Bustle's Comedy IRL is not a Top 10 comedians list. There's no power ranking here. This is a celebration of the power of women in comedy. Throughout the month of July, Bustle is toasting the creative, thoughtful, hilarious women who use their craft to challenge norms, open conversations, and talk about issues that matter. Each week we will release original photoshoots, interviews, and stories from each of these amazing women. From beloved television actors to seasoned podcasters to talented stand-ups to the brilliant writers working behind-the-scenes magic, each of these women has a unique voice that deserves to be heard.
Check back each Monday in July for new profiles from the likes of Rachel Bloom, Phoebe Robinson, Sasheer Zamata, Kristen Bell, Aya Cash, and more. We all know women are strong as hell, but these talented, hilarious women prove that day in and day out.
Rachel Bloom — July 5
Why You Know Her: She's the critically beloved co-creator of the little-musical-comedy-that-could, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Since its inception, Bloom and her series have pushed boundaries all the way into topics that help her fans feel just a little less alone in the world.
Lilly Singh — July 5
Why You Know Her: Also known as "iiSuperwomanii" on Youtube, Singh has become a boss — or "bawse," as she puts it — in the realm of VOD comedy. Her videos reach over 11 million subscribers, she is one of the highest paid Youtubers in the game, and she just released her own advice book: How To Be A Bawse.
Emily V. Gordon — July 5
Why You Know Her: She's a hilarious writer best known for co-creating The Meltdown With Jonah & Kumail and for her newest project, The Big Sick. The film is the hilarious Sundance darling that she co-wrote with her husband and fellow funny person, Kumail Nanjiani, about their real life love story.
Yael Grobglas — July 5
Why You Know Her: She's the villain who won over audiences on the CW's fantastic Jane The Virgin. Audiences just couldn't hate her Petra when she continued to bring the laughs with her unique brand of buttoned up, yet madcap physical comedy.
Sasheer Zamata — July 10
Why You Know Her: She's been a key player on Saturday Night Live since 2014 until recently, when she broke out on her own to focus on standup and her own projects. Zamata has also served as a celebrity ambassador to the ACLU.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge — July 10
Why You Know Her: Waller-Bridge is the brazen, unabashed voice, creator, and star of Amazon's criminally under-appreciated Fleabag. You'll also see her palling around with young Han Solo in Disney's upcoming origin story.
Ashley Nicole Black — July 10
Why You Know Her: She's one of the standout correspondents on Samantha Bee's feminist AF news/comedy show, Full Frontal. Black not only steps in front of camera for sketches and field pieces, she's an essential member of the show's writing team.
Katie Dippold — July 10
Why You Know Her: After working on Parks & Recreation as a writer, Dippold began putting words to the page for hilarious, women-led films like The Heat & Ghostbusters. Her latest film is the Goldie Hawn & Amy Schumer vehicle, Snatched.
Phoebe Robinson — July 17
Why You Know Her: She's one half of the beloved 2 Dope Queens podcast duo and a best-selling author of You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have To Explain.
Aya Cash — July 17
Why You Know Her: She's the breakout co-lead of FXX's critical darling You're The Worst, where she challenges every expectation of a rom-com heroine while delving into real world topics like depression and anxiety in a thoughtful, relatable way.
Michelle Wolf & Desi Lydic — July 17
Why You Know Them: As two of the most well-known and beloved correspondents from The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, these talented women weave together the insanity of covering a Trump presidency, delicate sociopolitical issues, and biting humor with hilarious (and oh so important) results.
Kether Donahue — July 24
Why You Know Her: Just like her real life bestie, Aya Cash, Donahue broke out as the best friend character that deconstructs all best friend characters on You're The Worst. Her Lindsay is like no other BFF before her on television, and that's why we love her.
Blair Socci — July 17
Why You Know Her: You've seen her on MTV's Ladylike, and performing at some of New York's high profile comedy clubs, as well as co-hosting her own monthly show, Nacho B*tches, alongside Corinne Fisher. You can also catch her on Fuse TV's newest show, Uproarious.
Kristen Bell — July 24
Why You Know Her: Though she started in out the in pseudo-noir teen drama, Veronica Mars, Bell has made a life and career out of comedy. From her hilarious videos (and full length films) that she makes with her husband Dax Shepard, to her bitingly hilarious roles on series like Party Down and more recently, The Good Place, Bell is a hilarious force to be reckoned with.
Emma Willmann — July 24
Why You Know Her: Willmann is an accomplished stand-up whose 2017 breakout appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is the start of a promising career.
Lane Moore — July 24
Why You Know Her: Moore is making huge strides in the Brooklyn comedy world, hosting her extremely popular show, Tinder Live!, where she helps her fellow singletons make sense of this bonkers world we call online dating. And like a good Brooklyn creative, she's also the frontwoman & songwriter for her band, It Was Romance.
