1. Ellen DeGeneres

One of my utmost favorite women comedians is Ellen! While her iconic daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, concluded its historic run in 2022, her influence on comedy remains massive. Before the talk show, she starred in the successful ABC sitcom Ellen. Personally, my favorite work of Ellen’s is her voice role as Dory in Finding Nemo! Check out her latest updates on her official website.

2. Lisa Lampanelli

Whether you hate her or love her for her controversial and over-the-top humor, Lisa Lampanelli is a well-established comedian who made a name for herself with uncensored comedy. Known as the "Queen of Mean," Lisa was a staple at celebrity roasts for stars like William Shatner and Donald Trump. Interestingly, she retired from stand-up in 2018 to pursue a career as a life coach, but her legacy in comedy is undeniable.

To help you decide who to watch first, here is a quick breakdown of their most iconic work:

3. Alex Borstein

Many may know Alex from her days on the comedy sketch series MADtv. While she remains the iconic voice of Lois Griffin on Family Guy, she has recently seen massive success starring in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which she won multiple Emmy Awards. Did you know she also appeared in classics like Friends and Frasier? Check her out on IMDb for more of her work.

4. Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman used to be a writer on one of my favorite shows—Saturday Night Live. However, that’s not the only reason she stands out. Sarah is a smart and witty comedian who uses satirical humor to address ongoing societal issues. Her comedy style is sharp without being unnecessarily offensive, which is why she’s had such a long and prosperous career in Hollywood. You can follow her latest projects on her official site.

5. Tina Fey

Tina Fey is an absolute legend in the comedy world. As a former head writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live, she really solidified her status as a household name with her spot-on impersonation of Sarah Palin. However, that infamous impersonation shouldn’t outshine her other incredible work: she was a seasoned writer and producer on SNL and 30 Rock, released the successful autobiography Bossypants, and continues to produce hit content.

Beyond this list, there are so many other funny women making waves in the industry today. If you enjoyed these performers, you might also like:

6. Amy Poehler

Another Saturday Night Live (SNL) alumna, Amy Poehler started from humble beginnings with her improv group in the early nineties. After joining SNL in 2001, her career skyrocketed. Eventually, she and her good friend Tina Fey would anchor the show's Weekend Update, making them the first female duo in the show's history to do so. Amy has since starred in the beloved, Emmy-nominated show Parks and Recreation.

7. Melissa McCarthy

Best known for her role as Megan in the 2011 comedy Bridesmaids, Melissa is an award-winning comedic powerhouse! Before her massive film success, she co-starred on Gilmore Girls and led the sitcom Mike & Molly. Since her breakthrough, she has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, proving that her talent was worth the wait.

It’s always great to see women not be afraid to be racy, controversial, or speak about taboo topics in a humorous way! Who are some of your other favorite women comedians? Let us know in the comments!