If it seems like all your idols have recently been revealed to have deep, disgusting skeletons in their closets, perhaps its time to get new idols! After a New York Times story brought widespread attention to a pattern of behavior by Louis C.K. that had been a very public, shameful secret in the stand-up comedy world, HBO cut the comedian from an upcoming special and scrubbed him from OnDemand services. Netflix, which carries five of Louis C.K.' specials, announced that they were scraping plans for a sixth.
It might seem, to a myopic viewer, that the options for a getting a good laugh with a clear conscience have become increasingly limited. But good news! There are literally hundreds of other people who are professionally funny, many of them women. It's time to find new favorites; it's time to recognize (and fund) the talent of women who have the chops. We don't have to accept bad behavior just to get good art. Need convincing? Stream these hilarious women this weekend and find a new comic to stan.
Tiffany Haddish
The Girls Trip standout (who should in all seriousness be up for Oscar consideration) has been killing it on the mic for years. Not only is she consistently funny, but she can sing, too! Check out this clip from Comedy Central's The Comedy Jam in which she does tells jokes and then segues seamlessly into Tina Turner's "Proud Mary."
Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From Hood to Hollywood, Showtime
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Ali Wong
The American Mom co-star brought her dynamite stand-up hour, Baby Cobra, to Netflix this year and it's a scream from start to finish. Her incisive observations and intense delivery will make you an instant fan.
Ali Wong: Baby Cobra, Netflix
Aparna Nancherla
You may recognize her voice from the most recent season of Bojack Horseman, but Aparna Nancherla is amazing in three-dimensions also! Her style ranges from slightly absurd to biting and sarcastic. The fact that she doesn't have an hour-long stand-up special yet is a crime (seriously, she is so funny) but you can get her album here and stream her half hour on Comedy Central.
Aparna Nancherla: The Half Hour, Comedy Central
Anjelah Johnson
This comic first made it big on MadTV with her character Bon Qui Qui and has proceeded to build a huge following on-line. Ranging from sharp observations about everyday absurdity to send-ups of the perils of fame.
Anjelah Johnson: Not Fancy, Netflix
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman is basically a legend at this point, right? And well-deserved. With her latest special, Speck of Dust, and her new nightly talk show, I Love You America, she proves that though the times change, her sardonic, ribald take on the world never wavers.
Sarah Silverman: Speck of Dust, Netflix
Cameron Esposito
This wildly funny comedienne is also the co-creator of the late Seeso series Take My Wife with real-life spouse Rhea Butcher. Esposito has an energetic, sarcastic style that frequently includes gut-busting punchlines. You can cop her album here and stream her special on Amazon.
Cameron Esposito: Marriage Material, Amazon
Rhea Butcher
Slightly drier in delivery than her wife, Rhea Butcher is supremely skilled at pointing out hilarious absurdities with a Tig Notaro-style casualness. Her perfectly-named album, Butcher, is available here.
Maria Bamford
The weird and wonderful Maria Bamford is singular for her ability to mine comedy from the hardest mental health struggles, the most painful subjects, and the strangest setups. Take the comedy special she performed for an audience of two: her parents. She's one of a kind and extraordinary.
Maria Bamford: Old Baby, Netflix
Garfunkel and Oates
The quirky comedy duo performed by Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci mix stand-up with funny folks songs they write themselves. They're comedy special takes on the premise of a concert they're putting on to raise money to pay for a comedy special. It's very meta and very funny.
Garfunkel and Oates: Trying to Special, Netflix
Michelle Buteau
The no-holds-barred comedienne's sets are like hanging with your best, most hilarious friend. Sex, food, money—nothing is off-limits and nothing is too serious.
Michelle Buteau: The Half Hour, Netflix
Jen Kirkman
The acerbic comedienne can vacillate easily between storytelling and stand-up, always with a sharp-elbowed, totally relatable comedy.
