Variety has chosen its 10 Comics to Watch for 2017.
The honorees will be recognized in the July 19 issue of Variety and at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal at a cocktail party on July 27, followed by a panel and showcase on July 28.
The comics are chosen by a group of Variety editors, reporters, and critics after extensive discussions with the comedy community, including those that scout, book, represent, produce, and cast comics on a daily basis.
The list began in 2000 with such now-recognizable names as
Louis C.K.,
Zach Galifianakis, and
Patton Oswalt. Along the years, other honorees have included
Amy Schumer,
Kumail Nanjiani, and
Rebel Wilson.
“Since Variety started entertainment industry’s original ’10 to Watch’ series almost 20 years ago, we’ve become the most important showcase for new names in writing, directing, acting, comedy, and more,” said
Steven Gaydos, Variety’s vice president and executive editor. “This year’s ‘Comics to Watch’ is a great example