The Comedy Renaissance: VALLEY’s Intro to Stand-Up

Photo from Foxnews.com

We are living in the midst of a comedy renaissance; Social media has transformed the comedy scene and made stand-up comedy accessible to virtually everyone, from podcasts and crowd-work clips to specials and live-shows. Finding your favorite comedian that you can rely on for a laugh is an essential escape from the absurdity of our world.  As sad as it is, at times all we can do is laugh about it. But beyond the smart social commentary and thought provoking material some stand-up provides, there is also plenty of raunchy, vulgar and kinda stupid humor to enjoy as well. All content serves its purpose and everyone knows farts are funny. Here’s VALLEY’s intro to stand-up for anyone looking for a laugh.

Photo from Vulture.com

Disclaimer: Comedians are known to dance the line between what is offensive and socially acceptable to say. Some comedians’ comedy may not be for you and that’s okay!! The point is to find someone whose content makes you think and laugh, not piss you off. 

We’ve categorized these stand-up comedians based on general vibe and the common themes of their content but we recommend looking into all of them!

Relatable Women Who Don’t GAF
  • Nikki Glaser (VALLEY interviewed her for the Spring 2023 print article “The Fine line of a Punchline.” Read the article here!)
  • Whitney Cummings
  • Hannah Berner
  • Chelsea Handler
  • Ali Wong
  • Amy Shumer
  • Jenny Slate
Awkward, Fun and Sometimes Gross
  • Jordan Jenson
  • Ian Fidance
  • Robby Hoffman
  • Jessica Kirson
  • Atsuko Okatsuka
  • Theo Von
Men That Are Dirty Yet Witty
  • Sam Morrill
  • Mark Normand
  • Andrew Santino
  • Stavros Halkias
  • Shane Gillis
  • Chris Distefano
  • Bobby Lee

P.S. There are so many more stand-ups out there then the list below for you to discover, these are just some of VALLEY’s favs!

Photo from Pinterest.com
Stand-Up Here at PSU

Beyond the celebrities we know and love there is also a stand-comedy scene right here in State College! Blue Brick Theatre: Home of Happy Valley Improv showcases local stand-up comedians and open mic nights on Fridays from 6:30-9:00 p.m. and is located at 209 W Calder Way. Wise Crackers Comedy Club hosts touring stand-up comedians on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8 p.m. and is located at 112 W College Ave.

Photo taken from Pinterest.com
TV Over Stand-Up 

If stand-up comedy isn’t your thing but you still enjoy comedies, here’s VALLEY’s must-watch list of a mix of recently released and classic TV shows for when you need a laugh (warning: Some of these will also make you cry).

  • Saturday Night Live (duh)
  • Shrinking
  • The Sex Lives of College Girls
  • GIRLS
  • Insecure
  • Broad City
  • Curb Your Enthusiasm
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia 
  • Abbot Elementary
  • Jury Duty
  • PEN15

Let VALLEY know your personal favorite stand-up comedians or comedy shows @VALLEYmag on all socials!

Related

Opinion: How A Comedy Special Changed My Perspective on Love

Looking for a Laugh? Try These Netflix Comedy Specials

The Power of Female Comedy

138 Comments

  • optivell says:

    Hi my loved one! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos. I’d like to peer extra posts like this.

  • I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have introduced to your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for novices. May just you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

  • What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its helped me. Great job.

  • Thanks , I’ve just been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

  • There is perceptibly a bunch to know about this. I think you made certain good points in features also.

  • IEC 62368 says:

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Thank you!

  • Thanks for all your hard work on this blog. My mother really loves conducting investigation and it’s really simple to grasp why. I notice all regarding the powerful ways you deliver worthwhile guidance by means of this web site and therefore strongly encourage response from people on the subject so our favorite princess is now being taught so much. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You are doing a tremendous job.

  • WPS says:

    Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

  • kilat333 says:

    I have recently started a site, the info you offer on this web site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.

  • Good write-up, I¦m normal visitor of one¦s web site, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *