Heir to the Comedy Throne! The Top Ten Contenders in 2025!
2025 Heir to the Throne Nominees
For the 12th consecutive year, The Bennington Show and The Interrobang are working together to crown the best comedians, movies, specials, tv shows and more. This year we’ve added a new category. We call it, Heir to the Throne.
For over a decade, we’ve watched the traditional gates of comedy swing wide open. The seat of power has moved from the mahogany desks of late-night television to the intimate, unfiltered world of podcasting and independent broadcasting. Influence is no longer granted by a network executive—it is earned, one hour at a time.
Our Heir to the Throne nominees are the architects of this new empire. They are the voices that dominate your commute, the guests who make a three-hour interview feel like twenty minutes, and the hosts who have built communities larger than some cable networks. Whether they are dismantling political narratives, redefining the “manosphere,” or turning self-deprecation into a high art form, these 11 individuals are the spiritual successors to the giants.
They aren’t just the “next big thing”—they are the current big thing. From the stadium-filling energy of Shane Gillis and Andrew Schulz to the cultural provocateurs like Tim Dillon and Dave Smith, and the media stalwarts like Whitney Cummings and Nikki Glaser, these are our nominees for the next great comedy throne.
Who owns the mic in 2025? These comedians aren’t just following in the footsteps of giants; they are carving out a new empire of their own. They are the architects of the new media landscape. And they have real influence in cultural and political spheres.
Choose who you think is going to be the next unstoppable figure? Choose from our 12 nominees, or write in your own pick.
Vote everyday and if you don’t like our picks, you can write in your own.
Read all the nominees below, voting is open!
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Don’t forget you can also vote now for Comedy Movie of the Year! Vote for Comedy TV Series of the Year! Vote for Comedy Special of the Year- Streaming! Vote for Best Comedy Book of the Year! Vote for the Best Comedy Special of the Year – Self Published
SHANE GILLIS
The undisputed king of the “comeback,” now a multi-medium powerhouse with a hit Netflix series (Tires) and the most successful Patreon in the world. Gillis has built a massive, loyal empire from the ground up. He co-hosts the Shane and Matt Secret Podcast, which has become a global phenomenon, and is a frequent Rogan Regular, placing him at the center of the most influential podcasting circles. His digital footprint is equally dominant, with: 3M followers on Instagram. 1.1M subscribers and 147M views on YouTube. And the #1 Patreon podcast in the world. After a high-profile firing from Saturday Night Live in 2019, he returned to host SNL twice (February 2024 and March 2025), a rare feat that signals both his undeniable talent and his successful crossover back into the mainstream. This was further cemented by hosting the 2025 ESPY Awards, following in the footsteps of comedy legends, and starring in a Bud Light Super Bowl Ad alongside icons like Peyton Manning and Post Malone. Gillis isn’t just a stand-up; he is a creator and actor with proven staying power: He created and stars in the Netflix hit “Tires,” which was renewed for a Season 2.He is even featured as a Playable Character in EA Sports College Football 25’s Ultimate Team Mode (as a Notre Dame middle linebacker). And in stand up, he set the attendance record at Broadmoor World Arena. and just Announced a massive stadium show at Lincoln Financial Field for 2026.
ANDREW SCHULTZ
A digital pioneer who bypassed the industry to build a massive independent empire through Flagrant and high-level political/cultural commentary.
