Who is the best comedian in this time frame? Eddie Murphy is past his prime Chris Rock was strong for a second. Dave Chappelle seems to be the king of comedy for this era. Rocket River
This, these 2 defined the generation. I would maybe add Jim Gaffigan in terms of comedians who influenced others.
Best stand up? It's Chapelle. He's the Lebron of comedians, generally accepted by all as the best of the era. Next would be maybe Louis CK. I would actually put Seinfeld up there as surprisingly great for a long time, much better in older years than others of his time. Are we counting comedians that don't do much stand up? Ellen is one of the funniest people alive but she's making bank for her talk show.
Its Dave Chapelle, but Mitch Hedberg is a strong one for me. He had material for days, if not for his passing.
Dave Chappelle owned comedy around his HBO special and own tv show in early 2000s. He’s still solid, but not the king anymore. Chris Rock is not that funny imo and works better in movies where he can use some of his good stories and lines. Same with Kevin Hart, though he’s even more annoying on stage. Lots of comedians do the same thing, but to me the clear standout of the last 10-15 years is Fluffy. You truly get to know him and his stories are crazy, but he sells it with his voices, attitude, body language and facial expressions. He doesn’t need crude jokes, foul language, sex talk and is truly for everyone. As good as Chappelle is, his latest specials relied too much on this IDGAF persona. Political humour he still kills it. Fluffy dabbles into politics, but packages it better. He uses his own story to make his points about society, state of the world and also uses his child in a genius way to show the differences between generations. Plenty of comedians try this, but cannot deliver it in a way that it’s not over the top (partially embellished or made up). Fluffy can actually tell a relevant story people can relate to without the need for exaggeration. That for me is his strength, he’s genuine and uses self-depreciation that way too. Last thing I really think what makes Fluffy stand out is he gets personal in a way comedians rarely do. A lot of them still mask their personality, issues, etc. He has a few people like Martin, his mother, wife, son and father who he refers to in every single show. You get to know them and his relationship with them. If you as a comedian can be so open that you know your audience will appreciate you sharing that you have finally met your father and can shed a tear on stage and still get people to laugh about it at the same time, you are truly great.
Dave C - his show is incredibly re-watchable still CK - even though he's a degenerate ******* Bill Burr Hedberg 2000 was a long time ago, wasn't Chris Rock the later 90's?
On stage - Louis CK and it's not particularly close, just for the sheer productivity / extensive body of work while maintaining top quality Off stage - Patrice O'Neal and it's not close, his radio appearances are probably the funniest things I've ever heard On TV - no idea, but Louis CK is probably in the mix for his Lucky Louie / Louie shows. Also Dave Chappelle (Dave Chappelle Show), Ricky Gervais (The Office) and Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) In movies - no idea, but Sascha Cohen and Will Ferrell are in the mix
I guess this time period doesn't capture most of George Carlin, but he's a favorite. Always liked Louis CK as well. I've seen Seinfeld live 3 times. He's great, but he does the same set for like a decade. Carlin and CK do new **** every year, so I feel like guys like them should be graded on a curve. (Chris Rock and others do new **** every year as well.) Dave Chapelle is a must watch, obviously. So I guess him and CK for this time span.
Dave Chappell: Killin' Them Softly John Mulanney: New in Town Louis CK: Chewed Up, One Night Stand, Hilarious I also like Tom Segura's new stuff.
Lots of greats mentioned already. I’ll throw Sebastian Maniscalco in there. Always absolutely hilarious. I think Kevin Hart can be very funny in movies and interviews but his stand up is really bad. Lots of people seem to love it though.