The Bro’s Code Guide to: The Most Relevant Comics of Today
As I mentioned yesterday, out of respect to the passing of George Carlin I’m keeping this week related to all things comedy. And what better way to pay tribute to Carlin than to provide you all with my Top 10 list of today’s most relevant comics. You’ll also notice that I’m only including 9 comics here. It’s my version of the “missing man” flying formation made famous by Jason Gedrick in Iron Eagle. (And yes that will be the last Iron Eagle reference for awhile.) Carlin no doubt would have been on this list had I put it together a week ago.
Here’s my list in reverse order: (see how I build suspense?)
#9 - Eddie Izzard
Izzard is today’s version of Monty Python, and no doubt is influenced heavily by the Flying Circus. His style (and by that I don’t mean his tendency to cross-dress) and wit have brought him to the forefront of the comedy world. And his Dress to Kill special is one of the funniest I’ve seen in recent memory. Relevance today? Listen to his takes on world issues, pop culture, sexuality, and religion.
#8 - Conan O’Brien
The former SNL and Simpson’s writer is arguably the best thing on late night television today. A complete unknown when he was hired, Conan overcame the haters (did I just say “haters”?) and is now poised to take over the Crown Jewel of late night hosting gigs, The Tonight Show. Relevance today? Besides his often copied style of sketch comedy humor, check out the commencement speech he gave a few years ago at Harvard. Who else could deliver something this funny, even in written word?
#7 - Larry David
If Celeste Talbert is the Queen of Misery, Larry David is definitely her King. He’s known (and was seriously well paid) for co-creating Seinfeld, but is now more recognized for his HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Playing a complete social misfit (a.k.a. himself) David yanks at the fabric of social etiquette. It’s a hit and miss show for sure, but when it hits it provides some of the funniest moments on television. Relevance today? While Curb and Seinfeld are both hugely successful in the DVD sales medium, it’s David’s takes on the social norms and unwritten rules that point on the ridiculousness of some of the customs we hold so dear.
#6 - Chris Rock
Is it just me or is everything that comes out of Chris Rock’s mouth funny? I mean it doesn’t even have to be a joke, it’s just the way he delivers his lines. You can’t help but laugh. He could be delivering the eulogy for Tom Hanks in Philadelphia and the crowd would be dying laughing. (no pun intended) His ”Bring The Pain” special is a must listen for any road trip. Relevance Today? His takes on race and race relations, family, and politics show up regularly in his material as well as the critically acclaimed “Everybody Hates Chris”.
#5 - Ricky Gervais
Without Gervais we wouldn’t have “The Office”. Nuff said. He returned with “Extras” and proved that he continues to be the master of the uncomfortable situation that makes you laugh hysterically. Gervais also knows how to leave on top, letting his shows only run a couple of seasons at most, and then moving on to other things, prompting us all to wonder “Is he having a laugh?” Relevance Today? Check out his hilarious podcasts.
#4 - Ellen DeGeneres
I think many will question my choosing Ellen and/or ranking her this high. Remember, this is a ranking of the most relevant comics today. Ellen can arguably be compared to Oprah when it comes to successful daytime talk shows. Ellen can also be commended for always doing a good job hosting the Emmy’s and Academy Awards, something we all know is not easy to do. And let’s face it, her stand-up is just plain funny. Relevance Today? She showed no fear in using her primetime sitcoms and continues to be at the forefront when it comes to discussing the issue of gay rights.
#3 - Tina Fey
The Queen of 30 Rock is also the Queen of self-deprecating humor. Fey continues to show what it means to be a funny, smart, sexy woman in today’s world and does it not only with her standout NBC comedy, but in the movie world as well with Mean Girls (which she wrote) and most recently Baby Mama. Perhaps her most brilliant move? Snagging Alec Baldwin for the role of Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock. Relevance Today? Fey is the model for a new generation of female comics, and is continuing to carry the torch handed to her by the likes of Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore, and Gilda Radner.
#2 - Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart may be the comic who most emulates what George Carlin was all about. If Carlin were to have a show that was specifically there to comment on the day’s news concerning politics, current events, the media, religion, pop-culture and more, I have no doubt it would look a lot like The Daily Show. Since he took over as host in 1999, The Daily Show has won 10 Emmy’s. 10!! (sorry this is the closest I could come to the Billy Bob clip I wanted to show) Relevance Today? Hmmm, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Mo Rocca, Rob Corddry, Samantha Bee, Lewis Black, need I say more?
#1 - Dave Chappelle
How could anyone other than Dave Chappelle be #1 on this list? I’ve been lucky enough to see him perform standup on more than one occasion, including a set where he followed (I repeat FOLLOWED) an unannounced set by Rodney Dangerfield at a time where Rodney was the guy everyone finally loved. And you know what? He killed it! His decision to abruptly leave The Chappelle Show in Season 3 was a huge blow to the comedy world. We’re all waiting, if not drooling, to see what he does next. Relevance Today? The Chappelle Show still ranks at the best selling DVD series of all time. There is nobody before or since who has been willing to take comedy to the level of seriousness that Chappelle consistently does.
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