160 Funny Christmas Jokes for Kids and Adults (2024)

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20 Of The Funniest Female Comedians Of All Time

If you're rolling your eyes at the very existence of this story, I understand: It would be great if we were in a place societally where we didn't separate performers by gender, and instead just focused on who's the funniest. As 30 Rock's Liz Lemon shouts at a colleague who derisively asks her to name some truly funny women, "I'm not going to answer this question with a list! It's insulting." What's more, nonbinary comics like Jes Tom and River L. Ramirez are creating brilliant work that can't be grouped into the often limiting cis-male/-female category—and that's something to be celebrated.

Why, then, do we persist in specifically elevating the achievements of the relatively few female comedians who've made it big? For one thing, male comedians still get the majority of stand-up bookings and plum TV comedy-writing gigs. So in honor of every woman who's ever been passed over for a punch-up job or talked over at a pitch meeting, we've made a list of 20 women throughout history who consistently hit us right in the funny bone. Enjoy!

Moms Mabley

Chitlin' Circuit veteran and pioneering Black lesbian stand-up Moms Mabley was the definition of a comedy trailblazer, addressing topics like racism and sexuality that were often deemed controversial. It's hard to imagine where comedy would be today without her influence.

Gilda Radner

Is there anyone out there who doesn't love Gilda Radner? The Saturday Night Live comedian was one of the show's original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, and her characters—including personal-advice dispenser Roseanne Roseannadanna and Barbara Walters parody Baba Wawa—live on, even though Radner tragically passed away from ovarian cancer at 42.

Joan Rivers

Oh, Joan. Was there anyone funnier, meaner, or more all-around terrifying? From her stand-up to her E! Hosting stints and her namesake talk show, Rivers challenged how women were expected to express themselves in public, consistently dropping genius, self-deprecating one-liners like "I've had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware."

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes was named one of the funniest people in America by Entertainment Weekly way back in 2004, but frankly, it should have been earlier. The stand-up and actor got her big break as a writer on The Chris Rock Show, and ever since she's redefined what's often dismissively termed female comedy with her razor-sharp wit. There's a reason she's been nominated for 17 Emmys!

Margaret Cho

Justice for Margaret Cho's too-good-for-its-time sitcom, All-American Girl! Okay, it was decidedly not perfect, but it was the first prime-time sitcom to feature an Asian American family, and Cho has rarely been given the credit she deserves for her boundary-pushing perspectives on cultural identity and queerness. (Also see her very funny recent turn in 2022's Fire Island.)

Melissa McCarthy

If I think too long about Melissa McCarthy's delivery of the line "I'm not going to say I survived...I'm going to say I thrived" in the 2011 film Bridesmaids, I still get the giggles. No less an authority than Mindy Kaling extolled the virtues of the Gilmore Girls alum's performance, writing in her debut memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, "You don't often hear the words captivating and gross used to describe the same character in a movie, but Melissa McCarthy managed to evoke both in the very best ways." Firmly agree.

Tiffany Haddish

The world collectively became obsessed with Tiffany Haddish when she stole every scene in the 2017 buddy comedy Girls Trip, but she was doing hilarious stand-up and consistent guest-star roles on comedies long before that. In the animated series Tuca & Bertie, Haddish and costar Ali Wong also got to marry their genius comic timing to genuinely emotional and thought-provoking depictions of young women (okay, birds) over three seasons.

Jenny Slate

I first fell for Jenny Slate when she accidentally dropped the F-bomb on Saturday Night Live, and her career has only gotten richer and more interesting since she left the show. She went on to star in the 2014 abortion rom-com (yes, they exist!) Obvious Child, working much of her own stand-up into the role of Donna, a struggling comedian; and who can forget her work on Parks and Recreation (as Mona-Lisa Saperstein) or Marcel the shell?

Patti Harrison

I don't think there's a comedian working today who makes me as consistently sick to my stomach with laughter as Patti Harrison, whether she's guest-starring on I Think You Should Leave, getting banned from Twitter for impersonating Nilla Wafers, singing nonsense songs in her stand-up act, or delivering a perfectly improvised line in Theater Camp. Hey, Netflix, when's her special dropping??

Leslie Jones

A comic since college, Leslie Jones was a fan-favorite cast member on Saturday Night Live before appearing in projects like the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot and the Max series Our Flag Means Death (in which she played a a polyamorous pirate).

Tig Notaro

A master of deadpan humor, Tig Notaro has left an indelible mark on our screens, spanning from her early days on Comedy Central Presents to her more recent work on Star Trek: Discovery. Her stand-up special Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted, earned an Emmy nomination in 2016, while her comedy albums have garnered multiple Grammy nods.

Nicole Byer

You might know Nicole Byer from shows like Nailed It! Or BoJack Horseman, but her stand-up comedy demands its own spotlight. Delivering raunchy content with infectious energy, Byer can absolutely captivate an audience, perfectly blending the charming and bizarre.