Schulz has built a multi-platform empire that commands a massive audience, making him a primary voice for a new generation of viewers: He boasts 5M followers on Instagram and 3M subscribers on YouTube, with a staggering 740M views on the platform. He is the co-host of two major podcasts: Flagrant with Akaash Singh and The Brilliant Idiots alongside Charlamagne Tha God. His influence is so significant that the New York Times has referred to him as possibly “America’s foremost political journalist” due to his high-profile interviews and cultural commentary. Schulz has transitioned from a comedian to a cultural commentator who can secure interviews with the world’s most prominent figures: inlcuding hosting an episode of Flagrant featuring Donald Trump, a moment that significantly impacted the cultural and political conversation, but also a wide range of political voices, including Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Ro Khanna, and Zohran Mamdani. He routinely makes news media headlines for his unfiltered opinions and has appeared on major shows like Club Shay Shay. Schulz is also making significant inroads into traditional Hollywood and global live entertainment: He was a featured performer at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, performing alongside other global comedy icons and has had several acting roles in film. Plus he frequently finds himself at the center of viral, high-energy cultural events: He made a cameo on WWE RAW where he was physically attacked by Logan Paul before being saved by AJ Styles, a moment that trended across social media. He went viral for his defense of the Nelk Boys following comments made by Jimmy Kimmel, further cementing his role as a defender of “new media”. He is often described as a full-fledged member of the “Manosphere,” reflecting his deep connection to specific modern cultural movements.
THEO VON
The “everyman” philosopher whose podcast This Past Weekend has become a mandatory stop for everyone from rock stars to presidential candidates. Theo Von has built one of the most powerful media platforms in the world, moving beyond traditional comedy to become a primary cultural voice: He commands a staggering 9M followers on Instagram and 4.4M subscribers on YouTube, with his channel nearing 1 billion total views. His podcast, “This Past Weekend,” was ranked as the #3 most-listened-to podcast globally in 2025. He is widely recognized as one of the most viral figures on the internet, with his clips routinely generating millions of impressions across social media. Von has evolved into a sought-out interviewer capable of humanizing the world’s most powerful figures through his signature “everyman” lens: including Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, JD Vance, and Zohran Mandami. In 2025, Time magazine named him to their inaugural “TIME100 Creators” list in the “Leaders” category, cementing his status as a digital tastemaker. His “Return of the Rat” tour has sold out major arenas nationwide, including the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. He has successfully toured internationally, headlining venues like the AO Arena in Manchester and performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. He is expanding his portfolio with acting roles, including a lead role in the upcoming film “Busboys” (which he also wrote and produced) and the 2024 film “Sweet Dreams”.
TIM DILLON
The premier satirist of the digital age, using The Tim Dillon Show to roast the absurdity of American life with unmatched vitriol and wit.
Dillon has bypassed traditional gatekeepers to build one of the most financially successful and widely viewed platforms in the industry. The Tim Dillon Show attracts 1 million viewers per week. He generates huge Patreon revenues and maintains a massive subscriber base, ranking among the top earners on the platform. His influence is backed by nearly 1M subscribers on YouTube (with 225M total views) and 1M followers on Instagram. He has achieved multiple sold-out runs touring across North America, Europe, and beyond. His dismissal from the Riyadh Comedy Festival further solidified his reputation as a comedian who refuses to self-censor for corporate or political interests.
Dillon is widely regarded as “seemingly bulletproof,” navigating the “cancel culture” era with a unique blend of cynicism and satire: He famously had Kevin Spacey promote his new Netflix special using a parody of his House of Cards character, Frank Underwood. He released a highly-discussed new special this year titled “I’m Your Mother”. He goes viral regularly, remaining at the center of the cultural conversation through his unfiltered commentary on news and media.
DAVE SMITH
The “Libertarian Monk” of comedy, a staple on The Joe Rogan Experience and Legion of Skanks who has become a leading voice in independent political media.
Dave Smith has carved out a distinct niche as a “bulletproof” independent voice by successfully merging the worlds of comedy and high-stakes political discourse. His rise is defined by a refusal to rely on corporate backing while exerting significant influence over the national political conversation. Smith hosts one of the largest and most influential independent political comedy platforms in the world: His primary podcast is consistently ranked as one of the top two libertarian podcasts globally and is a regular fixture in the Top 100 podcasts in the U.S.. As a co-host of this comedy staple, he maintains a strong presence in the alternative comedy scene, with several YouTube episodes generating seven-figure view counts. He operates with no corporate backing or network affiliation. His digital footprint includes 830,000 followers on X, 300,000 on Instagram, and regular six-figure views per episode on YouTube. Unlike many traditional comedians, Smith’s opinions frequently make national news, positioning him as a serious commentator: He has been referenced as a potential presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party and is a leading figure in the Mises Caucus, which took over the party’s leadership in 2022.mHe is a sought-after voice for long-form intellectual debates, recently engaging in viral, hours-long discussions with figures like Douglas Murray and Coleman Hughes on U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. He is a regular on The Joe Rogan Experience, as well as other major platforms like Timcast and Michael Malice, cementing his status as a “Rogan Regular” with deep ties to the modern media vanguard.
