There’s comedy all around New York City, but it can be difficult to figure out which shows are REALLY worth watching.
As a co-producer for Comedians on the Loose, I have seen MANY shows of fellow producers whether it’s a bar show or a show at an established comedy venue.
I’ve chosen my top picks for shows (in no particular order) on the New York comedy scene that I truly believe are worth checking out.
Take a look!
Here’s the Thing…
Do you listen to comics and think they're trying to sound like Seinfeld or they use hack phrases? Do you enjoy alcohol and punishment? “Here's the Thing…” combines all these elements by trying to break comics of some of their bad stage habits!
Through performing and observing comics, Sandy Chansamone and Luis Leon noticed several words and phrases overused in stand up.
It's too easy to sound like a “comic,” but it takes a lot more work to write a good, tight joke.
The show compiles a list of phrases comics overuse ("like," "the other day", and "here's the thing..." to name a few). If a comic says any of those phrases, the audience and the hosts honk a horn or blow into a kazoo and the punishment is to take a shot of beer on the spot! It's like a form of comedy hazing that’s fun and interactive for the audience and leaves the comic enlightened about their bad habits.
“Here’s the Thing…” is every third Wednesday at 7:30 Pm at QED: A Place To Show & Tell in Astoria. Check out their Facebook page (not to be confused with Alec Baldwin’s podcast of the same name that has a lot more followers).
Sucker Punch: A Weekly Stand-up Comedy Show
Sucker Punch is the flagship weekly stand-up showcase produced and hosted by former gay nightlife twink promoter Justin Zirilli (once known as Justin Luke in his gay glory days). Every week brings a diverse line-up of eight-plus stand-ups from around the country to Boxers Upper East Side, NYC’s newest gay sports bar (it’s like Hooters, except the topless bartenders are dudes!)
Justin prides himself on scouring the city for the best up-and-coming talent that won’t charge him to come perform, and looks forward to the day he can trick Bianca Del Rio into performing as his headliner.
Sucker Punch is every Tuesday at 9:00 PM. There is no cover and no drink minimum!
Hot and Bothered
Co-hosted and produced by Krista Komondor and Laurel Cummings, Hot and Bothered always “goes there” and never disappoints. TimeOut NY writes:
If you’re looking for that unconventional vibe of coffee shop raunch, Hot and Bothered is the way to go! The show runs every first Wednesday of the month at Black Cat LES, an emerging comedy spot in the Lower East Side. Doors open at 7:30 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM. It’s free to watch and one item minimum.
Comedy Fight Club
Comedy Fight Club is an underground roast battle sensation!
Produced and hosted by Matt Maran, the show challenges comedians to step into the fighters circle and insult each other in the most vicious and savage ways you've ever seen.
Anything goes in the CFC Arena. No topic or subject is off limits. Audience applause determines the winner so everyone in the crowd has a say in the show, which is why the most important rule of Comedy Fight Club is "NO F**KING PITY CLAPS!" This is where sympathy comes to die. If someone is going to lose, you will let them lose with dignity.
The show’s panel of officials includes “The Duchess” Maddy Smith, “The Spirit Animal” Justin Lanza, “The Bishop” Andrew Casertano, and Chris Crespo as the “Comedy Fight Club Mascot.” This show is not for the faint of heart, but it is hysterical in the most horrifying of ways.
This is brutality. This is humiliation. Anything goes, no holds barred. THIS IS COMEDY FIGHT CLUB!
If you want to see a comedy bloodbath check out Comedy Fight Club on Sunday nights at 10PM at Lucky Jacks in the Lower East Side.
The Last Laugh
For a high energy show packed with laughs, “The Last Laugh” is the best way to get your last laugh before your miserable week begins!
Hosted by Gianmarco Soresi & Jay Schmidt, you’ll see a fantastic line up with some of New York City’s best talent! Previous guests include Aparna Nancherla, Christian Finnegan, Jena Friedman, Roy Wood Jr. and Mark Normand.
The Last Laugh is every Sunday at the PIT Underground (123 E. 24th St.) and starts at 8:00 PM. Check out their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates!
There you have it! My top picks for comedy shows on the NYC scene!
Got any of your favorite shows not listed here? Comment below and let us know what’s up!