The Ultimate Laugh Riot: Unveiling the Hottest Female Stand-Up Comedians on Netflix

Netflix offers a wide selection of the best female stand-up comedians, ranging from experienced veterans to rising stars. Stand-up comedy has been a popular form of entertainment in various venues, including nightclubs, schools, coffee houses, and television. However, it is in recent years that pre-recorded stand-up specials have gained significant popularity, thanks to platforms like Netflix. Now, audiences can enjoy a plethora of comedy specials that are guaranteed to induce laughter. In addition to that, women have made a significant impact in the comedy genre.

Many of the top female stand-up comedians featured on Netflix started their careers performing in small coffee houses, while others were already established as talented actors and writers before transitioning into stand-up comedy. Netflix consistently adds fresh stand-up specials to its collection, introducing new faces like Nicole Byer, Ms. Pat, and London Hughes. These emerging performers, along with established Netflix veterans like Ali Wong, bring forth some of the most hilarious and captivating stand-up material. Regardless of their background, these talented female comedians have produced specials that are a must-watch for anyone seeking a good laugh on Netflix.

Iliza Shlesinger

Irreverent and hilarious, Iliza Shlesinger is widely regarded as one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Originally from Dallas, TX, Shlesinger gained recognition by winning NBC's Last Comic Standing in 2008. Her comedic talent shines through in her impressive collection of six Netflix comedy specials. Currently, five of these specials are available for streaming, offering viewers a delightful mix of laughs and entertainment. These include Freezing Hot, Confirmed Kills, Unveiled, Elder Millennial, and Hot Forever. In addition to her stand-up specials, Shlesinger also showcases her comedic prowess in The Iliza Schlesinger Sketch Show, an uproarious series that cleverly parodies pop culture and offers social commentary through its eccentric characters and wild skits. And for those who can't get enough of Shlesinger's wit, she also appears in the Netflix original film, Spenser Confidential.

Katherine Ryan

Katherine Ryan, a Canadian comedian residing in the U.K., has established herself as one of Netflix's top female stand-up comedians. In her comedic performances, Ryan often incorporates her roots and family. She humorously references her hometown of Sarnia, Ontario, and playfully remarks on how her daughter's British accent gives her the resemblance of a "tiny inefficient butler." Over the past few years, Ryan's stand-up specials In Trouble and The Glitter Room have gained immense popularity on Netflix. Additionally, she showcases her talent in the Netflix original series The Duchess and serves as the host of All That Glitters.

Nicole Byer

Audiences may be familiar with Nicole Byer as the host of Netflix's Nailed It. However, comedy enthusiasts are well-acquainted with Byer through her appearances in the comedy world and her reputation as one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Besides hosting her own show Why Won't You Date Me?, Byer is also a beloved guest on popular podcasts like Comedy Bang! Bang! and Doughboys. In 2021, viewers were treated to her stand-up special, Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo), where she delivers original comedy that touches on various topics, ranging from her personal life to the peculiarities of the early days of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ali Wong

Ali Wong has garnered critical acclaim for her stand-up Netflix specials Hard Knock Wife and Baby Cobra, solidifying her position as one of the top female comedians on the platform. With her exceptional talent in comedy, acting, and writing, Wong has made a significant impact in the industry. She has contributed as a writer for Fresh Off The Boat and is a main cast member of American Housewives. Additionally, Wong has showcased her versatility in the miniseries Beef and lent her voice to characters in Tuca and Bertie and Big Mouth, all of which can be streamed on Netflix. In February 2022, Wong released her latest stand-up special, Ali Wong: Don Wong, where she elevates her comedic prowess to new heights.

Ms. Pat

Ms. Pat's stand-up special on Netflix, titled "Ms. Pat: Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy?", is hailed as one of the finest contributions by a female comedian on the platform. As an emerging talent, she has made appearances on various podcasts, as well as in Netflix's acclaimed series "The Degenerates" and her own show, "The Ms. Pat Show." Released in February 2022, the hour-long special showcases Ms. Pat's exceptional comedic skills as she shares captivating anecdotes from her life with a hilarious flair and delivers unforgettable punchlines. Additionally, she can be seen in a 30-minute set on the stand-up series "The Degenerates."

Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate has showcased her talent in various comedy series like Parks and Recreation and House of Lies. She has lent her voice to animated films such as Zootopia and The Secret Life Of Pets, and has also taken on a more serious role in the movie Gifted. In addition, Slate has established herself as one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix with her special, Stage Fright. This comedy special stands out due to its unique blend of biography and stand-up. Interwoven with her live performance are video clips of conversations with her family and home videos from her childhood, creating a special that feels intimate and personal.

Leslie Jones

Many viewers are familiar with Leslie Jones as a talented comedian, but she is undoubtedly one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Having been a cast member on SNL for multiple years during the mid-2010s, Jones has also showcased her comedic skills in popular comedy series like Workaholics and blockbuster films such as Ghostbusters and Sing. Now, she has her own stand-up special on Netflix titled Time Machine, which was released in early 2020. In this special, Jones takes center stage and humorously reflects on the amusing aspects of aging and looking back on life.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish has established herself as one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix, with an impressive career spanning several years. Early on, she showcased her talent in popular TV shows like That's So Raven, New Girl, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Breaking barriers, Haddish became the first Black female stand-up comedian to host an episode of Saturday Night Live. Additionally, her book, The Last Black Unicorn, achieved great success by securing a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Netflix features two of her comedy specials, She Ready and Black Mitzvah, both highly acclaimed. Moreover, Haddish presents her series called They Ready, where she handpicks talented comedians to showcase their comedic skills.

London Hughes

London Hughes is a talented British comedian and is widely recognized as one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Many of her fans may recognize her from her impressive work on BBC's Laughter Shock, a popular comedy show that captivated audiences in the early 2010s. In addition to this, she has also made appearances on other renowned British comedy shows like Newsjack, and even starred in hit series such as Fleabag. However, it was in late 2020 that this award-winning comedian truly stole the spotlight with her very own special on Netflix, titled London Hughes: To Catch A D*ck. In this special, London takes center stage and fearlessly dives into the complexities of dating, sex, and relationships, offering a unique and hilarious perspective. With her remarkable talent, London Hughes delivers an unforgettable performance that truly showcases her brilliance as a comedian.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes gained her initial recognition in the comedy industry as a writer for The Chris Rock Show and has emerged as one of the most outstanding female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Not only has she showcased her acting skills in recent roles on ABC's Black-ish and in various films, but she has also proven herself to be a talented voice actress. Entertainment Weekly even recognized her as one of the 25 funniest individuals in America. Despite her achievements, Sykes's stand-up specials, Not Normal and I'm an Entertainer, remain somewhat undiscovered gems on Netflix. In these specials, she fearlessly delves into subjects such as aging, politics, and relationships, leaving audiences in stitches. Additionally, she delivers a remarkable performance on Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration, showcasing her versatility and humor.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman has gained a reputation for fearlessly tackling controversial subjects such as racism, sexism, and politics in her comedic performances, often leaving audiences shocked and amazed by her jokes. In her Netflix special, A Speck of Dust, Silverman continues to demonstrate her prowess as one of the top female stand-up comedians on the platform. However, this particular special exudes a more relaxed vibe compared to her previous masterpiece, Sarah Silverman's Jesus is Magic. It showcases a new facet of Silverman's comedic persona, perhaps influenced by her maturity and extensive experience in the industry, while still staying true to her distinctive style.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby, an Australian comedian, is revolutionizing the world of comedy with her stand-up performances. She has earned the reputation of being one of the most talented female stand-up comedians featured on Netflix. In her highly acclaimed special, Nanette, Gadsby skillfully combines humor with addressing the challenges she has faced as a queer woman and sheds light on the profound social injustices endured by the LGBTQ+ community. Her subsequent special, Douglas, builds upon this dialogue by sharing her personal encounters with misogyny and playfully mocking American culture. Both Nanette and Douglas can be streamed on Netflix.

Fortune Feimster

The North Carolina-born comedian Fortune Feimster made her television debut on NBC's Last Comic Standing in 2010. With two Netflix specials to her name, she has established herself as one of the top female stand-up comedians on the platform. Feimster has an impressive list of credits, including appearances on Chelsea Lately, The Mindy Project, and Soul. However, it is her two Netflix stand-up specials, Sweet & Salty and Good Fortune, that have truly catapulted her to fame. Her comedic style often revolves around lighthearted jokes about her Southern upbringing, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and various anecdotes from her life, ranging from coming out to getting engaged.

Leanne Morgan

Leanne Morgan's talent as a stand-up comedian is undeniable, as proven by her recent Netflix special, I'm Every Woman. Hailing from Tennessee, this mother of three started her stand-up career at the age of 57 and has since experienced remarkable success. Interestingly, Morgan's journey began with her selling jewelry door to door, but her clients quickly recognized her comedic prowess and started booking her for performances instead. With millions of views on her first YouTube special, Morgan's relatable style and distinctive Tennessee drawl have captivated audiences, leaving them in fits of laughter with her comedic tales of motherhood.

Taylor Tomlinson

Witty and irreverent, Taylor Tomlinson delves into her experiences and personal growth as a young adult, as well as her journey towards improving her mental health, in her two captivating Netflix specials, Quarter Life Crisis and Look at You. Prior to becoming one of Netflix's most talented female stand-up comedians, Tomlinson embarked on her comedy career at the age of 16, when her father enrolled her in a stand-up class. Her exceptional talent led her to become a finalist in the renowned competition Last Comic Standing and be recognized as one of Variety's "Top 10 Comics to Watch." In addition to her stand-up success, Tomlinson hosts her own podcast titled Sad in the City and has also achieved significant popularity on the social media platform TikTok.

Michelle Wolf

Michelle Wolf gained notoriety for her provocative performance at the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association. However, she has also established herself as one of Netflix's top female stand-up comedians. Prior to her memorable appearance at the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner, Wolf worked as a writer and regular contributor on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Currently, she serves as the host of the Netflix series The Break with Michelle Wolf, a comedic talk show. In her special, Joke Show, Wolf showcases her trademark style of biting humor, taking aim at subjects ranging from the culture of outrage to the experience of childbirth.

Michelle Buteau

Michelle Buteau, an industry veteran, has risen to become one of Netflix's top female stand-up comedians. While many recognize her as the host of The Circle, Buteau also showcases her talent as the host of the acclaimed podcast Late Night Whenever!, named one of the best podcasts of 2018 by Time. In 2020, she released her debut book, a collection of personal essays titled Survival of the Thickest. Furthermore, her 2021 Netflix stand-up special, Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia, earned her a Critics Choice Television Award. In this special, Buteau fearlessly incorporates her raunchy and playful humor to delve into topics such as parenthood, relationships, and cultural disparities.

Naomi Ekperigin

Some may recognize Naomi Ekperigin for her role as the long-suffering HR rep Carol in the Apple TV+ show Mythic Quest. However, she is also highly regarded as one of the top female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Ekperigin began her career as a writer's assistant for the series Broad City and eventually worked her way up to becoming a full-time writer for the show. In 2016, she had the opportunity to showcase her comedic talents with a half-hour comedy special on Comedy Central. Additionally, Ekperigin is a regular performer on the popular podcast 2 Dope Queens. Fans can catch her in the third season of Netflix's The Standups, where she delivers a captivating 30-minute set covering a range of topics, including self-care and her humorous feud with an orangutan named Karen.

Janelle James

Janelle James has gained recognition for her role as Ava Coleman in the award-winning series Abbott Elementary, but she's also established herself as one of Netflix's top female stand-up comedians. Although she hasn't had her own solo special, her 30-minute sets in Netflix's The Standups season 3 and The Comedy Lineup Part 2 showcase her comedic prowess. James fearlessly tackles current events in her performances and shares her experiences of navigating through the COVID lockdown with her two teenage sons. Additionally, her opening act for Chris Rock on the Total Blackout tour in 2017 and her remarkable portrayal of Coleman on Abbott Elementary have earned her nominations at prestigious award ceremonies such as the Emmys, Golden Globes, and the Screen Actors Guild awards.

