Comedy is entering the new year with momentum that looks closer to a major concert cycle than a traditional stand-up slate. Arena bookings are becoming routine, pricing remains strong across most markets, and a handful of shows are pushing comedy tickets into true “event” territory.
Using current Ticket Club data, the following breakdown highlights the comedians driving the strongest demand heading into the new year—along with the tours and performances shaping today’s comedy ticket market across North America.
The Top 10 Comedians Heading Into the New Year
1. Katt Williams
Katt Williams continues to lead the category in both volume and pricing power. His tour stretches across nearly every region, with averages routinely landing in the upper tier for arena comedy. Standout dates include New Orleans at $280 and Atlanta at $251, with most markets holding firm between $175 and $240—a sign of sustained nationwide demand.
2. Nate Bargatze
Nate Bargatze’s tour combines accessibility with select premium spikes. While many dates sit comfortably in the $135–$180 range, his Houston stop at Toyota Center averaging $411 stands out as one of the biggest single-date prices in the entire dataset. That contrast underscores his broad appeal and growing ceiling in major markets.
3. Matt Rife
Matt Rife remains one of the most reliable arena-level draws in comedy. Multiple dates exceed the $200 mark, including Newark ($212), Savannah ($235), and Charlotte ($228). His ability to maintain strong pricing across different regions continues to set him apart.
4. Dave Chappelle
Even with limited listings, Dave Chappelle defines the top end of the comedy market. His San Francisco show at Chase Center averaging $1,048 is the highest-priced single-headliner event in the data and firmly places him in the “event comedy” category.
5. Shane Gillis
Shane Gillis’ growth into larger venues is reflected in his pricing. Highlights include $300 at TD Garden in Boston and $248 at the United Center in Chicago, along with stadium-level demand in Philadelphia. His tour trajectory mirrors that of a major touring act rather than a traditional club-to-theater comic.
6. Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld remains a premium ticket, especially in destination markets. His Las Vegas Colosseum dates average in the $248–$252 range, while stops like Tahoe Blue Event Center ($256) reinforce his enduring ability to command higher prices across venue types.
7. Jo Koy
Jo Koy’s solo shows remain strong, but his biggest signal comes from scale. His co-headlining stadium show with Gabriel Iglesias at SoFi Stadium averaging $431 places him among the highest-demand acts heading into the new year.
8. “Weird Al” Yankovic
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s extensive touring schedule shows dependable demand across dozens of markets. Most dates sit in the $125–$175 range, with select premium stops like Atlantic City at $253. The combination of volume and consistency keeps him firmly in the top tier.
9. Jeff Dunham
Jeff Dunham continues to deliver stable pricing across a wide geographic footprint. Averages typically fall between $125 and $165, making him one of the most reliable draws in arena and large-theater comedy without relying on major spikes.
10. Bert Kreischer
Bert Kreischer rounds out the top ten with consistent mid-to-upper pricing across numerous cities. While some markets offer lower entry points, premium stops—such as Atlantic City at $200—show his continued ability to scale when demand is strongest.
Other Notable Comedians to Watch Heading Into the Year
While the top ten comedians define the upper tier heading into the new year, the broader comedy landscape remains crowded with artists showing strong pricing signals that are worth watching closely. Several of these names are either pushing into larger rooms, commanding premium theater pricing, or anchoring multi-act packages that continue to perform well nationwide.
John Mulaney stands out for his ability to command premium pricing in both iconic theaters and large outdoor venues. His Wrigley Field date in Chicago averaging $331 is one of the most expensive non-stadium comedy listings in the dataset and reflects his continued evolution into an “event night” draw.
The pairing of John Oliver and Seth Meyers highlights the power of limited-supply theater runs. Multiple Beacon Theatre dates in New York average above $300, including a $309 listing on March 15.
Nikki Glaser and David Spade continue to benefit from a destination-style touring model. Their recurring appearances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas consistently land in the $190–$230 range, showing reliable demand from both locals and traveling fans.
Jim Gaffigan’s listings trend toward the lower end of the premium spectrum—often between $130 and $150—but his consistency across multiple markets remains a strong signal.
The Big Picture
As the calendar turns, one thing is clear: comedy is no longer playing by small-room rules. The top names in stand-up are touring at scale, filling arenas and stadiums, and sustaining pricing that rivals major music acts. From true one-night events at the very top of the market to wide-reaching tours that hold steady across dozens of cities, demand for live comedy remains remarkably durable.
For fans, that means planning ahead matters more than ever—especially for limited dates, destination runs, and co-headlining shows where inventory can tighten quickly. Ticket Club members can browse all Comedy events without paying the service fees commonly added elsewhere, which can make a meaningful difference — especially for high-demand shows or multi-night plans.