this question will definitely have a huge debate on it, but the GOAT is dead: George Carlin
Honorable mention to Bill Hicks.
He was the best. He still is, but he was, too.
It’s a pity Carlin is dead. He could have run with Stewart as Veep.
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He was more of a stand-up philosopher than comedian.
I don’t follow standup as closely as I used to, so I wouldn’t hazard an opinion about the best. But I know that I always make a point to watch a Kyle Kinane set when I see one.
Kyle Kinane is excellent!
My favorite living comedian is Patton Oswalt.
My favorite up and coming comedian is Stavros Halkias.
Brian Regan
For the living, I’m going to throw in Gary Gulman. His structure is unbelievable.
matt rife is pretty good with an audience
Chris Rock was by far my favorite comedian for most of my life. He seems too rich now to relate to his audience though. I haven’t really found anyone new who I would consider “the best”, but I’ve enjoyed most of Nate Bargatze’s stuff.
As amazing as past comedians such as George Carlin were, Jon Stewart remains on the air today and I think that gives him the edge:-).
Shane Gillis