The 15 Funniest Black Female Comedians Dominating Stand-Up And TV Right Now (2025)

The landscape of comedy is being brilliantly reshaped by a powerhouse generation of Black female comedians. From Emmy-winning creators to stand-up veterans selling out arenas, these artists are not just telling jokes; they are delivering sharp social commentary, relatable stories on motherhood and marriage, and groundbreaking performances that resonate globally. This list, updated for December 13, 2025, highlights the most famous and currently active Black women in comedy whose recent work ensures they are dominating the industry.

The transition of many comedians from the stand-up stage to major television and film roles has solidified their status as cultural icons. Their unique voices—often bold, unapologetic, and deeply insightful—are setting new standards for comedic excellence across platforms like Netflix, HBO, and network television. Here are the 15 most influential Black female comedians whose careers are at an undeniable peak right now.

The New Comedy Vanguard: Creators and Multi-Hyphenates

This section focuses on the women who are not only performing but also writing, producing, and starring in their own critically acclaimed projects, demonstrating immense topical authority in the current media environment.

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1. Quinta Brunson: The Sitcom Architect

Quinta Brunson is arguably the most influential comedic voice in network television today. Her creation, the mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, has earned her multiple Emmy Awards, including a historic win as the first Black woman to receive three comedy Emmy nominations in the same year.

• Recent Project (2024/2025): Brunson is expanding her cinematic footprint by starring in, co-writing, and producing the Universal Pictures comedy feature Par for the Course.
• Comedic Style: Observational, heartfelt, and centered on workplace dynamics and social commentary, particularly around education and the public school system.
• Key Entities: Abbott Elementary, Emmy Awards, Universal Pictures, Par for the Course, writer-producer, Philadelphia native.

2. Ayo Edebiri: The Golden Globe Winner

Though primarily known for her breakout dramatic-comedy role as Sydney Adamu on The Bear, Ayo Edebiri has a strong foundation in stand-up and sketch comedy. Her rapid ascent has made her one of the most talked-about performers in 2024 and 2025.

• Recent Project (2024): Edebiri won a Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a Musical/Comedy Series and hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) in February 2024, seamlessly blending her comedic timing into the sketch format.
• Comedic Style: Quick-witted, dry, intellectual humor often delivered with a deadpan style; she started as a stand-up comedian and writer.
• Key Entities: The Bear, Golden Globes, SNL host, comedy writer, Sydney Adamu, sketch comedy, rising star.

3. Janelle James: The Scene-Stealing Principal

Janelle James has achieved massive fame for her portrayal of the stylish and hilariously self-absorbed Principal Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary, a role that has earned her multiple Emmy nominations.

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• Recent Project (2024/2025): James continues her role in the highly anticipated Season 4 of Abbott Elementary and is set to host the new ABC game show The Final Straw. She also lent her voice to the 2024 animated film The Garfield Movie.
• Comedic Style: Confident, sarcastic, and often dark observational humor, with a unique stage presence.
• Key Entities: Principal Ava Coleman, ABC, The Final Straw, The Garfield Movie, voice acting, stand-up special, Emmy nominee.

Stand-Up Legends and Touring Powerhouses

These women are the veterans and current queens of the stand-up comedy circuit, consistently releasing hit specials and embarking on major national tours, proving the enduring power of live comedy.

4. Wanda Sykes: The Trailblazer

A true icon, Wanda Sykes is celebrated for her sharp wit and incisive social and political commentary. Her career spans decades, from being a writer on The Chris Rock Show to starring in her own successful series and specials.

• Recent Project (2024): Sykes is currently on her major national stand-up tour, the "Please & Thank You" tour, marking her first major live shows since the pandemic. Her latest Netflix special, I'm an Entertainer, received a Grammy nomination.
• Comedic Style: Acerbic, politically charged, and observational, often focusing on marriage, family life, and current events.
• Key Entities: "Please & Thank You" tour, Netflix special, I'm an Entertainer, Grammy nomination, The Upshaws, The Chris Rock Show, social commentary.

5. Michelle Buteau: The Buteau-ful Mind

Michelle Buteau has become a beloved fixture in comedy, known for her candid, high-energy delivery and discussions of motherhood, marriage, and body positivity. She is also the host of the reality show The Circle.

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• Recent Project (2024): Buteau released her second Netflix stand-up special, Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind, on December 31, 2024. The special was notably taped at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, a significant milestone for any comedian.
• Comedic Style: Relatable, energetic, and unapologetically honest, covering topics like parenting twins and Hollywood life.
• Key Entities: Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind, Netflix, Radio City Music Hall, Welcome to Buteaupia, Critics Choice Award, The Circle, motherhood.

