member of Saturday Night Live, due to her incredible comedic timing and commitment to crazy hilarious characters. She also starred as Dr. Jillian Holtzman in the 2016 Ghostbusters.
She is extremely well known for her character work, successfully and hilarious portraying famous people like Justin Bieber, Ellen Degeneres, Hillary Clinton, Kellyanne Conway, Elizabeth Warren, Betsy DeVos, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Robert Mueller, Rudy Giuliani, and Jeff Sessions.
Watch her on SNL or anywhere on youtube! I promise you wont regret it!
3. Kristen Wiig
Hailing from the SNL hall of fame comes Kristen Wiig, the incredibly talented and diverse comic actress who brought us so many memorable moments. On SNL she gave us many iconic characters like Target Lady, Penelope, Gilly, Mindy Gracin, Kat (from Kat&Garth), Karina (the Californians) and Dooneese as well as impersonations of famous people like Size Orman and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Aside from SNL, Wiig has had a successful career on screen, appearing in Bridesmaids, The Martian, Ghostbusters, Despicable me (voiceover), and How to Train Your Dragon (voiceover).
Always there with a great punchline or witty impersonation, Wiig is electric onscreen and onstage and always worth a look on Youtube or on SNL.
4. Ali Wong
Ali Wong is best known for her Netflix stand-up comedy specials, Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife (both while very pregnant!). Aside from her hilarious stand-up routines, which focus on everything from pregnancy pains to how she "trapped" her husband, Wong also has a presence in film. She appears on televisions shows like American Housewife, Are You There, Chelsea?, Inside Amy Schumer, and Black Box. She was also a writer for seasons 1-3 of Fresh Off the Boat.
Always quick with a joke or crazy story, Wong's specials are worth a watch!
5. Melissa McCarthy
Two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, two Screen actors Guild Awards, a BAFTA Award for best supporting actress, comedian, writer, producer, actress, and fashion designer. Melissa McCarthy is truly a jack-of-all-trades. An SNL host veteran, she has delivered us hilarious characters like her impersonation of Sean Spicer. She has also starred in many films and TV series like Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters, Gilmore Girls, Identity Thief, Tammy, Life of the Party, Spy, and St. Vincent.
If you watch her in any of these films or any of her work on SNL, you are sure to have a great time and fall in love with her bubbly personality and commitment to giving us a good laugh.
6. Michael McIntyre
Michael McIntyre is an English comedian, actor, and TV personality. In 2012, he was the highest-grossing comedian worldwide. Host of the BBC show Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, featured in the Live at the Apollo series, and judge on Britain's Got Talent in 2011, and presenter of his own BBC One Saturday night series: Michael McIntyre's Big Show.
His stand-up routines (available on youtube)-- Live & Laughing, Hello Wembley!, Showtime!, Happy & Glorious--focus on witty social satire and observational humour (both about himself and others). His comedy is light hearted and relatable, as he directs issues like traffic and the dentist in a jovial and lovable way.
7. Dara O'Briain
Irish comedian and television presenter Dara O'Briain is best known for his stand-up routines (available on youtube) and as the host of topical comedy panel show Mock the Week. Dubbed Britain's "favourite Irishman", O'Briain has had many successful tours all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. Known for his rapid-fire delivery style and sharp improv skills, O'Briain is the master of storytelling and live audience interaction. Some of his specials include: Live at the Theatre Royal, Live in London, This is the Show, Craic Dealer, and Crowd Ticker.
8. Trixie Mattel & Katya Zamolodchikova
Iconic drag duo Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova are the two co-hosts of a very fun youtube-turned-Viceland TV show, the aptly named "The Trixie & Katya Show." the original youtube series, called UNHhhh, was a massive hit due to the duo's popularity after having both competed on Season 7 of Rupaul's Drag Race. After its surge in popularity, the show was picked up by Viceland and made into a full half-hour show.
Now, in order to fully appreciate these queen's humour you must have knowledge of the drag world and their past drag experience. So, a short recap of Season 7 of drag race may be in order or at least a quick wikipedia search of Trixie and/or Katya to see what their up to.
9. Sebastian Maniscalco
Hailing from Arlington Heights, Illinois comes stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco. His hit specials What's Wrong With People?, Aren't You Embarrassed?, and Why Would You Do That? are hilarious and way too relatable. tapping into his Italian heritage, Maniscalco delivers a view of American life from his unique childhood and adult perspectives. the son of middle-class Italian immigrants, Maniscalco reflects on his upbringing and growing up. He also observes the nonsense he sees in the world around him, ranging from people bringing igloo coolers into 5-star hotels to people eating from other people's fridges, all with a hilarious tone and pace.
10. Gabriel Iglesias
Known affectionally as "Fluffy", Gabriel Iglesias is an American comedian, actor, producer, writer, and voice actor. His specials (Hot & Fluffy, I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy, Aloha Fluffy, and I'm Sorry For What I Said While I Was Hungry) often centre around the topics of food, the ups and downs of being of Mexican descent, and being a step-father. Famous for his wildly accurate sound effects (like surprisingly on-point car sound effects), Fluffy is always seen lighting the stage up with his vibrant personality and equally vibrant Hawaiian shirts. His comedy style ranges from satire, to observational comedy about race and obesity, to just plain everyday life. A fun personality with a fun and kind message of love and laughter.
There are so many great comics out there, and these are just a few personal favourites. Others great comics include Wanda Sykes, Tom Segura, Lewis Black, John Caparulo, and Joan Rivers. These are some good comics, and there are plenty more out there. the point is, look some of these guys and gals up and have a laugh! You've earned it!