Michelle Buteau

Michelle Buteau isn't only a joy to watch on television and in films (see: Survival of the Thickest on Max and Pamela Adlon's Babes), but also the host of a delightful podcast, Adulting. With her infectious laugh and relatable brand of humor—touching on topics like body positivity, motherhood, and her New Jersey roots—she doesn't cede attention easily.

Ali Wong

If you're not already familiar with Ali Wong's work, start with her Netflix specials: Baby Cobra, Hard Knock Wife, Don Wong, and 2024's Single Lady. But don't stop there! Wong's talents also extend to romantic comedies (Always Be My Maybe) and harrowing Netflix dramas (Beef).

Sarah Sherman

Sarah Sherman, also known as Sarah Squirm, has long infused her madcap stand-up with the observational humor of Seinfeld and the zaniness of The Ren & Stimpy Show, with a little body horror thrown in for good measure. But she's also had the chance to show off her range on Saturday Night Live, signing on as a featured player during the show's 47th season before being promoted to the main cast in 2023.

Maria Bamford

It takes an extremely specific comedian to make material about depression, anxiety, self-harm, and mental illness in general feel consistently laugh-out-loud funny, but that's exactly what Bamford has done over the years in her stand-up and through her appearances on TV comedies including Lady Dynamite, Arrested Development, and Big Mouth.

Aidy Bryant

Since launching her career with unforgettable sketches like "Back Home Ballers" and "Booty Rap" on Saturday Night Live and playing Shrill's funny, loving, insecure writer Annie to perfection, Bryant has carved out an exciting niche for herself by hosting the Independent Spirit Awards the last two years. For proof that she's a total natural, just see killer opening-monologue lines like: "The Independent Spirit Awards turn 40 this year. Wow, 40, the famous most disgusting age in Hollywood."

Amber Ruffin

A writer for Late Night with Seth Meyers since 2014, Ruffin holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to write for a late-night talk show in the history of US network TV. (Yep, you read that right, that that happened in 2014.) Her recurring "Amber Says What" segment quickly made her an audience favorite at Meyers's desk, but watching her helm her very own talk show—The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock—has been a genuine delight, as is the anticipation for her upcoming White House Correspondents' Dinner hosting gig.

Catherine Cohen

Cabaret and musical theater fans will deeply appreciate Cohen's whole thing, which involves glammed-up, often-sequined onstage looks; detached glamour-puss stage energy (think Lena Dunham's "delusional girl persona," if said persona did stand-up); and infectious songs like "Poem I Wrote After I Discovered Architecture Instagram Accounts" and "can u send me that??" Foot-pop!

Atsuko Okatsuka

Crowd work can be tough to watch, but Taiwanese and Japanese-American comedian Atsuko Okatsuka—who became, with 2022's The Intruder, only the second Asian American woman ever to have a standup special on HBO—turns it into an art form. (If you've never watched her awkwardly preside over a real-life Bay Area breakup taking place in the audience of her stand-up show, you have a real treat coming to you.) TikTok users may also recognize Okatsuka from her viral Drop challenge.

10 Strongest Women-led TV Shows To Watch On Women's Day

Television, over the years, has tried to be a powerful voice for a plethora of dynamic, sometimes strong, and inspiring women, from fierce lawyers and cunning assassins to rebellious comedians and survivors, and has brought about an unprecedented change in defining the age-old norms of storytelling and introduced myriad unforgettable characters to the audience. To celebrate such dynamic but different faces of womanhood like strength, intelligence, and resilience, Women's Day calls for paying homage to them.

Today, television showcases a more complex and diverse representation of women, representing most women of previous stereotyped images. Whether it be a sharp-tongued stand-up comic in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a fearless criminal defense attorney in How to Get Away with Murder, or a gothic mystery solver in Wednesday, these figures appeal to audiences by being multidimensional. Some series like Orange Is the New Black even bring about a change in the social conversation on real issues concerning the existence of women-centric stories beyond entertainment.

Ten of the strongest women-led TV shows for your viewing pleasure this Women's Day. From thriller to drama to comedy and fantasy, these series range from the most excellent, bold female characters to those which inspire and enthrall audiences. Time to indulge and courageous women visit the screen.

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselImage Source: Prime Video

In a world of standup, mostly liked by men, Miriam "Midge" Maisel stands as a harbinger. The award-winning show has clever lines with beautiful period aesthetics as an actress steals back her voice from society. The final season aired in 2023, providing a grand finale to Midge's emphatic tale around her follower. From hawker housewife to an outspoken comic, his story remains one of heritage and aspiration and is therefore a perfect watch on a day dedicated to women.

2. Killing Eve

Killing EveImage Source: BBC America

The thrilling game of cat and mouse between MI6 agent Eve Polastri and the baffling assassin Villanelle, Killing Eve redefined female-led espionage drama. The pair's chemistry was palpable from the outset, with unpredictable developments and shocking twists that kept viewers guessing. The final season generated its share of arguments, but it has solidified Villanelle as one of the most complex anti-heroines in the history of television. With its incisive writing, dark humor, and feminist subversion of spy tropes, Killing Eve is a must-see for anyone who appreciates narratives about powerful, flawed, and engrossing women.

