People Who Made Us Laugh in 2020

Over the summer, comedian Ziwe Fumudoh set social media ablaze with her Instagram show "Baited with Ziwe" featuring controversial guests like Caroline Calloway, Rose McGowan, Alyssa Milano, and more. Though she makes it clear that her show is strictly comedy, her tough questions like "Who is your favorite Black person?" and "What was the last racist thing that you did today?" often made her white guests feel uncomfortable or, in some cases, defensive, falling into the trap of being "baited" into saying something racist. Nevertheless, Fumudoh gave viewers a series of nervous laughs and blank stares that they couldn't take their eyes off. The show's success also landed Fumudoh a deal with Showtime.

You've probably seen Benito Skinner's impersonation of the Kardashians or his videos on dating each zodiac signs all over your Instagram Explore page. Popularly known as Benny Drama, his steady stream of hilarious content has been the perfect distraction throughout quarantine. Not only are his makeup and styling skills unmatched, but his acting ability undoubtably belongs on a screen larger a phone. Check out his take on Kylie Jenner—it's scarily accurate.

TikTok star Spencer Wuah made a name for himself early on with his gender fluid fashion and meme-related humor. However, in recent months, the influencer has become known for his "daily screams." During the early days of lockdown, he was still working as a barista. He shared his post-work rant sessions on TikTok to complain mostly about rude customers, beginning each video with, "If you're new here, welcome. If you're not new, you know what time it is." The catchphrase has become a trend on TikTok for other users looking to share their daily misfortunes.

Another example of just a guy and his phone going viral, Jordan Firstman gained a large following during quarantine for his impressions of specific scenarios like “a mirror in therapy” or “Eve trying to party with Adam.” The actor, writer, and producer began posting series of videos in April as a creative outlet during LA’s first stay-at-home order and they’ve even been reposted by celebrities like Chrissy Teigen. 

Known by many as "Kombucha Girl," Broski reached meme status in 2019 thanks to a TikTok of her changing facial expressions as she tries kombucha. Since her big break, Broski has maintained a steady social media career, launching an equally hilarious Twitter account.

It's hard to ignore this piece of comedic genius. Not only did Schitt's Creek sweep the Emmy's this year by winning all seven major comedy awards, but the show garnered a solid fanbase who saw it off in its final season. Starring Dan and Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and Annie Murphy, this comedy is the show to watch if your spirits need a lift.

With severe lockdown measure in place in New York, Saturday Night Live seemed to be another casualty of the pandemic. Fortunately, Lorne Michaels and his cast of late night comics were able to fashion three shows from home, with hosts Tom Hanks and Kristen Wiig. Despite not having access to their usual sets and makeup teams, the cast managed to joke about relatable quarantine-related topics, including sketches about Zoom meeting mishaps and virtual graduations.

Tega Orhorhoro is a popular TikToker, known for her reaction videos to food-related content. Her upbeat style and witty commentary on these clips have spawned a cult following from users that crave positive, yet humorous content. However, she began her TikTok career with motivational videos, which she still posts from time to time, that gained the attention of actress Jennifer Garner.

Comedian Leslie Jones, former cast member of SNL and current host of Supermarket Sweep, went viral during the 2020 U.S. presidential election for her live tweeting while watching MSNBC’s coverage, and more specifically, Steve Kornacki’s live cam. Her hilarious commentary on Kornacki’s now-famous khakis and coinage of #kornackithirst brought moments of genuine humor during a drawn-out and at times stressful election. Jones has continued posting shakily-recorded reaction videos, also giving CNN's Chris Cuomo her stamp of approval.