By: Tyson Paul
More than ever before, comedians have changed how people thought, shocked, and laughed over the past 365 days.
With a diverse lineup of stand-up specials in 2024, there’s something for everyone. From intimate storytelling sessions to edgy takes on life’s absurdities, these comedians are redefining the landscape of humor while inviting us to laugh at ourselves and the world around us. We Own The Laughs honors the hundred most impactful comedy specials the year offered.
Whether you were having great days or suffering a lousy month, these comedians gave us moments that immediately had us laughing at life.
Today, our countdown spotlights from number one hundred down to number seventy-five.
100. Tumua “Strictly Aloha”
Let’s start this year’s list with a man whose comedic talents shine brighter than the most beautiful island in the world. Hawaiian stand-up comedian Tumua caught the eyes of many new fans in 2024, including the biggest movie star on the planet. Honoring family ties and Polynesian roots in his debut comedy special, Strictly Aloha, Tumua uses everything he’s learned in his wild life to achieve the biggest moment of his career to this point, and the world is funnier for it.
Watch Here: Tumua “Strictly Aloha”
99. Tommy Dassalo “Scam Artist”
This special may have been inspired by one of his favorite stress relievers, but we assure you that he is not playing any games when it comes to humoring a crowd of his peers. Arguably one of the most creative forms of marketing for a comedy special since the early 2000s, Tommy Dassalo uses his charming storytelling and sharp wit to prove that Aussie comedy is never something to pass over.
Watch Here: Tommy Dassalo “Scam Artist
98. Courtney Maginnis “White Noise”
She’s ready to laugh, fight, or be the life of the party at any moment. Courtney Maginnis is a bad girl from the Big Apple with amazing humor, and now you can witness the fruits of her laughter with her debut comedy special White Noise. A rumble with your giggles all night as Maginnis delivers a performance that makes you want to go to your nearest Irish pub and enjoy their finest whiskey in her honor.
Watch Here: Courtney Maginnis “White Noise”
97. Matt Rife “Lucid”
Movie star looks, rock star lifestyle, and one of the hottest social media accounts in the world, Matt Rife has made an incredible comedy career by setting trends and building a following that rivals Moses. It was a no-brainer for the biggest streaming service in the world to strike a landmark deal with him in late 2023 that would allow him to create a unique comedy special based on his intimate creativity and interaction with fans. Lucid allows Rife to do what he does best and introduce a ground-breaking new genre in stand-up comedy to the masses.
96. Matthew Broussard “Hyperbolic”
In his hilarious and razor-sharp debut Hyperbolic, Broussard masterfully navigates a maze of topics, blending clever penmanship with unapologetic introspection. From his unique upbringing as a Southern Jewish Cajun to navigating life in New York City, Matthew shares side-splitting anecdotes about cultural quirks, family dynamics, and the absurdities of modern relationships. After memorable performances on Conan, the Tonight Show, Roast Battle, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour, Broussard finally gets to stretch his legs.
Watch Here: Matthew Broussard “Hyperbolic”
95. Jim Gaffigan “The Skinny”
Ready to become a competitive comedy rival with Netflix, Hulu launched its Hularious brand with the newest comedy special from Jim Gaffigan. Making an incredible first impression for the streaming service, Big Game Jim scored a winning formula with his 11th hour, taped earlier this year at the Wilbur Theater in Boston; he offers the skinny on everything from appetite suppressants to raising teenagers.
Watch Here: Jim Gaffigan “The Skinny”
94. Rob Haze “Frontin’”
Rob Haze brings it all in his first-hour-long comedy special Frontin’. In his signature low-key style, he tackles the new and the old, taking it up a notch with a PowerPoint to bring it all home. Directed by Michael Tumey, Haze discusses various topics, including Not a Good Sock Day, The Big Key, Middle School Roast, and much more.
Watch Here: Rob Haze “Frontin’”
93. Katherine Blanford “Catholic Cowgirl”
With her unfiltered honesty, Katherine exposes the hidden truths of being a senior bridesmaid in Miami to the startling realities of her country roots. Witness Katherine trying to relate to a risky world while balancing her catholic upbringing. You won’t want to miss this bright, adventurous hour.
Watch Here: Katherine Blanford “Catholic Cowgirl”
92. Mike Birbiglia “Good One: A Show About Jokes”
A Peacock Original adaptation of the popular Vulture comedy podcast, Good One: A Show About Jokes highlights the journey of a comedian developing new material. This docu-special follows Mike Birbiglia from Providence, R.I. to Washington, D.C. as he builds jokes based on personal truths, mixing comedy with revelations and anecdotes from family and his fellow comedians.
Watch Here: Mike Birbiglia “Good One: A Show About Jokes”
91. Krystyna Hutchinson “Good Girl Barbara”
She has a nice side, considered an angel, but loves to show off the angle that always keeps her on Santa’s naughty list. Partnering with Helium Studios, Krystyna Hutchinson used 2024 to expand her famous platform to showcase her one-woman show abilities. Good Girl Barbara sees Hutchinson discuss various topics, including Taylor Swift, Boys vs. Girls, Bipolar Mother, Being Toxic, and Kevin.
Watch Here: Krystyna Hutchinson “Good Girl Barbara”
90. Mike Epps “Ready To Sell Out”
A Netflix mainstay, Mike Epps added another gem to his legacy in 2024, releasing his fourth installment Ready To Sell Out. Despite a thriving entertainment career and already establishing himself as one of his generation’s most memorable stand-up comedians, Mike still feels that he has much to prove to his critics. Telling jokes like the rent due, Epps ponders where all of his money has gone, the trials and tribulations of his relationships, and the plethora of street observations that have become synonymous with the comedic mind.
Watch Here: Mike Epps “Ready To Sell Out”
89. Eleanor Kerrigan “No Country For Old Women”
In this genre, age ain’t nothing but a number, and it’s never too late to deliver your best set of material. With a career spanning multiple decades and being raised from a young adult by one of the smartest comedic minds ever, Eleanor Kerrigan shares her interesting life for one-of-a-kind humor inside the only place she calls home with No Country For Old Women. In her signature, foul-mouthed style, Eleanor recounts stories from her upbringing as 1 of 10 children in a Philly row-house to her trials as an LA actress in the 90s, leaving no stone unturned.
Watch Here: Eleanor Kerrigan “No Country For Old Women”
88. AJ Wilkerson “I Have A Disorder”
He will be hard to follow starting, but you’ll never stop laughing once you catch up to his pace. With his nervous charm, endearing smile, & disarming disabilities, AJ has quickly become one of America’s most relevant young comedians. In his debut comedy special that quickly grew to over 500k views upon its release, Wilkerson delivers delirious fun at every turn and leaves fans craving for more as soon as the joke ends.
Watch Here: AJ Wilkerson “I Have A Disorder”
87. Shannon Fiedler “Thirty, Flirty, & Crying”
Comedian Shannon Fiedler’s first stand-up comedy special, Thirty, Flirty, and Crying, is a dynamic hour of humor, delivered with the social media star’s trademark wit, enthusiasm, and spot-on understanding of what makes millennials laugh out loud. The special is a smart and sometimes silly exploration of what it means to be a woman who’s recently turned that number after 29.
Watch Here: Shannon Fiedler “Thirty, Flirty, & Crying”
86. Leonard Smith Jr. “Love A Deal”
His laugh may come at a bargain, but he can guarantee you get the best part of the offer. Delve into the curious chronicles of comic: Leonard Smith Jr. A frugal jester navigating the labyrinth of laughter, armed with punchlines sharper than a discount hunting knife for this his first-ever comedy special.
Watch Here: Leonard Smith Jr. “Love A Deal”
85. Felicia Madison “Better Than Sex”
It’s more precious than money and lavish than any first date you’ve ever seen; what would that be, you asked?…..her forms of laughter. In Felicia’s first comedy special she covers it all: Childhood, Marriage, Kids and even Depression. She found her true passion on the stage and it was for her Better Than Sex.
