In a world where laughter serves as both a comfort and a catalyst for change, stand-up comedy is continually expanding horizons and uniting people. Here are six trending stars of comedy whose distinct voices and experiences are shaping the future of comedy. From navigating personal identities to surviving incredible adventures, these performers are not just entertainers—they’re storytellers who invite us to view the world through their unique perspectives.

Sunny Laprade: The Voice of a New Generation

Sunny Laprade, based in NYC, is a dynamic stand-up comedian, storyteller, and viral internet creator. With over 15 million likes on TikTok and a following of 250,000 across platforms, Sunny is one of the trending stars of comedy, standing as the second most followed trans woman comic globally. Her comedy blends personal anecdotes with sharp observations, covering topics from dating mishaps to her experiences as a queer transgender woman in television.

Sunny began her comedy career at 17 with a standout performance at Alfred University. She quickly gained recognition by hosting monthly shows at Hampshire College and founding the sold-out 5 College Comedy Festival. Her special, Queer Enough, showcases her unique perspective and has earned over 4 stars on Letterboxd. Her participation in festivals like the New York Queer Comedy Festival has solidified her status as one of the trending stars of comedy. Sunny’s humor creates space for diverse voices, making her a key figure in today’s comedy landscape.

Ryan Kelly: The Scam-Tracking Comedian

Ryan Kelly, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, is a comedian with a unique twist—he holds a master’s degree in homeland security. Known for his high-energy performances and witty style, Ryan blends comedy with security insights in his popular TikTok series Scamming Scammers. In this series, he reveals and dissects common scam tactics, using humor to expose these deceptive practices. As one of the trending stars of comedy, Ryan’s content combines entertainment with valuable lessons.

Trained in improvisation at prestigious schools like IO, Second City, UCB, and Groundlings, Ryan’s comedic approach is both creative and insightful. His real-life adventures are extraordinary—he’s survived a plane crash, been tackled inside the NSA, and negotiated during a mugging. Despite an essential tremor that adds a unique twist to his storytelling, Ryan’s upbeat attitude and clever narratives captivate audiences. Ryan’s (@YouthPastorRyan) massive TikTok following of 5.1 million, with over 315 million likes, showcases his reach and influence in the digital space. Now a regular at Flapper’s in Burbank, his shows and TikTok content showcase his ability to blend laughter with security expertise, reinforcing his place among the trending stars of comedy.

Alex Babbitt: Brooklyn’s Comedy Gem

Brooklyn native Alex Babbitt, known as “Mr. Babbitt,” stands out in the NYC comedy scene with his charisma and comedic prowess. Starting at just 16, Alex was inspired by legends like Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, and Dave Chappelle. He describes performing as a way to define himself on his own terms. As one of the trending stars of comedy, Alex’s journey reflects his dedication to his craft and his determination to carve out his own path in comedy.

Alex has made appearances on HBO’s All Def Comedy and BET’s Off the Ropes, along with his weekly web series Behind the Mic Stand. His fanbase, affectionately called “The Misfits,” appreciates his authenticity and humor. Alex’s commitment to comedy and his unique style continue to make him one of the trending stars of comedy, resonating with audiences who value genuine and engaging performances.

Brandi Denise: From Social Work to Stand-Up

Brandi Denise Boyd’s transition from social work to comedy is a story of reinvention and resilience. As a comedian, actor, and writer, Brandi’s honest and high-energy performances have earned her spots on Comedy Central and Just For Laughs’ New Faces of Comedy. Her roles on BET’s Games People Play and Starz’ POWER showcase her versatility. Most recently, Brandi has been starring on ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary, further cementing her status as a multifaceted performer.

An alumna of Chicago’s Second City Improv Program, Brandi offers a refreshing perspective in her comedy. Her material often draws from personal experiences, providing a raw and humorous look at life. As one of the trending stars of comedy, Brandi’s talent and charisma shine, making her a comedian to watch.

Derrick Knopsnyder: The Crowd Work King

Derrick Knopsnyder is known for his quick wit and high-energy performances, captivating audiences nationwide. Starting comedy at 19, Derrick quickly became the youngest regular feature at the Pittsburgh Improv. His crowd work creates interactive experiences that set him apart, making him an ideal choice for pop-up comedy shows where audience engagement is key. Derrick’s innovative approach continues to impress, with his ability to adapt to various settings and audiences enhancing his performances.

Derrick has performed at Comedy Central’s New Talent Search, The OddBall Comedy Festival, and Stand Up To Cancer’s Comedy Festival. He’s shared the stage with comedy giants like Dave Coulier, Rob Schneider, and Bill Burr. Currently, Derrick is filming the YouTube series Comedians in Carts Making Bogeys on the Skratch channel, a unique blend of comedy and golf that showcases his creative approach to comedy. Derrick continues to expand comedy horizons with his inventive approach, cementing his status as one of the trending stars of comedy.

Ahmed Al-kadri: A Comedic Journey from Accounting to Laughter

Ahmed Al-kadri, a Yemeni-American comedian based in LA, transitioned from accounting to comedy with the encouragement of his immigrant parents. Drawing from his upbringing and relatable experiences, Ahmed crafts a unique brand of humor. He began his comedy career in 2016 with improv classes and moved to LA in 2018 to focus on stand-up.

Ahmed’s rise on TikTok and Instagram showcases his creative storytelling, boasting a following of 692.6K on TikTok and 154K on Instagram. His sketches, like Roommates with Anxiety and Arab at an Indian Wedding, highlight his comedic versatility. He was also featured in the series David Diamonhands. Ahmed recently taped his special An Hour in DC, which is currently being edited and is slated for release in January. His appearances on Fox’s Love Connection and Hulu commercials demonstrate his growing influence. Ahmed’s work is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and his place among the trending stars of comedy.

In a world where voices are as diverse as the stories they tell, these comedians bring something special to the stage. Whether navigating personal identities, sharing extraordinary life experiences, or simply making us laugh, these rising stars remind us that comedy is not just an art form—it’s a celebration of life itself. As they continue to break barriers and redefine comedy, the future of humor is in excellent hands with the trending stars of comedy leading the way.