Every year, Hollywood industry uber-paper Variety names its 10 Comics To Watch and inevitably those comics immediately become the apple of every lazy development executive’s eye. So who are this year’s lucky winners? Here’s the list in alphabetical order, with some video samples of their work:
RUSSELL BRAND
He’s already been “watched” overseas, but Americans just recently discovered him in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
BRANDON JACKSON
We’ve got to admit we’re not very familiar with Brandon Jackson, but we’re told he’s “the next Marlon Wayans.” We’re also told that somehow that’s a compliment.
ANTHONY JESELNICK
Anthony’s a really smart standup who you probably have never heard of even thought he’s been on a couple of late night talk shows.
JON LAJOIE
Proof that if you get enough views on Youtube, Hollywood’s going to notice.
RALPHIE MAY
This one seems really odd to us, because we thought Ralphie had been watched about a decade ago when he was on the original season of Last Comic Standing and forgotten by now.
TJ MILLER
We’re big TJ Miller fans and you will be too once you see him in something other than Cloverfield or Carpoolers.
JOHN MULANEY
You’ve probably seen him on Best Week Ever or Conan O’Brien, but you should really go see him do standup in a club some time.
JAY PHILLIPS
Another great selection, Jay’s done Def Comedy Jam and had a supporting role in Semi-Pro.
PAUL RUST
Paul’s kind of the king of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater which basically means that most of the country’s never heard of him and a couple thousand people think he’s the greatest comedic talent on the planet.
CASEY WILSON
The newest Saturday Night Live cast member, Casey didn’t have a whole lot to do this season but she did show a lot of promise with what she was given.