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Theater Comedy

Which Metro Area Has Produced the Most Comedians?

May 08, 2023 by Vivid Seats


While many comedians still make a name for themselves via the traditional Hollywood route, plenty have proved that you don’t need to be born and raised in the City of Angels to make it big.  

Nikki Glaser, Gary Owen and Tom Segura all hail from Cincinnati, while Leanne Morgan grew up in a Middle Tennessee farming community of 500 people. But where in the country has produced the most comedians?  

Vivid Seats compiled a list of the funniest metros, according to the birthplace of the top selling comedians on Vivid Seats. Take a look at the interactive map below to find which metros have birthed the most recognizable names in comedy:  

It comes as no surprise that the comedy capital of the U.S., New York City, claims the top spot. The New York metro area has birthed an abundance of comedians, including Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer and Jerry Seinfeld.  

The Windy City has been home to a thriving comedy scene for decades. It is also the birthplace of some of the comedy industry’s best and brightest stars like Emmy Award winners John Mulaney and Bill Murray.  

There’s no shortage of comedians hailing from the East Coast as Boston checks in as the third funniest metro area. Beantown boasts several big-name comedy veterans including Bill Burr and Conan O’Brien.  

Despite being home to the stars, Los Angeles has created less comedians than Washington, D.C. has. The District has seen a number of award-winning comedians emerge from its streets, including Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K. and Whitney Cummings

Although Atlanta is known as the hip-hop capital of the country, it also has a vibrant comedy scene. It rounds out the Top 5 funniest metros with ties to Heather McMahan, Jeff Foxworthy and Chris Tucker.  

Top 5 Metros for Comedy Shows  

Vivid Seats’ data also revealed the best area for comedy fans to live or visit based on the number of total comedy shows per capita.  

For those looking to laugh out loud with some of today’s biggest comedians, the top five metros for comedy lovers are:  

  • Las Vegas 
  • San Jose 
  • Birmingham 
  • San Francisco 
  • Sacramento 

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