3. How to Get Away with Murder

How to Get Away with MurderImage Source: ABC

Viola Davis plays Annalise Keating on the series, which is one of the most powerful legal experiences among television shows. The show does however deliver a promising infusion of crime, drama, and social commentary over its six seasons. For her role in the show, Davis became the first Black woman to snag an Emmy award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, forever making Annalise an iconic character. A deeper view of morality, trauma, and justice, it functions as more than just your run-of-the-mill legal thriller. It digs into the complexities of power and survival.

4. Yellowjackets

YellowjacketsImage Source: Showtime

Yellowjackets is the most fascinating psychological thriller, about a girls' soccer team in the wilderness following a plane crash. The twin timelines reveal their lurking secrets, buried over a long time, into a gory horror-amystery-psychodrama. Unforgiving performances from Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, and Christina Ricci add extreme intensity and unpredictability to the series as it attempts to delve into survival, trauma, and women's dynamics. With Season 3 projected for 2025, this would be an ideal time to binge-watch this horrifying, women-oriented tale.

5. Fleabag

FleabagImage Source: Prime Video

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag has drastically altered the perception of what modern womanhood can mean. Winners of the Emmy Awards, the series alternates between laughter and anguish that envelop the life of a nameless protagonist in grief, love, and self-sabotage. Introducing the now infamous Hot Priest in the second and final season left an imprint on the storytelling timeline by asserting that stories from complex female eyes certainly deserve a seat at the table. A peculiar combination of sharp comedy, intimacy punctuated by the breaking of the fourth wall, and raw emotional depth, Fleabag has stood out as an audaciously refreshing alternative to the stereotyped woman on television.

6. Wednesday

WednesdayImage Source: Netflix

Jenna Ortega took to the heights in 2022, portraying Wednesday Addams in Netflix's hit series. The series takes innovation to the beloved character, reopening it into gothic mystery and adding a touch of Nevermore Academy, where she discovers supernatural secrets. But instead, Wednesday's unapologetic intelligence, independence, and amazing deadpan funny intentions strongly make her a wonderful female lead. A record-breaking premiere and Season 2 in development, with assurances like this show throw open the door for young women to play major roles in telling the interesting, dark, thrilling stories while remaining authentically themselves.

7. Orange Is the New Black

Orange Is the New BlackImage Source: Netflix

The Orange Is the New Black series put forth one of Netflix's great influences, a raw and diverse portrayal of incarcerated women. It leaned heavily on the characters of Taystee, Red, and Nicky, dealing with the themes of justice, identity, and resilience. Among the first series to deal with the systemic prison system issues, it remained deeply personal in its storytelling. It left such a mark on TV by this representation and social justice in a post-OITNB world that it remains an honor to call it a truly undying Women's Day watch.

8. A League of Their Own

A League of Their OwnImage Source: Prime Video

A brand new modern retelling of the old movie A League of Their Own (2022), it further develops the untold stories of women in baseball. Lead by Abbi Jacobson and Chanté Adams, it boasts a diverse cast for the show focusing on gender, race, and sexuality in 1940s America. Unlike the film, this iteration tries to shine a light on the struggles of LGBTQ+ players and Black women who were denied entry into the league. The show's run is one season; however, it surely made an indelible mark in the representation of under-represented voices.

9. The Diplomat

The DiplomatImage Source: Netflix

A political drama showing the diplomatic world through the eyes of a female protagonist is led by Keri Russell. The Diplomat is about U.S. Ambassador, Kate Wyler, embroiled in international crises and personal dramas. Russell gives an intense and insightful performance that reveals what happens behind the scenes for the few women in top political positions: The series will come back for a second season. It offers a new take on female leadership, an area still largely dominated by men.

10. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton StoryImage Source: Netflix

This Bridgerton spinoff traces the origin stories of none other than Queen Charlotte played by India Amarteifio and Golda Rosheuvel with character sketches of how she came into power, her love affair with King George III, and a set of societal changes that she initiates. Unlike its predecessor, Queen Charlotte recounts the story of the strength of a woman in history, as well as her sacrifices. With opulent wardrobes, a red-hot love story, and an articulation of women's resilience, this prequel adds its weight to the Bridgerton universe while converting itself into a glorious narrative.

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Edited by Zainab Shaikh

'I Want To Be A One-hit Wonder': Comedian Margaret Cho Releases First Album In 8 Years

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Comedian Margaret Cho sat down with NBC News' Joe Fryer to chat about "Lucky Gift," her first music album in 8 years and her ongoing stand up comedy tour, "Live & Livid." Cho also spoke about her advocacy for LGBTQ rights and the importance of empowering female comedians.March 11, 2025