Indie Light

Everyone loves to laugh. I’ve always enjoyed comedy, not just for its capacity to make people happy, but also for its ability to poke and prod at the social fabric, and tackle topics which otherwise might be seen as taboo. You see, we live in a world of contradictions and absurdities, where tragedy and comedy exist as dualities, that live within us all. There’s a quote by American playwright and novelist, Thornton Wilder, which always resonated with me, which sums this up, he said “The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape.” I think that quote succinctly sums up the substance of humour, how it’s not just an escape, it’s a vital part of the human condition, it’s alive and present in all things, and is as much a result of our personal darkness, as the answer to it.

Comedy as you may have gathered is incredibly important to me, and it’s on the topic of comedy that I’ve created this article, to aggregate and discuss, as well as spotlight and support my favourite comedians. Please enjoy the following Top 10 list, and please consider sharing and commenting with your favourite comedians as well.

1. Steve Hofstetter

Steve Hofstetter is a fantastically funny comedian, he is known for his direct and punchy style, and his insightful world view. I’ve only known about him for a couple of years but as you can tell he quickly rose to become one of my absolute favourite comedians. Those who are more familiar with him from his social media presence might think he’s just an insult comic, as he’s gone viral quite a few times for his responses to hecklers, but that’s not the breadth of his comedic style. Overall he’s honest and unapologetic, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Click here and here for some of his funniest moments. 

2. Pete Holmes

Pete Holmes is such an absolute sweetheart, and his comedy is filled with his trademark vibrant, energetic and positive style. He’s such a good natured comedian, that you come away from his performances feeling good. I’ve been a massive fan ever since he first appeared on Collegehumor, and since then I’ve followed him. His show, The Pete Holmes Show, deserved so much more love that it got, and it for sure needed a few more seasons. He’s just such a likeable and engaging comedian, that I struggle to imagine someone disliking him. You can of course, click here and here to check out some of his funniest moments. 

3. Preacher Lawson

Preacher Lawson is a spectacular performer, he is enormously energetic and vibrant on stage, with a positive outlook and a playful personality that just makes him incredibly likeable. I don’t usually watch America’s Got Talent, but I tuned in to watch it because he was featured. He has a family friendly act, and honestly he doesn’t need to rely upon the risque and raunchy to be funny, instead he is an engaging storyteller who just makes his whole routine sing. You can click here and here to see some of his funniest moments. 

4. Eugene Mirman

Eugene Mirman has an unconventional approach to comedy, leaning more towards the offbeat and unexpected than some of the others on this list. That’s not to say his comedy is overly surreal, but he is an absurdist in the truest sense of the word. He’s absolutely hilarious, and it’s no surprise considering he has a bachelor of arts degree in comedy, so he’s uniquely qualified to do this job as well. I first came across Mirman when he was featured on Russell Howard’s Good News back in 2013, and I’ve been a fan ever since. You can click here and here to check out some funny Mirman moments. 

5. Gabriel Iglesias

Gabriel Iglesias is an incredibly easy-going, charismatic and energetic performer, he’s just a fantastic comedian, who is noted for his observations into Latin American culture, body image and pop culture. He’s also a great storyteller, crafting rich and colourful narratives. He’s also the person on this list that I’d most like to meet. Click here and here to see some of his funniest moments. 

6. Hannibal Buress

Hannibal Buress is noted for his often deadpan delivery, but he’s not tied to that, it’s more that he builds from that, and becomes more expressive as the routine continues. Regardless, he’s incredibly talented. I think he first popped up for me when he was featured on Russell Howard’s Good News. I loved his energy and pacing, as well as his anecdotal comedic style, which draws from his own experience and point of view. You can click here and here for some funny moments from Hannibal. 

7. Sheng Wang

Sheng Wang is witty and insightful, his delivery is filtered through his laid back perspective, he just creates a strong performance, utilising good timing, with engaging storytelling, and he doesn’t rely upon vulgarity to make his comedy work. I also like that his relaxed tone almost makes you miss how clever his comedy is. You can check out some of his funny moments by clicking here and here.

8. John Mulaney

John Mulaney is just fantastically funny, both as writer and performer. His comedy is derived more from storytelling than punchy one-liners. But he has such a natural comedic vibe, that works really well and when added to his energetic and personable delivery style the result is just magic. You can check out some of Mulaney’s funniest moments by clicking here and here. 

9. Jimmy O. Yang

Jimmy O. Yang is an incredibly refreshing and honest comedian, with superb comic timing, and a flawless delivery. His comedy blends in social commentary on being Asian American, especially the stereotypes, as well as broader observations about life, such as dating or general living. You can check out some of his funniest moments by clicking here and here. 

10. Stavros Halkias

Stavros Halkias blends in self-awareness and self-deprecation, with raunchiness and wit to create a really solid routine. He’s particularly noted for his crowd work, engaging with and riffing off his audience. He also co-hosted a comedy podcast called ‘Cum Town’ which you should check out. Speaking of which, you can click here and here for some funny moments from Stavros.

So those were my Top 10 male comedians working in the industry today, and as I said above, feel free to comment with your favourites, as I’m always eager to expand my comedic horizons.