Despite his independent status, he has frequently appeared on traditional networks like Fox News (The Greg Gutfeld Show, Kennedy) and CNN (S.E. Cupp: Unfiltered) to provide a libertarian perspective.
NIKKI GLASER
After a historic year hosting the Golden Globes and a legendary roast performance, she has solidified herself as a premier voice in both mainstream and podcast comedy.
Based on the career milestones and digital metrics provided, Nikki Glaser has emerged as a premier “heir to the throne” in comedy, recently reaching a historic level of mainstream visibility. Glaser has shattered glass ceilings in major award show hosting, transitioning from a beloved roaster to a leading industry tastemaker: In January 2025, she made history as the first female solo host of the Golden Globe Awards. Her 2024 HBO special, Someday You’ll Die, earned her multiple prestigious nominations, including an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Variety Special” and a Grammy nomination for “Best Comedy Album”. She recently checked off a major career goal by hosting Saturday Night Live in late 2025.
Glaser is widely considered “the best roaster on the planet,” a title solidified by a career-defining performance: Her viral appearance on The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady (2024) was described as “life-changing,” catapulting her to a level of fame she jokingly compared to Taylor Swift
She has built a multi-platform media empire that bridges the gap between traditional TV and “new media”: The Nikki Glaser Podcast for iHeartMedia is a top-performing lifestyle and comedy program, recently nominated for “Best Comedy” at the 2025 iHeart Podcast Awards. She commands 2M followers on Instagram and a significant presence on TikTok with 11.4M likes. Beyond stand-up, she has hosted multiple seasons of the reality dating franchises FBoy Island and FGirl Island (also titled Lovers and Liars).She has become a “go-to” guest for major celebrity shows, including appearing as “Snowstorm” on The Masked Singer (where she finished in third place) and competing on Dancing with the Stars.
GODFREY
A true “comedian’s comedian” whose relentless work ethic on the road and on his podcast has kept him at the center of the cultural conversation for decades. Godfrey has built a deep and diverse resume that spans some of the most iconic comedies of the last two decades: He has appeared in cult classics such as Zoolander (where he was personally cast by Ben Stiller to play himself), Soul Plane, and Johnson Family Vacation. Recognized as a “killer impressionist,” Godfrey’s ability to mimic cultural icons has made him a recurring viral sensation: His clips, particularly his “spot-on” and “perfect” impressions of figures like Donald Trump, routinely generate millions of hits across platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Like other modern “heirs,” Godfrey has cultivated a powerful independent platform that bypasses traditional media gatekeepers: His hit podcast on the GaS Digital Network has developed a massive following, featuring uncensored conversations about current events, movies, and pop culture. He maintains a robust social media presence with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and X, and his YouTube channel features hundreds of videos with significant view counts. He is a highly sought-after guest on “power podcasts” such as The Joe Rogan Experience, The Breakfast Club, and Brilliant Idiots.
Godfrey is recognized as a leading advocate for the Black community, using his platform to address sensitive issues with both humor and honesty: He is widely considered a trusted voice on issues of race, frequently integrating advocacy into his sets and podcast discussions. Born to Nigerian parents, he often shares his personal story and insights on the Black experience in America, making his comedy both educational and deeply relatable.
HASAN MINHAJ
A master of the “informational comedy” genre who continues to bridge the gap between late-night satire and deep-dive journalism.
