By: Tyson Paul
More than ever before, comedians changed the way people thought and laughed in 2022. We Own The Laughs honors the most impactful comedy specials/albums that the year had to offer. No matter if you were having great days or suffering a bad month, these comedians gave us moments that immediately had us laughing at life. Today, our countdown spotlights from number fifty, all the way down to number thirty.
50. Trey Kennedy “Are You For Real?”
Already known to millions courtesy of his content creations, Trey Keenedy proved he’s not a one-trick pony with the release of debut comedy special Are You For Real? Trey destroys the stigma of social media content creators not being able to transition their material or laughter to live performances as he has both audiences and viewers laughing all-night with stories regarding dog moms, being friends with married couples, getting older, dealing with today’s kids, and much more.
Watch/Listen Here: Trey Kennedy “Are You For Real?”
49. Chris Riggins “My Fifth 1st Album”
Whether it’s a proper introduction or you’ve grown quite fond of him, 2022 San Francisco International Comedy Competition winner Chris Riggins has always aimed to make his comedic material an unforgettable experience. Comedy fans become very familiar with his second-to-none intellect, and unique point of view on life courtesy of his latest album entitled My Fifth 1st Album. Highlighted by various topics, including not trusting Americans, COVID-19, and old school d*ck pics, this album helped Riggins go from a Bay Area superstar into one of the genre’s biggest breakout stars of the year.
Watch/Listen Here: Chris Riggins “My Fifth 1st Album”
48. Cristela Alonzo “Middle Classy”
Fame may have taken her out of the poverty line, but not far enough to where she’s on the same floor as George and Weezy. A follow up to her 2016 debut Lower Classy, Cristela Alonzo returned to the streaming service that kicked started her career in Hollywood in 2022 with her 2nd netflix comedy special entitled Middle Classy. This comedy special was filled with more money and more laughter as Alonzo shared stories from her past, present, and sorta successful future. She may not be able to completely afford the streaming service her specials are on, but the out-of-control laughter she received from the audience let’s her know that it won’t be an issue for long.
Watch/Listen Here: Cristela Alonzo “Middle Classy”
47. Deon Cole “Charleen’s Boy”
Honoring the life of his late-mother the best way he knows how, Deon Cole surprised fans and Netflix with the release of his 2nd official streaming service comedy special Charleen’s Boy in Mid-November 2022. A 50 year-old man at the crossroads of his life, Cole would use this special as a hilarious form of therapy with stories of dating, health, acceptance, and still being in his sexual prime. Cole manages a commanding presence, such that he induces multiple applause breaks, in several cases even just for introducing the premise. His audience can’t wait to see where he’s going to go with it next.
Watch/Listen Here: Deon Cole “Charleen’s Boy”
46. Monica Nevi “Big Stepdad Energy”
Some people dream of becoming a rock star, or president of the United States… but Monica Nevi dreamed of being a stepdad. Known to many as one of the hardest working comedians in the Northwest, Nevi finally managed to find an opportunity to create her latest comedy special entitled Big Stepdad Energy. A new parent, but still not able to shake her millennial ways of life, Monica shares a very hilarious daily battle between her responsibilities and reckless spiritual freedom.
Watch/Listen Here: Monica Nevi “Big Stepdad Energy”
45. Ali Wong “Don Wong”
No one had more of a rollercoaster 2022 than comedian/actor/writer Ali Wong, but one of those peaks started once the rave reviews came out regarding her 3rd netflix comedy special Don Wong. Arguably the best female comedian of the past 5 years, Wong really let loose with a legendary opening set that allows us into her naughtiest cheating secrets. It may not be as perfect as her two previous specials, but you can’t deny that Ali solidifies that when she drops a comedy special, everyone gotta put some respect on her name.
Watch/Listen Here: Ali Wong “Don Wong”
44. Lil Rel Howery “I Said It. Y’all Thinking It.”
You know a comedy special is extraordinary when the comedian constantly laughs at their own material throughout and still receives a standing ovation. After spending the last five years becoming an A-List movie star, Lil Rel Howery made one of his biggest dreams come true returning home to Chicago, IL for his latest comedy special I Said It. Y’all Thinking It. Howery is a dad in real life, and now jokes about how he’s finding himself playing second fiddle to his own kids. Howery shouts out the late great Bernie Mac at the end of his hour, and he shares quite a bit with his Chicago elder in terms of charm and likability and not shirking from the truth, no matter how they may look or how the audience may react.
Watch/Listen Here: Lil Rel Howery “I Said It. Y’all Thinking It.”