Melissa Villaseñor

Melissa Villaseñor, a former cast member of SNL, is currently one of the most talented female stand-up comedians featured on Netflix. Her 30-minute set on The Standups is a delightful rollercoaster of laughter from beginning to end. Prior to her time on SNL, Villaseñor showcased her skills as a semifinalist on America's Got Talent and lent her voice to popular shows such as Family Guy, Adventure Time, and TripTank. In her stand-up routine, she effortlessly incorporates her signature awkward humor, hilariously riffing on topics like affirmations and humorous conversations with her mother. It is worth noting that Villaseñor made history as the first Latina to be promoted to preparatory status on SNL.

Nikki Glaser

With her bold sense of humor and unfiltered approach, Nikki Glaser is undeniably one of the most talented female stand-up comedians featured on Netflix. Glaser has established her presence in the industry over the years, making memorable appearances on popular shows like Conan, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and even competing in two seasons of Last Comic Standing. Additionally, she has showcased her comedic prowess as a roaster in several Comedy Central roasts, taking aim at notable figures such as Bruce Willis and Rob Lowe. In 2019, Glaser's hour-long special, Bangin', made its way to Netflix, where she fearlessly tackled subjects like sex and sobriety with raw honesty. For those seeking shorter comedy sets, Glaser also has performances on The Degenerates and The Stand-ups, both available for streaming on Netflix.

Aparna Nancherla

Writer, actress, and comedian Aparna Nancherla is widely recognized as one of the most talented female stand-up comedians featured on Netflix. Her uproarious performance in The Standups season 2 solidifies her reputation in the comedy world. Nancherla's career began as a staff writer for Totally Biased and has since flourished as she contributed her writing skills to Late Night with Seth Meyers and various web series like Your Main Thing and Womanhood. Additionally, she co-hosts the podcast Blue Woman Group, which delves into topics of depression and mental health, showcasing her unique and relatable style of comedy.

Christina P

The fearless comedy style of Christina P sets her apart, making her one of the most exceptional female stand-up comedians on Netflix. In addition to her stand-up career, Christina P also showcases her talents as a podcaster and writer. She co-hosts the popular podcast Your Mom's House alongside her comedian husband Tom Segura, whose comedy specials are also available on Netflix. Moreover, she hosts the engaging podcast Where My Mom's At?, featuring notable guests such as Alyssa Milano and Hila Klein. Christina P skillfully incorporates the challenges of motherhood into her comedic routines, as seen in her Netflix specials, Mother Inferior and Mom Genes, as well as her performance on The Degenerates.

Cristela Alonzo

Cristela Alonzo, the trailblazing Latina comedian, holds the distinction of being the first woman to create, produce, write, and star in her own primetime comedy series, Cristela. Not only that, she is also recognized as one of the most talented female stand-up comedians on Netflix. Her impressive journey began in 2010 when she reached the semifinals of Last Comic Standing, catapulting her to further success. As a result, she made memorable appearances on esteemed talk shows like Conan, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, among others. Alonzo's comedic prowess is showcased in her two one-hour specials on Netflix, namely Lower Classy and Middle Classy. Renowned for her storytelling abilities, she captivates audiences with tales of tough love from her mother and her experiences of growing up in poverty.

Whitney Cummings

Whitney Cummings, a highly prolific comedian, showcases her immense talent in her two stand-up specials currently available on Netflix. As the creator of the hit sitcom 2 Broke Girls and the host of the podcast Good For You, Cummings has also ventured into directing with her debut indie film, The Female Brain. With her irreverent and clever style, she has mastered the art of observational comedy, effortlessly transforming ordinary subjects into uproarious moments. Alongside her extensive list of accomplishments, her Netflix specials, Jokes and Can I Touch It?, highlight Cummings' comedic brilliance at its best.