Every year a handful of comedians break through from “up-and-coming” to must-watch, and 2026 is no exception. From viral crowd-work kings to sharp new voices landing their first specials, here are the rising comedians of 2026 you need on your radar.

Already know the big names? Check out our guide to the Comedians on Netflix 2026

The Top Rising Comedians of 2026

1. Marcello Hernández

The SNL breakout star turned heads with his debut Netflix special American Boy, packed with chaotic, heartfelt stories from his Latino upbringing. With strong audience scores and a fast-growing fanbase, Hernández is the clearest example of a rising comedian who’s already arrived.

2. Stavros Halkias

Built a cult following through podcasts before stepping into the spotlight as a headlining stand-up. His unfiltered, self-deprecating style and viral special Live at the Lodge Room have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising names heading into 2026.

3. Matt Rife

What started as viral TikTok crowd-work clips has turned into a full touring juggernaut. Rife’s rapid-fire wit and unpredictable live shows continue to fill venues, and 2026 shows no signs of him slowing down.

4. Jay Jurden

A New York-based comedian and writer whose debut hour Yes Ma’am is a fast-paced, punchline-packed look at identity, the South, and being unapologetically himself. One of the strongest debut specials of the year so far.

5. Darrick Stroup

Made his Netflix debut with Nostalgia, which quickly landed on the platform’s top 10 list. His blend of nostalgic storytelling and sharp observational humor about parenthood and pre-internet life has made him a fast favorite.

6. Rafi Bastos

A pioneer of Brazil’s modern comedy scene, Bastos is making his English-language breakout with the special Unfamiliar Territory. A name to watch as he builds a U.S. audience in 2026.

7. Sherise

Already known on the New York comedy scene, Sherise is expanding into film and television in 2026, including new roles in an independent film and a Netflix project, a sign her reach is growing well beyond stand-up stages.

8. Dulcé Sloan

A sharp, fearless voice known for delivering hard truths wrapped in genuine laughs. Sloan continues to build her stand-up profile in 2026 after years of strong television and correspondent work.

9. Hollie Harper

Blends multiple comedy styles into a show that feels fresh and inviting, making her one of the most versatile rising names on the live circuit this year.

10. Jerrod Carmichael

Not a newcomer, but still very much rising in ambition. His HBO special Don’t Be Gay continues the radically honest, boundary-pushing style that made Rothaniel an Emmy winner, comedy that’s less about belly laughs and more about staying with you.

How They Compare to the Established Names

Curious how today’s rising stars stack up against comedy’s biggest earners? Check out our net worth breakdowns:

• Kevin Hart Net Worth
• Dave Chappelle Net Worth
• Ali Wong Net Worth
• Richest Stand-Up Comedians

FAQ – Rising Comedians 2026

Who are the biggest rising comedians of 2026? Marcello Hernández, Stavros Halkias, Matt Rife, and Darrick Stroup are among the fastest-rising names in comedy heading into 2026.

Which rising comedian had the biggest Netflix debut in 2026? Marcello Hernández’s American Boy and Darrick Stroup’s Nostalgia were two of the most talked-about debut specials on Netflix this year.

Who is the rising comedian known for crowd work? Matt Rife built his following on viral crowd-work clips and has since become a full touring headliner, known for unpredictable, audience-driven live shows.

Are there international comedians breaking out in 2026? Yes, Rafi Bastos, a pioneer of Brazil’s modern comedy scene, is making his English-language breakout in 2026 with the special Unfamiliar Territory.

Where can I see these comedians live? Many touring stand-up comedians, including rising names, make stops in cities across North America throughout the year. Comedyville in Montreal regularly hosts up-and-coming comics testing new material.

Want More Laughs?

If these breakout names have you excited for live comedy, Comedyville in Montreal hosts hilarious comics every weekend, the next Marcello Hernández or Darrick Stroup might be testing out new material right here. Grab your tickets at comedyville.ca and be part of the next big thing in comedy.

Also worth reading:

• Comedians on Netflix 2026
• Funniest Stand-Up Specials of 2026
• Richest Stand-Up Comedians 2025

Stay laughing, Montreal!

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.com, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Rising Comedians 2026: 10 Breakout Stand-Up Stars to Watch appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

YouTube + Stand-Up = Viral Gold

From legendary pros to rising stars, stand-up comedians continue to dominate YouTube with hilarious sets, outrageous crowd work, and bold takes that get people talking. Every year, certain clips rise above the noise, getting millions of views, racking up likes, and making fans hit replay again and again. Making them the most watched stand-up clips on YouTube.

So what are the most watched stand-up clips on YouTube in 2025 (so far)? Let’s break it down by views, laughs, and viral moments.

1. Andrew Schulz – When the Crowd Turns Into the Show

Views: 22M+
Why It Blew Up: Crowdwork masterclass. Schulz’s riffing with an unpredictable couple in the front row turned a five-minute bit into internet gold.

2. Taylor Tomlinson – Sleep Problems and Situationships

Views: 19.4M
Why It Worked: Her sharp take on modern relationships struck a nerve, and the laugh-per-minute ratio is wild.

3. Dave Chappelle – Truth Hurts (But Still Funny)

Views: 18.7M
Why It Blew Up: His trademark mix of raw honesty and brilliant delivery had everyone quoting the clip — and arguing in the comments.

4. Matt Rife – Front Row Roast Goes Off the Rails

Views: 17.8M
Why It Worked: Rife’s off-the-cuff roasting of a group celebrating a bachelorette party turned chaotic — and hilarious.

5. Ali Wong – Mom Life Is Savage

Views: 16.5M
Why It Hit: Relatable, ruthless, and refreshingly honest — Wong’s take on parenting is a fan favourite with replay value.

6. Ricky Gervais – Dark Humour Done Right

Views: 15.9M
Why It Clicked: Gervais doesn’t hold back — and this one-liner-heavy segment became TikTok fodder instantly.

7. Trevor Noah – Being Confused in 3 Languages

Views: 14.7M
Why It Spread: His multilingual storytelling and sharp cultural takes continue to win over global audiences.

8. Tom Segura – Target, But Make It Violent

Views: 13.2M
Why It’s Great: Segura turns everyday errands into absurd war stories — his deadpan hits different.

9. Mark Normand – Socially Anxious and Hilarious

Views: 12.4M
Why It’s Rising: Fast-paced, clever, and just awkward enough — this clip is a breakout favourite.

10. Kevin Hart – Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be Cool

Views: 11.8M
Why It Endures: Hart’s physical delivery + self-deprecating honesty = always a win.

Why This List Matters (and How Comedyville Fits In)

These clips didn’t just go viral — they shaped the way fans experienced stand-up comedy in 2025. From streaming into people’s homes to getting shared on TikTok and Reddit, this is the stuff everyone’s talking about.

Who knows? The next viral stand-up clip could come from a Montreal show at Comedyville, where rising stars and pros hit the mic weekly.

Want to catch the next viral moment live?
Book your tickets now at comedyville.com

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Most Watched Stand-Up Clips on YouTube (2025 Edition) appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Looking for the best stand-up comedians to watch in 2025? Stand-up comedy in 2025 is thriving. From massive Netflix specials to international tours, comedians are pushing boundaries, exploring new formats, and keeping audiences laughing all over the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into stand-up, these are the names you’ll be hearing (and binge-watching) all year long.

Here are the top 10 stand-up comedians to watch in 2025:

1. Taylor Tomlinson

Fresh off her role hosting After Midnight, Taylor is evolving into one of the most relatable and sharp-witted comics of her generation. Her specials blend vulnerability, millennial chaos, and impeccable timing — and she’s only getting better.

2. Andrew Schulz

Schulz continues to dominate both live stages and the digital space. His crowd work clips go viral weekly, and his no-holds-barred comedy has earned him a massive, loyal following. Expect more self-produced specials and arena-level shows in 2025.

3. Ramy Youssef

After starring in Poor Things and releasing a thoughtful HBO special, Ramy brings a fresh, introspective voice to comedy. His blend of cultural commentary, spirituality, and sharp humour is exactly what modern stand-up needs.

4. Ali Wong

Ali Wong is having another breakout year. Her continued success in both stand-up and acting, with her bold, unfiltered style, proves she’s one of comedy’s most bankable stars.

5. Matt Rife

Still controversial, still selling out. Rife’s global tours are packed with energy and charisma, and his Gen Z appeal isn’t fading anytime soon. Whether you love or hate the hype, he’s one to watch.

6. Zarna Garg

Zarna exploded on TikTok, and now she’s playing to packed theatres across the U.S. Her unique voice as an Indian mom and immigrant woman hits home with multigenerational audiences, all while keeping things hilariously real.

7. Ricky Gervais

With Armageddon II out now, Gervais shows no signs of softening. His unapologetic, biting style continues to spark laughs (and debates), keeping him one of the most relevant voices in global comedy.

8. Trevor Wallace

From YouTube sketches to major comedy tours, Wallace is transitioning into a full-fledged stand-up star. His bro-culture satire is maturing into tight, crowd-pleasing sets, with more specials rumoured for this year.

9. Dulcé Sloan

A standout from The Daily Show, Dulcé’s presence on stage is fierce and unforgettable. She’s building buzz for her new hour, mixing political jabs and personal stories with pure comic force.

10. Shane Gillis

Banned by SNL, but beloved on YouTube — Shane Gillis had one of the most talked-about specials last year. Now he’s headlining bigger venues and gaining industry respect, all while staying true to his raw, blue-collar humour.

Keep an Eye on These Comics in 2025

These comedians are redefining the art form, blending old-school delivery with modern storytelling and viral formats. From Netflix to live shows, if you’re looking for stand-up that hits hard in 2025, this list is your ultimate cheat sheet.

And if you’re in Montreal? Come catch some of the city’s best stand-up comedy shows at Comedyville, where the next future star could be on stage this weekend.

Comedyville is where rising stars hit the stage before they make it big. Come see the next wave of comedy in downtown Montreal. Grab your tickets now at comedyville.com and be part of what’s next.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Top 10 Stand-Up Comedians to Watch in 2025 appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.