Top 5 Must-See Stand-Up Comedians You Can’t Miss in 2025

If you're craving some laughs in 2025, you're in luck—stand-up comedy is having an incredible year. Whether you're a longtime fan of comedy or just looking to discover someone new, there's never been a better time to explore the talent lighting up stages and streaming platforms alike. We've rounded up five must-see stand-up comedians in 2025 who are breaking barriers, making us laugh, and giving comedy a fresh new voice.

From Netflix specials to viral moments on TikTok, these comedians are not only funny—they’re reshaping what comedy looks like today. So, who's worth watching this year? Let’s jump in.

1. Taylor Tomlinson — Relatable, Real, and Ridiculously Funny

Have you ever laughed at something so personal you weren’t sure you should be laughing? That’s the magic of Taylor Tomlinson. She has a gift for finding humor in life’s most awkward and emotional moments. Her comedy blends personal stories, sharp wit, and just the right amount of sarcasm.

If you’ve caught her stand-up specials on Netflix — like "Look at You" — you know she doesn’t shy away from topics like mental health, dating, and navigating your late 20s. In 2025, she’s not slowing down. After successfully taking over as the host of After Midnight, Taylor is more visible than ever.

Her rise is a reminder that vulnerability and comedy aren’t enemies—they’re close friends just trying to get through the chaos of life together.

• Why she’s a must-see: Combines relatability with razor-sharp timing
• Where to watch: Netflix, CBS (After Midnight), YouTube
• Top keywords: “Taylor Tomlinson 2025 comedy,” “best stand-up specials 2025”

2. Andrew Schulz — The King of Crowd Work

If Taylor’s strength is introspection, Andrew Schulz thrives in spontaneity. Famous for his lightning-quick banter with the audience, Schulz is one of the few comics whose live shows feel entirely fresh every night. He takes crowd work to a new level, making each set an unpredictable rollercoaster.

In 2025, Andrew continues to dominate both digital and in-person platforms. With self-produced specials that go viral within days, and a loyal online following, he’s proof that you don’t need traditional media to build a comedic empire.

Watching Schulz live feels less like a scripted performance and more like hanging out with that ridiculously funny friend who's always one joke ahead of everyone else.

• Why he’s a must-see: Master of crowd interaction and bold, uncensored humor
• Where to watch: YouTube, Patreon, and live tours across the country
• Top keywords: “Andrew Schulz stand-up 2025,” “top stand-up comedians 2025”

3. Ramy Youssef — Comedy with a Soul

Need comedy that makes you laugh and think? Ramy Youssef delivers exactly that. Known for his thoughtful, often spiritual take on modern life, Ramy blends humor with deep introspection. It’s like having a conversation with a best friend who’s been through a lot—and has learned how to find the funny in it.

Following his role in the Oscar-nominated film Poor Things and the success of his HBO special, Ramy is continuing to earn praise for being one of comedy’s most unique voices in 2025.

Whether he’s exploring his Muslim faith or unpacking identity and relationships, Ramy’s comedy offers a fresh and necessary perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere.

• Why he’s a must-see: Smart, emotional humor with cultural resonance
• Where to watch: HBO, Hulu (for his show Ramy), HBO Max specials
• Top keywords: “Ramy Youssef 2025 comedy,” “best HBO comedy specials 2025”

4. Ali Wong — Bold, Hilarious, and Unapologetically Herself

Ali Wong isn’t just funny—she’s fearless. Her comedy dives headfirst into motherhood, career struggles, dating, and gender roles, and she never holds back. That honesty is what makes her one of the top stand-up comedians of 2025.

Ali's breakout moment came with "Baby Cobra" back in 2016, and since then, she has continued to raise the bar. Her latest material tackles life after divorce, dating in your 40s, and surviving Hollywood's chaos—all while still managing to make you laugh so hard it'll feel like crunches.

If you haven’t caught her on Netflix or seen her in shows like Beef, you're missing out on one of today’s most fearless comics.

• Why she’s a must-see: Fearless, raw, and uniquely hilarious
• Where to watch: Netflix specials, streaming series, national tours
• Top keywords: “Ali Wong 2025 special,” “top Netflix comedians 2025”

5. Matt Rife — Young, Fresh, and Ready to Explode

Every once in a while, a young comic bursts onto the scene and immediately grabs everyone's attention. In 2025, that person is clearly Matt Rife. With movie-star looks and a stage presence to match, Matt is the whole package—and audiences are taking notice.

His rise to fame began on TikTok and YouTube, but don't let the internet fame fool you. Matt brings energy, charm, and genuinely funny material to the stage, tackling relationships, growing up, and social awkwardness with a wink and a smile.

He represents the new wave of comedy: digital-first, deeply authentic, and always ready to go viral for the right (and funny) reasons.

• Why he’s a must-see: Young voice with a massive digital following
• Where to watch: YouTube, TikTok, and his North America tour
• Top keywords: “Matt Rife stand-up 2025,” “rising comedians to watch 2025”

Ready to Laugh in 2025?

From introspective deep dives to gut-busting crowd work, 2025’s comedy scene offers something for everyone. These top five stand-up comedians of 2025 are redefining what it means to be funny in today’s world—and they’re doing it in bold, authentic ways.

Whether you’re watching from your couch or catching a live show in your city, be sure to check out their latest content. Platforms like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and even YouTube are packed with fresh material that’s guaranteed to make your day a little brighter.

Here’s how to stay up to date:

• Follow them on social media for tour announcements and new clips
• Stream their specials on Netflix, HBO, and Hulu
• See if they’re performing live near you—you won’t regret it!

Looking for the best stand-up comedy specials of 2025? These five names are your ticket to nonstop laughter and unforgettable performances. Share this list with a fellow comedy lover and let the binge-watching (or ticket booking) begin!

Have a favorite comedian that didn’t make the list? Drop their name in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!