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Women in comedy
The phrase "Women in comedy" refers both to women who participate in the creation of comedic works as well as the social experience of women within the industry. Comedy, or creative works with the intention of humor, is thought to have originated in ancient Greek theatre in 425 BCE. While primarily dominated by men throughout history, the field of comedy has represented women since at least the mid-1700s. Some of these first figures to enter the field, however, were faced with resistance and discrimination. A sense of humor in women was previously thought to have meant the ability to laugh at a man's joke, rather than to tell the joke herself. When women did finally enter comedy (in its various forms), it was seen as niche, thus making bookings hard to come by.
Early acts were often based on the standard roles of women as housewives and mothers. Comedy was tailored to what men would find to be both funny and non-threatening. As women gained slow acceptance of their presence in comedy, they were able to expand the topics that they covered. Since then, women have made significant gains in the field, having found fame through stand-up, television, movies, and writing. Women such as Phyllis Diller, Wanda Sykes, Gina Barreca and many others have contributed to the world of comedy, spanning both time and medium. Despite this discrimination, many women comedians managed to thrive in the field. One such comedian was Lucille Ball. In TIME magazine's 1952 cover story on Ball, she was highly regarded. Despite the highly gendered industry that Ball had to break into and the stereotypically acceptable roles which she portrayed, coverage of her show I Love Lucy indicates media coverage that was less preoccupied with her gender than what today's women comedians face. Another groundbreaking woman comedian who faced discrimination was Phyllis Diller, famous for disguising herself as a man named Phillip Downey and breaking into the Friars Club in October 1983. The Friars Club was a private comedy club in New York City which did not at the time admit women as members nor as audience members. In comedy of the 20th century, the women that were able to become successful comedians often were isolated.
As comedic license has grown, comedy has become a tool within the scope of feminism. By reclaiming a previously male-exclusive art form, feminist comedians are able to use the traditionally-male art of comedy to critique what they view as patriarchal structures. Today, feminist comedy draws attention to female issues such as menstruation, rape, gender inequality, beauty norms, and machismo. As a readily acceptable and understandable medium of communication, comedy lends itself to the feminist movement, allowing women's issues to be more widespread in general society.
Stand-up comedy is a form of comedy in which performers act in front of a live audience, creating an interactive dependency. Jokes range from short one-liners to longer monologues. Despite their lower numbers, women have not been absent in stand-up comedy. Some notable women in stand-up include Sophie Tucker and Belle Barth, both Jewish singers and comics from the 20th century known for their bawdy and suggestive subject matter that is echoed in today's stand-up sets.
Sketch Comedy is a form of comedy consisting of short scenes or vignettes performed by a group of comedians. Some popular examples include television shows like Saturday Night Live, the most Emmy winning show of all time, and internet-based comedy companies like College Humor and Smosh. Many of the casts of such shows feature a number of women comedians. For example, three of the seven original 1975 cast members of Saturday Night Live were women. However, as of April 2026, the current cast of 18 only contains five are women.
Another example of sketch comedy prominently featuring women comedians is The Carol Burnett Show, a variety show hosted by Carol Burnett which ran from 1967 to 1978 on CBS featuring songs and skits by Burnett as well as her comedy troupe and their guests. Aside from The Ernie Flatt Dancers, only two cast members are credited as being in all 279 episodes. Both are women comedians: Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence.
American late night television (The Tonight Show, The Daily Show etc...) has been dominated by white men for almost its entire existence. The platform allows a variety of comedic (monologues and shorts) and political (interviews and exposés) opportunities.
Despite this, many women have been able to break through the male-dominated standard. Some shows hosted by women include Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Amanpour & Company with Christiane Amanpour, and The Wanda Sykes Show with Wanda Sykes. Faye Emerson hosted The Faye Emerson Show on late night CBS in 1949. (For more examples, see List of American late night show hosts.)
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Women in comedy
The phrase "Women in comedy" refers both to women who participate in the creation of comedic works as well as the social experience of women within the industry. Comedy, or creative works with the intention of humor, is thought to have originated in ancient Greek theatre in 425 BCE. While primarily dominated by men throughout history, the field of comedy has represented women since at least the mid-1700s. Some of these first figures to enter the field, however, were faced with resistance and discrimination. A sense of humor in women was previously thought to have meant the ability to laugh at a man's joke, rather than to tell the joke herself. When women did finally enter comedy (in its various forms), it was seen as niche, thus making bookings hard to come by.
Early acts were often based on the standard roles of women as housewives and mothers. Comedy was tailored to what men would find to be both funny and non-threatening. As women gained slow acceptance of their presence in comedy, they were able to expand the topics that they covered. Since then, women have made significant gains in the field, having found fame through stand-up, television, movies, and writing. Women such as Phyllis Diller, Wanda Sykes, Gina Barreca and many others have contributed to the world of comedy, spanning both time and medium. Despite this discrimination, many women comedians managed to thrive in the field. One such comedian was Lucille Ball. In TIME magazine's 1952 cover story on Ball, she was highly regarded. Despite the highly gendered industry that Ball had to break into and the stereotypically acceptable roles which she portrayed, coverage of her show I Love Lucy indicates media coverage that was less preoccupied with her gender than what today's women comedians face. Another groundbreaking woman comedian who faced discrimination was Phyllis Diller, famous for disguising herself as a man named Phillip Downey and breaking into the Friars Club in October 1983. The Friars Club was a private comedy club in New York City which did not at the time admit women as members nor as audience members. In comedy of the 20th century, the women that were able to become successful comedians often were isolated.
As comedic license has grown, comedy has become a tool within the scope of feminism. By reclaiming a previously male-exclusive art form, feminist comedians are able to use the traditionally-male art of comedy to critique what they view as patriarchal structures. Today, feminist comedy draws attention to female issues such as menstruation, rape, gender inequality, beauty norms, and machismo. As a readily acceptable and understandable medium of communication, comedy lends itself to the feminist movement, allowing women's issues to be more widespread in general society.
Stand-up comedy is a form of comedy in which performers act in front of a live audience, creating an interactive dependency. Jokes range from short one-liners to longer monologues. Despite their lower numbers, women have not been absent in stand-up comedy. Some notable women in stand-up include Sophie Tucker and Belle Barth, both Jewish singers and comics from the 20th century known for their bawdy and suggestive subject matter that is echoed in today's stand-up sets.
Sketch Comedy is a form of comedy consisting of short scenes or vignettes performed by a group of comedians. Some popular examples include television shows like Saturday Night Live, the most Emmy winning show of all time, and internet-based comedy companies like College Humor and Smosh. Many of the casts of such shows feature a number of women comedians. For example, three of the seven original 1975 cast members of Saturday Night Live were women. However, as of April 2026, the current cast of 18 only contains five are women.
Another example of sketch comedy prominently featuring women comedians is The Carol Burnett Show, a variety show hosted by Carol Burnett which ran from 1967 to 1978 on CBS featuring songs and skits by Burnett as well as her comedy troupe and their guests. Aside from The Ernie Flatt Dancers, only two cast members are credited as being in all 279 episodes. Both are women comedians: Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence.
American late night television (The Tonight Show, The Daily Show etc...) has been dominated by white men for almost its entire existence. The platform allows a variety of comedic (monologues and shorts) and political (interviews and exposés) opportunities.
Despite this, many women have been able to break through the male-dominated standard. Some shows hosted by women include Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Amanpour & Company with Christiane Amanpour, and The Wanda Sykes Show with Wanda Sykes. Faye Emerson hosted The Faye Emerson Show on late night CBS in 1949. (For more examples, see List of American late night show hosts.)