The Comedians Call It 2021 Edition! 35 Great Comics Predict Who is the Next to Break Out in 2022
Every year we poll some of our favorite comedians to find out who will be the next big thing in the upcoming year. Last year, shit was too weird so we took a year off, but this year we’re back with dozens of names for you to check out who just might be the next big things.
Here’s a look at who our comics picked in 2019 if you want to look back: Check out last year’s list.
To recap year’s past– In 2014, our comedy friends told us that Joe List and Nate Bargatze were going to be the guys to explode in 2015, and they did- in fact Nate went on to win Stand Up Comedian of the Year in 2015, and Joe has become a top headliner, whose about to break out even bigger in 2022. In 2015, everyone was talking about Greg Stone and he’s become one of our favorite young comics. In 2016 year the word on the street was that Tim Dillon was going to be big, and now everyone knows what a killer he is. In 2017 Dina Hashem, Ryan Hamilton and Ian Fidance got big love. Now Ryan is a big headliner with a hit Netflix special, Dina got national attention and Ian is touring with Dave Attell, and he’s a frequent guest on every radio show we know. In 2018, Fahim Anwar and Katie Hannigan and Jessica Kirson got the buzz. Kirson had a huge 2019 and everyone’s predicting she’ll have an even bigger 2022 and we also saw love for Bonnie McFarlane, and Tim Dillon to be the next big thing. Kirson fever is spreading, McFarlane put out a KILLER album in 2020, won and Emmy, and produced a hit Netflix show, and Tim Dillon made our list of the biggest innovators in 2020, and is now nominated for comedian of the year in 2021 should be gigantic for all three of them. Also predicted in our 2019 list- a big big year for Robyn Schall, and she broke big last year.
Amy Miller (@amymiller)
My breakout long overdue is Blair Socci. One of my dearest friends and makes me laugh so hard. She’s a blonde italian firecracker from Orange County. She’s so funny her stand up is good, her voice work is amazing, she’s got big things coming up. So I knid of have maybe too much insider knowledge on this bet cause I know she’s doing big shit soon. And she deserves it because she’s the best, so kind and so funny and I love her.
Anthony DeVito (@anthonydevito_)
My pick is Greg Stone. I think I’ve said that he’s going to be the breakout comedian at least three times already, but I really think that this year is going to be the year. The difference is, he has a baby now, so I feel like he has to make this work. There’s so much more on the line now, and this is what he’s needed to really get over the hump. Cause its not going to be his ability alone. It’s going to be looking at his tiny cute baby face and knowing that if he doesn’t provide for him, the state will take his child away.
Avery Pearson (@funnyavery)
The breakout stars of next year are going to be Chad and JT. These guys are hilarious, they’re super chill dudes. They went to LA City Council and tried to erect a statue of Paul Walker. They’re just hilarious they know no bounds. They’re kind of Andy Kaufman if he was a surfer dude. My mom agrees, right mom? She doesn’t know who they are but she supports me. And that’s the important thing. And I support Chad and JT. Happy holidays and yeah all my money down on Chad and JT.
Bonnie McFarlane (@bonniemcfarlane)
I’m going to go out on a limb and pick a cis white male. I could get canceled for this. I”m going to say Michael Fractor. I worked on a show this year as a producer on a Netlix show called Twentysomethings Austin. And he’s a comedian thats on that show. He’s just being doing it a very short time, but he’s actually really really funny. He’s going to be a Mark Normand or a Sam Morril or something like that so get ready for him.
Casey Balsham (@caseybalsham)
My pick is actually a duo. I think that the Are You Garbage boys, Henry Foley and Kevin Ryan…listen they’re doing good stuff. This next year is going to be big for them. Who knew that being the worst possible version of yourself could be so successful. But I think they’re going to have.a big year .
Christi Chiello (@christichiello)
I think the breakout comedian of 2022 is going to be Dylan Adler. He is so explosive on stage. His energy is unmatched. He can just do these really hysterical musical impressions. And you just don’t know what just hit you. It’s unforgettable and I adore him. So yeah I think Dylan Adler is going to have an awesome year.
Dan Perlman (@danjperlman)
I think the breakout comedian of 2022 will be Ali Kolbert. A good friend of mine, very very funny, she just did the tonight show again. She’s you know just a very funny talented person. Look her up. She’s more popular than I am, that’s for sure so it should be an easy thing to break through. Just great all around, I’m a fan and I think everybody should be. That’s my pick.
Dean Delray (@deandelray)
I think for 2022 it’s going to be Macey Isaacs. She has been featuring for me out on the road. And the reason I think that she’s going to blow up is she has a kind of Bob Newhart kind of dry flavor. Steven Wright, not in a one liner Steven Wright way, but the delivery. And I don’t see a lot of people with this kind of dryness these days and the jokes are really well written. So i think she’s going to be popping off real soon. She’s from Austin but lives in LA now.
