A Guide to the Best Standup Comedy

The Top 10 Standup Comedians and Specials of All Time

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🎤 THE 10 GREATEST STANDUP COMEDIANS & SPECIALS OF ALL TIME 🔥

From raw truth-tellers to fearless provocateurs, these legends didn’t just make us laugh — they changed the game forever. According to THIS & THAT’s comedy experts, here’s the definitive GOAT-tier list:

🏆 Top 10 Comedians

1️⃣ Dave Chappelle – The master storyteller. No one blends social critique with laugh-out-loud absurdity like Chappelle.

2️⃣ Richard Pryor – The original genius. His vulnerability redefined what standup could be.

3️⃣ George Carlin – The philosopher of profanity. Still unmatched in wit, wordplay, and vision.

4️⃣ Ricky Gervais – A fearless satirist who dares you to laugh at the uncomfortable.

5️⃣ Joe Rogan – Part monk, part meathead — his standup mixes intellect, psychedelics, and punchlines.

6️⃣ Shane Gillis – Blue-collar chaos meets sharp writing. A rising great with “Live in Austin.”

7️⃣ Louis C.K. – Dark, self-aware, and brutally honest. “Hilarious” is exactly that.

8️⃣ Andrew Schulz – The king of crowd work, with viral genius in “Infamous.”

9️⃣ Bill Burr – Boston rage meets surgical insight. Always pushing the line.

🔟 Eddie Murphy – “Raw” put him in a class of his own — slick, sharp, and unforgettable.

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Hart, Bert Kreischer, Chris Rock, Tom Segura, Sam Morril, Robin Williams, Daniel Tosh, Sebastian Maniscalco, Anthony Jesselnik, Mark Normand, Ari Shaffir, Gabriel Iglesias, Pete Davidson, Chris Distefano, Yannis Pappas, Andrew Santino, Matt Rife

🔥 HIGHEST RATED STANDUP SPECIALS OF ALL TIME 🔥

Our THIS & THAT comedy experts have ranked the absolute best standup specials ever. How many have you watched?

1️⃣ DAVE CHAPPELLE - "Killin' Them Softly" (2000)

Chappelle's breakthrough special delivering unfiltered social commentary with his signature laid-back style. His bits on police, race relations, and late-night Sesame Street remain timeless.

2️⃣ GEORGE CARLIN - "Complaints & Grievances" (2001)

The legendary wordsmith at his philosophical best, tearing apart everyday annoyances with surgical precision. Nobody dissects language and human behavior quite like Carlin.

3️⃣ DAVE CHAPPELLE - "For What It's Worth" (2004)

Lightning strikes twice as Chappelle solidifies his GOAT status. His storytelling reaches new heights, especially in the infamous baby selling drugs at 3 AM bit.

4️⃣ JOE ROGAN - "Rocky Mountain High" (2014)

Recorded in Denver, Rogan brings his raw, conversational style to topics from weed legalization to technology addiction with his unique blend of bro-philosophy and genuine curiosity.

5️⃣ ANDREW SCHULZ - "INFAMOUS" (2022)

The new-school king of crowd work delivers sharply crafted jokes with impeccable timing. Schulz proves why he's the most dangerous comic in a PC era.

6️⃣ RICHARD PRYOR - "Live on the Sunset Strip" (1982)

The most influential standup of all time transforms personal tragedy into comedic gold. His freebasing accident story showcases Pryor's untouchable vulnerability and genius.

7️⃣ LOUIS C.K. - "Hilarious" (2010)

Peak C.K. delivers brilliant observations on modern parenting, technology, and human stupidity. His ability to make you laugh at the darkest thoughts remains unparalleled.

8️⃣ SHANE GILLIS - "Live in Austin" (2021)

Small-town charm meets razor-sharp writing. Gillis's everyman perspective and impeccable delivery prove why he's comedy's fastest-rising star.

9️⃣ RICHARD PRYOR - "Live & Smokin'" (1971)

Raw and revolutionary, this early Pryor special captures his transition from clean comic to the authentic voice that would change comedy forever.

🔟 GEORGE CARLIN - "Jammin' in New York" (1992)

Political correctness, environmentalism, war—nothing escapes Carlin's critical eye in this perfect blend of social criticism and masterful joke writing.

➕ Plus honorable mentions to Dave Chappelle's "Deep in the Heart of Texas" and "Equanimity," George Carlin's "You Are All Diseased," Joe Rogan's "Live From The Tabernacle" and "Live From The Belly Of The Beast," and Eddie Murphy's game-changing "Raw."

The Top 10 Comics Best Individual Special

🎤 THIS & THAT: Top Standup Comedians & Specials of All Time 🔥

From legendary pioneers to modern-day assassins, these comedians and their iconic specials have redefined the art of stand-up. Here's who made the cut — and why:

1️⃣ Dave Chappelle – Killin’ Them Softly

A flawless set. Razor-sharp social commentary meets absurd hilarity. Arguably the greatest standup special ever.

2️⃣ Richard Pryor – Live On The Sunset Strip

Raw, personal, and groundbreaking. Pryor turns pain into gut-wrenching comedy.

3️⃣ George Carlin – Complaints & Grievances

A masterclass in language, politics, and truth bombs. Carlin was decades ahead of his time.

4️⃣ Ricky Gervais – INFAMOUS

Fearless and unfiltered, Gervais leans into cancel culture with a wicked grin.

5️⃣ Joe Rogan – Rocky Mountain High

Psychedelics, politics, and primal instincts—this is Rogan at his most unleashed.

6️⃣ Shane Gillis – Live in Austin

A modern blue-collar classic. Controversial, clever, and culturally spot-on.

7️⃣ Louis C.K. – Hilarious

A brutally honest dissection of everyday absurdities. The title doesn't lie.

8️⃣ Andrew Schulz – INFAMOUS (2022)

High energy, hyper-intelligent crowd work + fearlessly offensive takes = viral brilliance.

9️⃣ Bill Burr – Let It Go (Bonus Mention)

Boston rage meets sharp insight. Burr walks the line and never slips.

🔟 Eddie Murphy – Raw

A time capsule of ‘80s comedy greatness. Murphy's charisma and edge are unmatched.

TL;DR

🎬 Top 10 Comedy Specials Ever

✅ Chappelle – Killin’ Them Softly

✅ Pryor – Live on the Sunset Strip

✅ Carlin – Jammin’ in New York✅ Chappelle – For What It’s Worth

✅ Rogan – Rocky Mountain High

✅ Schulz – Infamous

✅ Louis CK – Hilarious

✅ Gillis – Live in Austin

✅ Carlin – Complaints & Grievances

✅ Murphy – Raw