By Sydney Scott ·
Women are making big moves in comedy. While the number of women in comedy is still dismal, the work our faves are doing is incredible. Some of our favorite female comics are booked and busy for 2019, working on specials, landing book deals, and popping up in our favorite comedies. Here are five ladies set to have big moments in 2019.
01
Yvonne Orji
Back in November, Orji told ESSENCE that she was developing a new comedy special and writing a book. While she’s been tight-lipped about the special, her book, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams (and 20 Lessons I Learned Along the Way), will be part-memoir and part-advice guide.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
02
Amanda Seales
Back in November, Seales shared news that she’d been tapped for an upcoming HBO special, I Be Knowin’. Her first special, Seales said in a statement, “I Be Knowin’ is 37 years of finding the funny, culminating in an hour, and my HBO family being the place where I get to share it, makes this, my first special, even that much more special.” The special will air January 26 at 10pm ET on HBO.
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Essence
03
2 Dope Queens
Following the success of their first series of specials, HBO has tapped Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson for round two. The pair’s podcast turned special will include new guests and new antics, with the trailer for the new series showing the ladies sharing the stage with stars like Lizzo, Lupita Nyong’o, and Janet Mock. The first special airs February 8 at 11pm ET on HBO.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO
04
Jess Hilarious
Ranked as one of the internet’s funniest women, Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore currently stars on Lil Rel Howery’s Rel as Brittany. In March, she’ll be joining the Aces of Comedy series at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which features names like Tiffany Haddish, Jay Leno, and George Lopez.
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05
Mo’Nique
It’s Mo’s world and we’re just living in it! Not many female comedians can say they’ve landed a residency in Las Vegas, but, then again, Mo’Nique isn’t like every comedian. Mo’s residency, Mo’Nique Does Vegas, kicked off earlier this month at The Sayers Club with performances every weekend through March.

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