We've covered a lot of fantastic comics over the years but when it comes to this year, there were definitely some comedic favorites that had people buzzing around the world. Whether they made it into beautiful Orange County or not in 2013, we were all watching, laughing along, and becoming even bigger fans of their work. It's undeniable that a list like this could go on and on and depending on your taste in comedy and the location you live, chances are that you might not agree with our picks. And that's fine by us. As long as you watch and support live comedy we can always agree to disagree but when it comes to our choices, well, here are our top picks for the “Five Stand-Up Comics That Had a Stand-Out Year in 2013.”
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5- Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer has mastered fearlessness down to a science. She's unapologetic about the adventurous nature of her sex life, she's openly honest about her feelings on what some might consider “taboo topics,” and she delivers an unquestionably hysterical stand-up set thanks in part to her sweet face and her sharp tongue. Her Comedy Central series, “Inside Amy Schumer” was renewed for a second season meaning that we'll be seeing a lot more of this lovely gal in 2014. And in our opinion, we couldn't be happier about that because Schumer rules.
4- Ralphie May
Ralphie May has always been quite the workhorse with a touring schedule that seems never ending and this year, that was no different. Ending 2012 on a lower than usual note, this big man did even bigger things in 2013 traveling around the world to entertain his adoring fans. Speaking his mind on-line and on stage, May pleases sold-out crowds with his outspoken nature, his personal stories, and he supplies the house with non-stop laughter thanks to his “special” nicknames for body parts. 2014 also marks the return of his “Perfect 10 Podcast” (that he hosts with his comedian wife Lahna Turner) meaning next year, he'll be busier than ever. You go, boy!
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3- Louis C.K.
Louis C.K. has been in this business for years and lucky for him (although we'd call it skill), his popularity just seems to be growing and growing in numbers as the year's progress. His observational style of comedy and love for the craft shined bright in 2013 with his FX show “Louie” as well as in his newest special “Oh My God” that he self-produced and later released for only $5 for his fans. Making fun of himself and all the while making fun of others, the fact is, it's in no way cliché to say you love Louie and what his comedy brings to the table. Everyone loves this guy and honestly, we don't blame you one bit.
2- Jim Norton
Leaving no sacred cow untouched, little Jimmy Norton ruled in a big way this year by releasing “American Degenerate” on EPIX (and later on Netflix), touring the country to the delight of his eager fans, and still maintained his presence killing the airwaves with his twisted sense of humor and showcasing a slew of uncomfortable characters on The Opie N Anthony Show. Norton also slimmed down this year and started a once a week advice show on Sirius XM where he dishes out extreme intelligence on topics like addiction, sleep apnea, and limp dicks. Waiting with baited breath to see what he'll do next, Norton might be a dark and dirty comic but his future looks brighter than ever.
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1- Doug Stanhope
Doug Stanhope is as real as it gets in the world of stand up comics. Real grimy, really brutally honest, and really funny when it comes to everything coming out of his mouth. Never one to sugar coat his thoughts, this year was one of his best as he started a podcast (which all of us fans have been waiting on), held down a successful and hilarious “celebrity death pool,” sold out venues worldwide, and released an amazingly fantastic new special called “Beer Hall Putsch.” Yes, 2013 was a mighty great year for the mighty Stanhope and we're anxiously waiting to see what 2014 brings.
See also:
Steve-O Found a Way to Work Manginas Into His Stand-Up Comedy
10 Douchiest Guitarists of All Time
10 Douchiest Drummers of All Time
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Ali Lerman knows much about comedy, basketball, and celebrating Wu-Tang Wednesday. She’s been writing for sixteen years and still calls her mom with grammatical questions.