43. Matt Rife “Only Fans”
There’s nothing more special in life than the connection between a comedian and their fans. Comedian Matt Rife’s debut comedy special Only Fans is a culmination of his first ten years of doing stand-up comedy. From beginning at the age of 15 to now touring around the U.S., Matt has been paying his comedy dues and amassing a popular following in the process, leading to this moment that he had a pleasure sharing with his fans.
Watch/Listen Here: Matt Rife “Only Fans”
42. Jesus Sepulveda “Mr. Tough Life”
For a selective few, the tougher life gets, the better character it builds. But for comedian Jesus Sepulveda, his tough days helped build him into one of the top latino comedians on the planet. Over the past 5 years, HBO’s latin comedy series Entre Nos has turned promising unknowns into comedy’s next big superstar. 2022 was no exception with the release of Sepulveda latest special entitled Mr. Tough Life. A career-defining performance, Jesus jokes about his “tough life” growing up Latino, and how he eventually grew to confront his difficult childhood through therapy. Or did he? Currently, his potential is being compared among the greats, but it’s only a matter of time before he’s debated as one of the best.
Watch/Listen Here: Jesus Sepulveda “Mr. Tough Life”
41. Jade Catta-Preta “Jaded”
You could’ve done a complete 360-degree spin anywhere around the world this year and still would’ve found something to laugh about when it came to Jade Catta-Preta. Host of a blind-date food competition on Hulu and a constant special guest on the biggest comedy podcast shows on the planet. A jack of all trades, she shared her best gift with the world in 2022 releasing her debut comedy special Jaded. Filmed at Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia, PA, Catta-Preta takes viewers on a journey 14-years in the making, as the audience uncontrollably laughs at her joys and pains along the way. Always must-see TV, Jade uses this 40+ mins of fame to become one of the newest MUST-SEE LIVE comedians in North America.
Watch/Listen Here: Jade Catta-Preta “Jaded”
40. Chris Distefano “Speshy Weshy”
It’s funny how a great thing manages to come full circle. Let go from his hosting duties by Netflix in 2017, 5 years later, Chris Distefano had the streaming giant begging like an obsessed ex-gf trying to reunite thanks to Speshy Weshy. One of the few thriving comedians of the “Pandemic Era,” Distefano would self-produce his latest special in a two month period, only to have Netflix acquire it. Joking about his puerto rican wife and daughters, Ukraine war, and losing his job, this special is a redemption story that every comedian would kill for.
Watch/Listen Here: Chris Distefano “Speshy Weshy”
39. Dane Cook “Above It All”
This is in NO WAY a redemption comedy special, because that would have to mean that this man lost it at some point, which he never did. For the past decade, Dane Cook has been battling the betrayals of family and Hollywood. Now with all that drama behind him, Cook proved that in the world of comedy, his greatness is truly unbreakable with Above It All. His first comedy special in eight years, fans of the 2000s-era Cook will find glimpses of him still enthusiastically ripping into the idea of having to attend a friend’s wedding, awkward best friends that only he can understand, and muse even more about the thought-process for smash-and-grab robbers. Whether he’s one of the first to sell-out arenas in the 2000s or just having people come to his Hollywood home for a private event, Dane always and forever will be Dane, and that’s an iconic moment.
Watch/Listen Here: Dane Cook “Above It All”
38. Subhah Agarwal “Dog Show”
You should never judge a book by its cover, but if we had to choose the best comedy album cover of the year, there would only be one dog in that fight. Los Angeles, CA comedian Subhah Angarwal is ready to prove that she is the funniest form of entertainment with her debut comedy album entitled Dog Show.recorded at New York Comedy Club, Subhah Agarwal talks about how she used to lead a double life in high school, her very much not conservative adult life, and the time psychics told her to her mom. She subtly and hilariously broaches topics such as beauty standards, dating dirtbags and having to deal with racist neighbors. Subhah’s punchy style pokes fun at her conservative Indian family including her over-protective mother, and high-achieving brother.
Watch/Listen Here: Subhah Agarwal “Dog Show”
37. Paul Virzi “Nocturnal Admissions”
He’s good friend’s with the current heartthrob of comedy and partner in crime with one of the best to ever do it, but now, this Jersey boy has the eyes of the world on him and he’s showing us a good time. Directed by Pete Davidson and produced by Bill Burr, comedian Paul Virzi takes us on a wild ride through suburban east coast in his second Netflix special Nocturnal Admissions. Virzi shares the truth about awkward drugstore runs, his obsession with crime shows, and why his wife sabotaged his fitness goals. If you’re in the mood to let go and laugh at your neurotic self, Paul Virzi is ready and willing to help.