Watch Here: Felicia Madison “Better Than Sex”
84. Fahim Anwar “House Money”
A safe bet to have you laughing all night long in 2024, stand-up comedian Fahim Anwar feels right where he needs to be with House Money. Filmed at Zanies in Nashville, hang out and hear about the happenings in Fahim’s world and mind for the past year or two.
Watch Here: Fahim Anwar “House Money”
83. Heather McMahan “Breadwinner”
This southern belle is known to be as independent as a Beyonce record and funnier than watching your boss slip on a banana peel. Heather McMahan helped Hulu rival Netflix in the comedy department by releasing her second comedy special Breadwinner. Flashy but over-the-top blunt with her words, McMahan once again proves that she can hold her own against anyone in the comedy world. She doesn’t sugarcoat her life as the head of the household, dealing with wedding plans, and in-laws that you love to hate.
Watch Here: Heather McMahan “Breadwinner”
82. Paul Virzi “Reasonable Man”
In this new hour, Paul holds nothing back. He delivers brutally honest and hilarious takes on the losing battle of arguing with women, Italian stereotypes in Hollywood, new Barbies, and his frustration with young pilots. Having already produced specials with Comedy Central and Netflix, Paul goes for a more grassroots approach to his newest collection of material.
Watch Here: Paul Virzi “Reasonable Man”
81. Jamie Foxx “What Had Happened Was…”
Centered around his medical scare in 2023 and returning to stand-up comedy for the first time in multiple decades, Jamie Foxx finally gave fans what they’ve generously asked for since I Might Need Security. Mixing storytelling with music, and, most importantly, the love of family, Jamie gave his fans a reason to never give up on life and live it to the fullest.
Watch Here: Jamie Foxx “What Had Happened Was..”
80. Kim Congdon “Childless Milf”
This may not be a moment that you want your child’s eyes to see until they can purchase their ticket for an R-rated film, but we guarantee you that this comedy special will have your funny bone calling her mami. Congdon entertains the masses while keeping them on the edge of their seats as she discusses a wide variety of topics, including the chaotic world of dating, navigating the absurdities of being a woman in comedy, the unnerving reality of dealing with stalkers, the chilling specter of school shooters, and so much more.
Watch Here: Kim Congdon “Childless Milf”
79. Brendan Sagalow “Thin Lips”
In Brendan Sagalow’s debut comedy special Thin Lips, he wonders who’s feeling safe in a public restroom, compares the subway to the waiting room of a mental hospital, and recalls doing stand-up comedy at Rikers Island.
Watch Here: Brendan Sagalow “Thin Lips”
78. Dan Soder “On The Road”
Soder gives fans a smooth taste of what they can expect once he touches down in their neighborhood with a new comedy special titled On The Road. Enjoy forty minutes of pure laughter as Dan Soder takes fans around North America to share his thoughts on various topics, including relationships, politics, Hollywood, his current state of affairs, and true happiness.
Watch Here: Dan Soder “On The Road”
77. Adrienne Iapalucci “The Dark Queen”
Netflix goes all in on the buzzwords, describing Iapalucci’s stand-up as “unfiltered” as she “takes aim at our public figures, awkward tribute tattoos, virtue signaling, and more.” With Louis C.K. as director and Ari Shaffir as executive producer, if you’re familiar with them, you may be in the mood for her, too.
Watch Here: Adrienne Iapalucci “The Dark Queen”
76. Raanan Hershberg “Brave”
Raanan Hershberg satirizes America’s political divide while exploring recent developments in his chaotic, personal life. His girlfriend got open heart surgery three months into their relationship, an overbearing Jewish mother, and conflating being loved with being trapped.
Watch Here: Raanan Hershberg “Brave”
75. Brittany Schmitt “Horny”
With a title not suitable for children eyes, this is Brittany Schmitt at her most unfiltered, delivering a brutally honest and darkly hilarious performance. Schmitt deep into the messy aftermath of divorce, the chaos of modern dating and, of course, her dead mom—because she just can’t let that one go.
Watch Here: Brittany Schmitt “Horny”
Did your favorite comedy special make our list? Voice your opinion in the comment section below, and let us know your thoughts on the world of comedy in 2024.
