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Tim and Eric
Photograph: Rickett & Sones

The best live comedy in NYC this summer

With your favorite comedians hitting NYC this summer, there’s no better time to see big names and local talent

Written by
David Goldberg
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It’s summer in NYC, which means you can expect big names, crazy shows and rowdy crowds at your favorite comedy clubs. Check out bizarre characters from fan-favorites like Cole Escola and Dr. Alex Schiller; head to improv clubs to see rising talent at their most experimental; and witness some of the best stand-ups of all time as they hit the funniest city in the world. Pace yourself!

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

Best live comedy in NYC this summer

  • Comedy
  • Sketch shows

First, it was a verbal gaff at the Golden Globes (committed again on Buzzfeed, NBC Today, the red carpet at the Oscars...). Then, it became a viral meme lampooning white Hollywood's incapability of comprehending that multiple films could exist starring black actors. Now, it's a riotous play by Jordan Temple, mashing up the plots of Hidden Figures and Fences and featuring Langston Kerman, Nore Davis, Shalewa Sharpe, Tahlia Robinson, Karolena Theresa, Mamoudou N'Diaye, Gary Richardson, James III, Holden McNeely and Julian Williams.. Get ready for some vicious satire. 

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  • Comedy
  • Stand-up

The Ghanaian powerhouse, who has been bringing his high-voltage rants to film and TV since appearing in 2000’s Next Friday, tears up Carolines on Broadway a whopping seven times over four nights with ballsy social humor. Stay out of his line of fire, modasuckas.

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Keeping My Kidneys
  • Comedy
  • Solo shows

TV writer and hyper-prolific NYC comedian Mindy Raf stars in her acclaimed manic romantic comedy solo show, which explores realms like identity, coming out and polyamory, and throws her into queer three-ways, uncomfortable medical exams and beyond. 

  • Comedy
  • Stand-up

The Bammer is a tumult of cheery weirdness, winning hearts with a childlike whisper as she presents her idiosyncratic vision of the world. She drops comedic bits—unexpected impressions, goony faces, far-flung metaphors—like bread crumbs, keeping the audience intrigued regardless of how bizarre things seem. She joins the very funny Jackie Kashian for two back-to-back sets of joyous delirium. 

Looking for more great comedy?

  • Comedy

Sure, you could stay home and watch the best stand-up comedians’ specials, or you could head out to the best comedy clubs in NYC and see some world-class performances in person. Below you’ll find our picks of the absolute best shows happening this month, from improv to open mic nights and everything in-between. 

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