You have probably heard of Ali Wong, Margaret Cho, Jo Koy or Hasan Minhaj. The comedy scene is filled with hilarious artists and Asian comedians are a major part of it. Here we’ve compiled some of the trendiest Asian comedians and performers to watch.
Joel Kim Booster
We have to start our list with THE hottest performer of Summer 2022. Joel Kim Booster is a renowned Los Angeles-based comedian that gained a strong following thanks to his appearances on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Conan, and Netflix’s The Fix, but after Fire Island, his stardom is raising to the stratosphere. Kim Booster not only stars in the aforementioned funny and sexy rom-com but he also wrote the screenplay, based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The film is filled with Joel’s observations about his own identity as a gay Asian man, and his stand-up showcases his unique perspective as a Korean American that was adopted by white evangelical parents. Fire Island is available on Hulu and Joel’s special Psychosexual is available now on Netflix.
Aparna Nancherla
If you don’t know her by name, you’ll probably recognize her voice: The awesome Indian-American comic Aparna Nancherla is one of the best comedians and also a fantastic voice actor, playing great roles in critically acclaimed shows such as BoJack Horseman, Steven Universe, and Mythic Quest. Her style is very laid back and quirky but also pretty biting. Be sure to check her out in the second season of The Standups, the comedy special available on Netflix.
Phil Wang
Phil Wang is a hilarious British-Malaysian stand-up comedian and comedy writer. He gained notoriety as a founding member of the sketch comedy group Daphne, which went on to create the BBC Radio 4 series, Daphne Sounds Expensive. In his 2021 special, Philly Philly Wang Wang, filmed at the London Palladium, he explores the intersection between race, politics, and his British-Malaysian heritage. The special is available on Netflix but you can also enjoy him in his comedy podcast BudPod, which he co-hosts with fellow comedian Pierre Novellie.
Patti Harrison
Patti has become an instant star and an Internet favorite ever since her appearances in shows like Shrill and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. In 2021, the Vietnamese-American actress became the first transgender actor to take part in a Disney animated film when she voiced Tail Chief in the Oscar-nominated Raya and the Last Dragon. Harrison also stole everybody’s heart in the lovely comedy Together Together, opposite Ed Helms. The performance not only earned her praise from critics and audiences but also a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead.