Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2026

Variety has named ten comedians to watch in 2026, continuing a feature that has highlighted emerging performers since 2000. The list reflects the range of today’s comedy scene, including stand-ups, actors, online performers and musical satirists.

This year’s honourees include Adam Friedland, Kyle Gordon, Wally Baram, Usama Siddiquee and Lucas Zelnick. Several have built profiles across different formats, from Baram’s work on the series “Overcompensating” to Zelnick’s viral crowd-work clips; the group will perform at a New York Comedy Festival showcase on 12 November at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square.