6. Tiffany Haddish: Funny and Fearless

Tiffany Haddish shot to mainstream stardom with the 2017 film Girls Trip and has maintained her prominence through numerous film roles and stand-up specials.

• Recent Project (2025): Haddish is currently performing on her "Funny & Fearless Tour," with dates scheduled well into 2025, proving her enduring popularity on the live circuit.
• Comedic Style: Raw, autobiographical, and high-energy storytelling, often drawing on her challenging life experiences.
• Key Entities: "Funny & Fearless Tour," Girls Trip, Black Mitzvah, Grammy winner, Emmy winner, stand-up comedian, Lil Rel Howery.

The Next Wave: Rising Stars and Unique Voices

The following comedians are either established stars with recent major projects or rising talents who are redefining the boundaries of comedy with their unique formats and perspectives.

7. Leslie Jones: Unfiltered Energy

A former cast member of Saturday Night Live, Leslie Jones is known for her loud, unfiltered, and deeply expressive comedic style. Her energy is infectious, making her a formidable presence on any stage. She has recently been focusing on her live stand-up performances and appearances.

• Key Entities: SNL alum, Ghostbusters, Olympic commentary, celebrity roasting, high-energy performance.

8. Nicole Byer: The Beloved Host

Nicole Byer is a multi-talented comedian, actress, and podcast host, best known for hosting the Emmy-nominated Netflix reality baking show, Nailed It!.

• Recent Project (2024): Byer performed a full "An Evening of Crowd Work" special in 2024, showcasing her incredible improvisational skills and connection with the audience. She also continues to tour and perform one-night-only stand-up shows.
• Key Entities: Nailed It!, Emmy-nominated, podcast host, Why Won't You Date Me?, crowd work, improvisational comedy, touring comedian.

9. Zainab Johnson: Sharp and Smooth

Zainab Johnson is a rising star with a distinct, smooth, and sharp comedic voice. A former math teacher, she brings a depth and thoughtful edge to her stand-up.

• Key Entities: Rising Black women in comedy, thoughtful humor, former math teacher, stand-up star, distinct voice.

10. Ziwe: The Satirical Interviewer

Ziwe Fumudoh, known simply as Ziwe, has carved out a unique niche with her satirical, cringe-comedy interview style that boldly tackles race, culture, and politics. She rose to prominence with her Instagram Live series and later her self-titled Showtime variety series.

• Key Entities: Satirical comedy, Showtime, Instagram Live, culture commentary, variety series, cringe-comedy, Ziwe Fumudoh.

The Essential List of Influential Black Female Comedians

The depth of talent in Black female comedy ensures the future of the art form is bright. The following entities are also essential figures shaping the current comedy scene:

• Maya Rudolph: Known for her brilliant impressions and sketch work on SNL and in films like Bridesmaids.
• Loni Love: A veteran stand-up and former co-host of the daytime talk show The Real, known for her relatable humor.
• Sasheer Zamata: An SNL alum who brings a thoughtful and distinct voice to her observational humor.
• Ego Nwodim: A current standout cast member on SNL, celebrated for her character work and impressions.
• Jessica Williams: A former correspondent on The Daily Show who has successfully transitioned into acting roles while maintaining her comedic roots.
• Gina Yashere: A British comedian best known for her appearances on Last Comic Standing and as a co-creator/star of Bob Hearts Abishola.
• Marie Faustin: A rising voice on the stand-up circuit, often featured on lists of the next generation of comedic talent.

The Impact of Black Women on Modern Comedy

The collective work of these Black female comedians represents more than just entertainment; it is a cultural force. They are leveraging their platforms to push boundaries, challenge societal norms, and ensure diverse stories are told. The success of shows like Abbott Elementary and the massive popularity of stand-up tours by legends like Wanda Sykes and Tiffany Haddish demonstrate a huge demand for their perspectives.

From the pioneering work of Adele Givens, Mo’Nique, Sommore, and Laura Hayes—who were crowned "The Queens of Comedy" in the early 2000s—to the current generation of multi-hyphenates, Black women have always been central to the evolution of comedy. The current era is defined by unprecedented control, with artists like Quinta Brunson and Ziwe creating, writing, and starring in their own highly personal and influential content.

This topical authority is a direct result of their willingness to be authentic, whether discussing the complexities of race, the chaos of motherhood, or the absurdity of modern life. They are not just comedians; they are writers, producers, hosts, and actors who are shaping the future of entertainment, one hilarious and insightful project at a time. The continued emergence of new talent, supported by festivals like the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest, ensures this powerful comedic tradition will only grow stronger.