Emma Willmann (@iamemmawillmann)
My pick for the breakout comedian is Ashley Gavin. And for context, last year I said Robin Shaw, boom, breakout, years before that it was Kristina Hutchinson and Corrinne Fisher. Boom, breakout. So lots of pressure on Ashley, and I’m gonna want some kind of kickback for it. The reason why I think she’s going to be a breakout is because she’s got an awesome podcast, and she’s got a weekly live show that has been selling out. And she’s super funny and a hard worker
Gary Gulman (@garygulman)
The comedian I think is going to have a breakout year in 2022….I’m going to give two, and they’re roommates and they’re both brilliant original funny nice people. Thoughtful, so talented. Okay. Ethan Simmons Patterson and Jordan Jensen. They’re incredible. They are a revelation. Enjoy and remember who sent you there.
Greg Stone (@gregfstone)
Breakout comedian of 2022 is going to be Mike Rowland. This guy always makes me laugh and he’s got these damn sexy eyes that just don’t give up.
Ian Fidance (@ianimal69)
My pick for the breakout comic of 2022 is Stavros Halkias. You might know him as being ruthless and toothless. The crown prince from Cumtown but his stand up is so good, its so quick. I’ve seen him work on his hour. It’s incredible. He’s putting out a special. He’s so incredibly likeable and funny. I really think he’s going to be knocked up a match. Already people know him but he’s going to become even more of a house hold name, I feel. And also, I gotta pick two. Jordan Jensen! She’s so funny, she’s so unique. She’s going to be absolutely everywhere. She’s Louis’ opener, and that right there is a stamp of approval. Hug someone you love cause you never know when you’ll go.
Jeremiah Watkins (@jeremiahstandup)
I think the breakout comedian is going to be Brian Simpson. He’s a fellow paid regular at the Comedy Store, and to his credit he is one of the hardest people to follow there. He has razor sharp jokes and a likeability that I haven’t seen since Patrice on stage. He’s going to be huge in 2022.
Jim Florentine (@jimflorentine)
I think 2022 breakout comedian is going to be Natalie Cuomo. I saw her at Skankfest, killing every show. I’m doing some shows with her at The Stand in New York City. She’s likeable, she’s edgy. She’s really funny. She’s going to be the next star.
Joe List (@joelistcomedy)
I think the breakout comedian will be Raanan Herschberg and I’m not just saying that because he lives directly above me. He’s about to shoot a special. He’s my favorite comedian right now, period. You’re going to love him when you see him. Thanks.
Joyelle Nicole Johnson (@joyellenicole)
Hey everybody! I would like to say the person I think is going to have a great breakout year in 2022 is me! Joyelle Nicole Johnson! I’m nominated for a Critics Choice Award, thats starting January 9th baby. Nominated for my very first special that came out in 2021 out of a pandemic. Are you kidding me? It’s on Peacock. DO you have peacock? Get peacock. Yeah I think I’m the breakout comedian, was that narcissistic enough for you? Happy New Year.
Kerryn Feehan (@kerrynfeehan)
A guy named Zach Brazao. You guys might not have heard of him. He’s from Massachusetts. He’s super smart, he uses words like mirth. He has a great Boston accent and I see him doing big things in 2022. .
Liza Treyger (@glittercheese)
I’m so excited for Marcia Belsky in 2022. She killed it and is consistently killing it making so many amazing videos, songs, she puts together comedic musicals and does stand up and is so hard working, funny, unique, cool to hang out with, stoner, jew, angel, baby and we have a great time together on top of all that. But she’s just beyond talented, beyond funny, and I can’t wait to see what 2022 brings. If its anything like her hit tampon song, we’re in for a treat.
Luis J Gomez (@luisjgomez)
My pick is none other than my co-host on the Real Ass Podcast, the international super star Zac Amico. Zac has been in the comedy scene for a long time. He is one of the quickets, funniest and nicest comedians working. He absolutely destroyed at the roast of Luis J Gomez at Skankfest. And has quietly amassed a reputation of being one of the funniest comics in the world. You should check out Zac Amico. He deserves all of the love and respect that is coming to him in 2022.
Monroe Martin III (@monroemartiniii)
I’m choosing Aminah Imani. I think she’s going to kill it in 2022 cause she’s been killing it so far. And she’s been reaching another level of comedy where she’s using her confusion, her pain, her happiness, and she’s bringing all of that all on stage and just shedding as a comedian. And it’s beautiful to watch. And that’s all she paid me to say, so that’s where I go.