Watch/Listen Here: Paul Virzi “Nocturnal Admissions”
36. Irene Tu “We’re Done Now”
Growing up in the midwest, but blossoming professionally in the Bay Area, now Irene Tu is living in Los Angeles, CA enjoying a banner year that’s highlighted with the release of her debut comedy album We’re Done Now. An outstanding 15-track collection of stories about coming out and dating, observations about food, dictators, and diva cups, as well as morbid musings about surviving the apocalypse. Tu creates a masterful body of work that up and coming comedians all over the world will use as a blueprint for their debut comedy specials for many years to come.
Watch/Listen Here: Irene Tu “We’re Done Now”
35. Norm McDonald “Nothing Special”
This early decade has seen its fair share of loss throughout the comedy community, but none more impactful than the passing of Norm MacDonald. The Saturday Night Live alum lost his battle to cancer in 2021, but Netflix would honor his legacy by combining one final performance from Macdonald, recorded without an audience, then record a select audience of famous funny friends of Norm’s for their reactions and tributes after they’d just finished watching his performance. Nothing Special is a rare special, too, in that “Our Take” can actually include the takes from other famous comedians, thanks to the tribute tacked onto the end of Macdonald’s performance.
Watch/Listen Here: Norm McDonald “Nothing Special”
34. Austin Hall “American Native”
He’s one of the bravest rising stars in the game and his material is a success story to the 1st amendment. Since bursting onto the Los Angeles comedy scene in 2016, Austin’s name has become synonymous with comedy. His boy-next-door good looks and unique comedic perspective has made his latest comedy album American Native an amazing experience for any comedy fan. The 18-track album highlights Hall’s quick wit, along with his stage presence, charisma, and his infectious smile.
Watch/Listen Here: Austin Hall “American Native”
33. Liz Miele “The Ghost of Academic Future”
On her latest self-produced and self-released special, The Ghost of Academic Future, she has the audience in the palm of her hand—and makes this challenging task look easy, to boot. Miele is cynical and relatable, the type of comedian who has a knack for putting into words thoughts you’ve had but never quite been able to articulate.The end credits—in which Miele plays with kittens at the Meow Parlour as text appears on screen—neatly encapsulates the contentedness that comes with watching such a beautifully crafted and performed special.
Watch/Listen Here: Liz Miele “The Ghost of Academic Future”
32. Marlon Wayans Presents “The Headliners”
There’s an unwritten law in comedy, when you comedian makes it big, share the wealth with your younger colleagues. Marlon Wayans is one of the most accomplished names in today’s comedy scene, for one evening, he showcases several hilarious comedians who have served as the opening act at his performances all over the country. Starring Tony Baker, Sydney Castillo, DC Ervin, Esau McGraw, and Chaunté Wayans, for one particular night, these comedians will be transformed from show openers to main event headliners.
Watch/Listen Here: Marlon Wayans Presents “The Headliners”
31. Kate Berlant “Cinnamon In The Wind”
FX revolutionized the genre this year with the launch of their stand-up comedy division. Coming out of the gates swinging, the network instantly becomes a major threat in stand-up with the release of Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind. Mostly improvised and directed by Bo Burnham, the show dives into self-absorption, the existential weight of the media on one’s shoulders, and the overwhelming fear of adhering to societal norms. With such dense topics, one could imagine this being a TED talk or one of those preachy specials that have become commonplace. Yet, Berlant’s skill is the gift of ramble. No other comedian right now is so effortless when performing. Every moment feels so precisely crafted in her mind to elicit a laugh and continue a conversation.
Watch/Listen Here: Kate Berlant “Cinnamon In The Wind”
30. Sheng Wang “Sweet & Juicy”
With a runtime of an hour, Sheng Wang: Sweet & Juicy premiered on Netflix on September 6, 2022. The comedy special was written and performed by Sheng Wang, who was also the executive producer for the same, along with Ali Wong and John Irwin. The Houston-raised comedian, who previously wrote on Fresh Off the Boat, delivers story after story in a relaxed manner that swiftly puts the crowd at ease. Between his creativity and lackadaisical onstage energy, he renders even a seemingly dull topic a comedic goldmine. Sweet & Juicy gives Wang the introduction that his distinctive comedic voice deserves. Sit back, relax, and prepare to laugh your ass off.
Watch/Listen Here: Sheng Wang “Sweet & Juicy”
Did your favorite comedy special/album make our list? Voice your opinion in the comment section below and let us know your thoughts on the world of comedy in 2022.