Hasan Minhaj has established himself as a dominant intellectual and satirical force, uniquely bridging the gap between investigative journalism and high-energy stand-up. His career is defined by prestige awards and a rare ability to influence global policy through comedy. Minhaj is one of the most decorated performers of his generation, holding honors that are typically reserved for veteran news anchors and established satirists: He has won two Peabody Awards—one for his debut special Homecoming King and another for his series Patriot Act. He is a multiple Emmy winner, recognized for his work in broadcast storytelling and satire. Beyond stand-up, Minhaj created a new blueprint for how comedy can dissect complex global issues: He was the creator and host of the globally successful Netflix series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, which ran for six seasons and garnered massive viewership. His content routinely goes viral, particularly his “Deep Cuts” and digital segments that have expanded his reach into India, Pakistan, and the Middle East.: He is the co-founder and CEO of 186K Films, currently developing feature films with major studios like Amazon and Disney.
Minhaj has used his platform to influence real-world public discourse at the highest levels: He was called to testify before the U.S. Congress regarding the student loan crisis after his reporting on Patriot Act sparked national debate. He famously hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2017, a hallmark event for top-tier political comedians.His ongoing digital series and podcast, Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know, features long-form interviews with major political figures such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
While maintaining his status as a “breakout star of The Daily Show,” Minhaj has successfully transitioned into major film franchises and large-scale touring:He will star in Disney’s upcoming Tron: Ares (2025) and appeared in the 2024 blockbuster It Ends with Us. He consistently tours large theaters and arenas internationally, recently launching the “Hasan Hates Ronny | Ronny Hates Hasan” 2025 tour with Ronny Chieng.
W. KAMAU BELL
Bell is the Emmy and Peabody winner who continues to use his platform to tackle the most difficult sociopolitical issues with humor and humanity.
W. Kamau Bell has established himself as a “fearless” multi-hyphenate leader in the entertainment industry. He has evolved from a host and comedian into a premium filmmaker and influential social architect who directly shapes national policy discourse. Bell has become one of the most respected documentary creators in the business, winning some of the highest honors in broadcast storytelling: He won his Peabody Award for his docuseries We Need to Talk About Cosby and United Shades of America defined him as “fearless” in tackling controversial topics, from visiting the KKK to exploring systemic inequities across the U.S.. Launched in 2023 with his wife, Melissa Hudson Bell, his Oakland-based production company — Who Knows Best Productions — aims to produce high-impact media and giving him a place to produce and direct other artists, moving into a tier of influence that extends far beyond his own voice.
In addition to his roles in entertainment, Bell holds official roles that give him direct voting power and social impact within major legal and educational institutions: He serves as the ACLU’s Celebrity Ambassador for Racial Justice and is the permanent host of their podcast, At Liberty Live. He sits on the boards of DonorsChoose (focused on education equity) and Live Free (dedicated to ending gun violence and mass incarceration). And he collaborates with former Labor Secretary Robert Reich on viral explainer videos that break down economic inequality, regularly amassing millions of views on TikTok and Instagram.
Bell was an early adopter of the “new media” migration. He uses Substack as his primary digital hub for his community, Who’s With Me, which features a massive and growing subscriber base. He has been very influential in moving followers “OFF X” and was an early adopter of BlueSky, and a New York Times bestselling author.
ARE YOU GARBAGE
H. Foley and Kevin Ryan have turned “trashiness” into a prestige brand, creating one of the most addictive and guest-friendly podcast formats in years.
The duo has cultivated one of the fastest-growing and most engaged audiences in the industry, moving from thousands to hundreds of thousands of subscribers in record time. Their YouTube channel has grown to 267K subscribers with over 113 million total views. They boast one of the highest follower engagement rates in comedy, with clips routinely going viral and becoming “memeable” across all social platforms. Like other major players, they have built a massive and dedicated Patreon community that fuels their independent production.
