Stand-Up Comedians to Watch in 2016

Here are some hot stand-up comedians to be on the look out for in 2016.

If your New Year’s resolution is to have more fun and not take life so seriously, then we have a suggestion for you – watch stand-up comedy. Whether you’re an avid stand-up fan already, a comedy connoisseur or an SNL aficionado, stand-up comedy is a great way to learn to laugh at yourself and the world around you. And while you may know these comedians primarily as stand-up comics, it’s no surprise that their careers are multi-faceted and include work as actors, writers, producers and directors.

Jenny Slate

You may recognize Jenny Slate from her year on Saturday Night Live, from her various TV recurring characters including Mona-Lisa Saperstein on Parks and Recreation, from her hit viral video “Marcel The Shell with Shoes On” or from her indie film Obvious Child, but if you want to catch this quirky and opinionated funny lady lately, be on the look-out for her stand-up shows. A self-described “human woman,” common comedic topics include her Jewish heritage, which includes her resemblance to Anne Frank, her bizarre bodily functions and her trials and tribulations on trying to be a functional human.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro made headlines when she opened a stand-up show by announcing that she had cancer. Since then, not only has Notaro beaten cancer, but she has performed an HBO special topless to show her scars, she has collaborated with Louie CK and she has scored her own Netflix documentary entitled Tig. Notaro has had her share of health scares, and she incorporates these anecdotes into her stand-up routine with bravery and humor. Watch out for this comic rockstar in 2016.

Hannibal Buress

If you watch Comedy Central’s Broad City then you will know Hannibal Buress as Lincoln, the lovable and somewhat strange dentist. Buress additionally cohosts The Eric Andre show on Adult Swim, and has his own show, Why? with Hannibal Buress on Comedy Central. Buress covers it all – he mocks Bill Cosby, roasts Justin Bieber and talks about how to visit New Orleans like a champion. Buress is all over and absolutely a comedian to look out for this year.

John Mulaney

John Mulaney has written for “Saturday Night Live,” had a successful prank show with Nick Kroll, scored a Netflix special and had his own TV show. However, the place where Mulaney shines the most is on-stage. He is charming and a bit dorky, which shines through in his stand-up routines. He discusses his pet French bulldog named Petunia, his father’s sense of humor and the time he met Bill Clinton. Hopefully Mulaney keeps the ball rolling in 2016.

Ian Harvie

If you watch Transparent, the break-out comedy starring Jeffrey Tambor as a transgender woman, then you will recognize Ian Harvie for his role as Dale. Previously, Harvie performed as comedian Margaret Cho’s opening act, but in recent times has come into his own as a comic. Harvie is transgender himself, and bravely broaches the subject in his act. He talks about what is weird and what is surprisingly normal being a transgender man, and why his mom can’t stop calling him Janet.