Nate Bargatze (@natebargatze)
My pick for the breakout comic of 2022 will be Mike Vecchione. He’s been around for awhile, probably mentioned a ton on this and I think Vecchione is going to go to another level this year and in 2022. And I’ve been seeing him a lot on the road. He’s one of the funniest comics ever. So Mike Vecchione is my pick. If he doesn’t I will hit him.
Paul Morrissey (@paulhasawebsite)
Last year I believe i picked the break out comedian Jimmy O Yang who was in Crazy Rich Asians and also just starred in his fifth Netflix movie so I”m 100% right on all of these. My breakout comedians this year- there’s a great comedian Richard Sarrvate who created the Night of the Living Karens on TikTok. I’ve gotten to do a bunch of stand up with him, he’s a really funny guy. And runs his own room up in San Francisco called The Set Up, he’s definitely the guy to look out for. Also in New York, Katie Morrissey from my namesake. We’re not related, but she’s funny and I wanted to give some love to the East Coast.
Rich Vos (@richvosthelegend)
I think the the breakout performer of 2022, is Michael or Mike Suarez, Mushy Mike. The reason I’m going to go with him is because he does all my social media, makes my posters, puts up my video clips and and he gives me a good price, so I’m going to go with him. Also, he’s Mexican, he’s overweight so he’s got those two things going for him. He’s good on social media. On stage, he’s alright, whatever. But look. I can’t even tell you what I pay a month for him. But you say his name, might knock off another $25.
Robby Slowik (@robbyslowik)
I think the breakout comedian will be first and foremost, and there’s some bias here, but my wife, Casey Balsham. Because she just filmed an amazing special called Inconceivable thats going to be coming out this year, and its the thing thats going to take her to the next level. It’s fantastic and I can’t wait for the world to see it And then Nathan Macintosh. He’s been killing in the clubs here in the city for like, who knows, a decade now. But he’s just on such a good run that I think 2022 is going to be big for him as well.
Robert Kelly (@robertkellylive)
I’m back here again letting you know what I know because I have super knowledge of who is who in the comedy business. From my past picks: Dan Soder, Joe List, Nate Bargatze, yeah I bombed on Joe DeRosa he has a sandwich shop now, but you can’t win them all. Shane Gillis. Boom. This year’s breakout comic is Mike Cannon. Mike Cannon from the hit show, What’s the Scenario, he is going to be the next breakout. Yes he looks like he’s 58. And he has more than one kid. More than one marriage. But he is going to be the breakout star this year. WATCH. Trust me. Remember I said that.
Sarah Tollemache (@stollemache)
My breakout comedian for 2022 is Caitlin Peluffo. She’s a beast on stage. You can’t follow her. And she’s my next door neighbor so there you go.
Seaton Smith (@seatonsmith)
I think the breakout comedian is going to be Byron Bowers. He just made a special, its coming out. I think his mind is brilliant. I think everytime he gets on tv its just a blessing. I think everybody is going to be checking this special out. Excited.
Tim Dillon (@timjdillon)
I think the breakout comedian of next year will be Sebastian Maniscalco. No I’m kidding. Marcello Hernandez, he’s a funny dude, he’s opened for me a few times. He’s a New York based comedian from Florida. He’s Cuban, and his family came to this country on a raft so he deserves it.
Tammy Pescatelli (@tammypescatelli)
I think the breakout comedian of 2022 is gonna be Jessica Kirson. I think this is her year that she’s going to blow up and start selling out stadiums everywhere.
Tommy Johnagin (@tommyjohnagin)
Brian Simpson! I’ve seen him of late doing a lot of sets, just killing it. I think he just recorded a special for Netflix. Thats going to come out, everyone’s going to see how great he is. Most people already know. He also has one of my favorite late night sets in the last few years, and I think it was on the David Spade show. I’m not his manager, I’m just here to say, Brian Simpson, 2022.
Wil Sylvince (@wilsylvince)
The breakout comedian for 2022 is Zainab Johnson. Extremely funny, very unique perspective on so many things, she’s appearing in so many tv shows on Amazon, Netflix. Zainab Johnson is going to be a huge comedian from 2022.
Yamaneika Saunders (@yamaneika)
Rosebud Baker. She just had her Comedy Central Whisky Fist special come out. She’s doing a lot of amazing things, touring and writing on a lot of great shows. So 2022, is gonna be Rosebud Baker’s.
Yannis Pappas (@yamaneika)
My breakout comedian prediction for this upcoming year is the young stallion, the young blood, Jared Harvin. He’s from out on the Island, a lot of good comedians come from Long Island and he’s about to take the comedy world by storm He’s just animated, very funny, and absolutely great writer. Follow his tweets and you can hear him on my podcast, Long Days with Yannis Pappas. Happy Christmas or whatever!