The show’s unique format—testing guests to see if they are “garbage”—has earned them the respect of everyone in the business: Their roster includes comedy icons and cultural figures like Shane Gillis, Tim Dillon, Tom Segura, Bobby Lee, Jim Gaffigan, and Louis C.K.. Peers and fans alike view them as an “overnight success” that was actually decades in the making, gaining widespread industry respect for their consistent quality. They are sought-after guests themselves, appearing on “power podcasts” such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Your Mom’s House, and Kill Tony. Their “fiercely loyal” fanbase has translated digital views into major ticket sales worldwide. In 2025, they released their highly acclaimed Route 66 Tour comedy special. Their “Back On The Block” tour consistently sells out major theaters across North America, including multi-night runs. They have expanded to global stages, headlining venues like the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto. The success of Kevin Ryan and H. Foley is rooted in a “blue-collar” authenticity that bridges the gap between traditional and new media.
WHITNEY CUMMINGS
A veteran trailblazer who continues to reinvent herself through Good For You and as a ubiquitous, high-energy guest across the entire comedy landscape.
Based on her deep industry influence and recent high-profile moves, Whitney Cummings has solidified her status as a “multi-hyphenate comedic powerhouse” and a leader in the new media landscape. Cummings is one of the few performers to successfully dominate both traditional network television and the independent digital world: She is the co-creator and co-writer of the Emmy-nominated CBS hit 2 Broke Girls and the creator and star of the NBC sitcom Whitney. She served as the executive producer and head writer for the highly successful Roseanne revival. Her self-produced podcast, Good For You, launched in 2019 and has become a top-performing series, featuring deep-dive conversations with everyone from A-list celebrities to neuroscience experts.
She is integrated in the influential “podcast bro” circle while maintaining a unique, high-demand female voice- you’ll see her frequently guest on the world’s largest platforms, including The Joe Rogan Experience, Your Mom’s House, and Flagrant. Her sharp wit has been a staple of multiple Comedy Central Roasts, Like other top-tier “heirs,” Cummings is known for tackling controversial and personal topics head-on to drive cultural conversation. In late 2025, she performed at the controversial, state-sponsored Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. She famously defended her participation against critics on her podcast, sparking nationwide headlines. Her resume spans every corner of the entertainment industry, from directing feature films to competing on mainstream reality hits.
JAY MOHR
The seasoned pro whose Mohr Stories continues to provide deep, raw, and hilarious insights into the lives of entertainers and athletes.
Jay Mohr remains a dominant “power player” whose influence spans over three decades of media evolution. He has successfully navigated every major medium—from the 90s film era to modern podcasting—while solidifying his status through high-level industry relationships. Mohr has been a “quietly influential” leader for 20 years, successfully balancing work as a writer, producer, and performer across all formats. He created, hosted, and executive produced the original run of “Last Comic Standing” and starred in hit sitcoms He is synonymous with 90s cinema, and written two major books, including the 2004 memoir Gasping for Airtime—a raw look at his SNL years and battle with panic attacks—and No Wonder My Parents Drank, which was optioned by ABC for television development Widely recognized as one of the best impressionists in the business, Mohr’s ability to “become” cultural icons has given him a timeless, viral appeal, and his stand up has earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. And he’s had a prominent career in the sports world- building a massive new audience through his own nationally syndicated radio show Jay Mohr Sports, his weekly ESPN hour, and he narrated the award-winning series Beyond the Glory.
And all that history sticks. Because in 2025, he’s a major podcaster, drawing from all the skills he’s developed throughout his career and all the powerhouse relationships he’s forged throughout his time in television, film and stand up comedy. He launched the Mohr Stories podcast in 2011- a podcast pioneer- featuring iconic guests drawn from those 30 years of deep industry relationships. And today Mohr has quietly positioned himself as a modern day digital power influencer. Where many other podcasters rise is tied to the current political climate, Mohr’s status is bulletproof, and now reinforced by his entry into a major power circle within Los Angeles sports and entertainment.
