Cover Ali Wong is one of the most popular standup comedians working today (photo: Netflix via IMDB)
Ali Wong is one of the most popular standup comedians working today (photo: Netflix via IMDB)
1 / 1
These standup comedians not only provide laughter but also offer worthwhile insights into the diverse experiences of Asians and the Asian diaspora
Not so long ago, the thought of Asian standup comedians was somewhat laughable in itself. In movies, Asian representation was limited to caricatures and stereotypes—think Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles or the infamous Mr Yunioshi character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. There was no recognition of Asians’ wit and storytelling prowess, particularly in the comedy arena.
However, pioneers like Margaret Cho opened the door for Asian standup comedians, especially in the ’90s. This new generation of Asian comics used humour to challenge racial stereotypes and give a voice to the Asian American experience. By the 2010s, we had Ali Wong, Jo Koy and Hasan Minhaj, who've gained mainstream success and established that standup isn’t just about putting on funny faces and making people laugh. It’s about sharing stories, breaking barriers and constantly challenging the boundaries of comedy.
Also read: 7 top comedians to watch—Jo Koy, Ali Wong and more
Today, Asian comedians (and comedians of Asian descent) are selling out arenas, headlining Netflix specials and influencing political and cultural discussions. Whether they're discussing immigrant parents, cultural clashes or everyday absurdities, these standups offer a laugh for everyone.
1. Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho is a true pioneer. Long before conversations about diversity and representation in comedy were mainstream, she was breaking ground with her unapologetic, razor-sharp humour—first with the sitcom All-American Girl. However, she found her true calling in standup.
Cho’s comedy pulls no punches. She tackles everything from race and sexuality to politics and feminism with brutal honesty. Her 2000 standup special I’m the One That I Want was a raw and hilarious exploration of Hollywood’s mistreatment of her, body image struggles and her rise in the comedy world.
Her other specials, like Notorious C.H.O. and PsyCHO, showcase her ability to use personal anecdotes to illustrate sharp social critique. A strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Asian American visibility, she uses comedy as both a weapon and a lifeline, proving that humour can be both subversive and healing. Her most recent standup special, Live and Livid (2023), continues her legacy of unfiltered, biting humour.
Don't miss: #StopAsianHate heads to Clubhouse with Margaret Cho and Lisa Ling keynotes
2. Ali Wong
Ali Wong is renowned for her candid and unapologetic humour, which often revolves around motherhood, marriage and her Asian American identity. She filmed her breakout Netflix special, Baby Cobra (2016), while she was seven months pregnant. She not only received widespread critical acclaim but she elbowed her way into the zeitgeist. She then released Hard Knock Wife (2018) and Don Wong (2022), both available on Netflix. In 2024 she released her comedy special Single Lady, celebrating her being back on the market. Wong’s standup performances provide a raw and hilarious insight into the life of a modern Asian American woman.
Don't miss: 5 Asian comedians celebrating heritage, humour and diversity on the stage, one joke at a time
3. Ken Jeong
Ken Jeong’s rise to comedic stardom is the kind of story Hollywood dreams are made of. A licensed physician turned standup comic, Jeong’s journey from medicine to the stage was as unconventional as it was unexpected. Though he’s mostly a celebrity now, his medical background often finds its way into his routines.
Jeong’s performances are a mix of manic storytelling, wild physical comedy and hilarious self-deprecation. Specials like You Complete Me, Ho (Netflix, 2019) exemplify his storytelling capabilities. He narrates how his wife’s battle with cancer changed his life but does so with his signature off-the-wall humour.
4. Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj's Homecoming King (2017) is a deeply personal Netflix special where he shares stories about growing up as a first-generation Indian-American. The special received a Peabody Award for its insightful and heartfelt narrative. Though Minhaj has gotten a bit more “Hollywood” with his show Patriot Act as well as appearances in The Morning Show and It Ends With Us, he is still one of the most prolific Asian standup comedians. His most recent skit was Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head in 2024.
5. Ronny Chieng
Like Minhaj, Ronnie Chieng was a correspondent on The Daily Show. His breakout role as the manipulative Eddie in Crazy Rich Asians (2018) only opened more opportunities to showcase his comedy chops. Chieng’s Netflix special, Asian Comedian Destroys America! (2019) is a showcase of his sharp wit and observational humour. Born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore, Chieng often discusses cultural differences and the Asian immigrant experience in the US. He also aired Speakeasy (2022) and Love to Hate It (2024).
6. Jo Koy
Jo Koy draws heavily from his Filipino heritage, sharing hilarious anecdotes about his family and cultural experiences in both his standup acts and in his 2012 film, Easter Sunday, which was set amidst a Filipino American family gathering. Jo Koy’s specials, including Live from Seattle (2017) and Comin’ In Hot (2019), are available on Netflix and have been embraced by audiences worldwide as they light on the nuances of Filipino American culture.
Also read: Jo Koy on race, Filipino pride and coming home for Christmas
7. Vir Das
Vir Das is a trailblazing comedian whose sharp wit, global perspective and fearless commentary have made him one of India's most successful standup exports. His 2021 Netflix special, Vir Das: For India, was a love letter to his home country, celebrating while critiquing Indian culture, history and politics. However, it was his viral monologue “Two Indias”—part of his I Come From Two Indias performance at the Kennedy Centre—that sparked international debate. Das’s comedy is both intellectual and accessible, making him a standout in the global standup scene.
8. Sheng Wang
As far as standup comedians go, Sheng Wang isn’t as mainstream as the others on this list—yet. However, his Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy (2022) was directed by Ali Wong, so he has her precious seal of approval. As a Texan of Taiwanese descent, Wang’s material turns mundane experiences into laugh-out-loud moments, from getting a Costco membership to managing bad posture.
Unlike many comics who lean into high-energy punchlines, Wang’s charm comes from his mellow delivery and subtly profound insights. His work is proof that great comedy doesn’t need to be loud to leave an impression.
9. Atsuko Okatsuka
Atsuko Okatsuka has emerged as one of the freshest and most unique standup comedians of the last decade. She was born in Taiwan and raised in Japan before moving (or, more accurately, being kidnapped) to the US. This unique upbringing fuels her sets with unique reflections on cultural displacement, family quirks and mental health—all delivered with her signature deadpan delivery and infectious charm.
Her HBO special, The Intruder (2022), directed by Tig Notaro, was widely praised for its mix of absurdity and vulnerability, particularly her hilarious retelling of a home intrusion that became a meditation on anxiety and resilience.
