Every year, Billboard announces the top earners in the arts, including comedy. It’s been a great year for comedy, with all of your favorite comics embarking on massive tours that have taken them all around the country.
See the list of the highest grossing comics from 2023 below. Note, this only includes what they’ve earned on the road. This doesn’t include any stand-up specials or other projects outside of stand-up. Did your favorite make the list??
10) Jo Koy
Jo Koy has been a comedy mainstay for many years now. But it’s only been within the last few years that we’ve watched Koy go from playing theaters to arenas and stadiums, and selling them out throughout the country. In 2023, he earned $13.4 million on the road, selling 198,000 tickets, and playing only 20 shows.
RELATED: Looking for more Jo Koy? Listen to his Netflix special Live From Seattle on digital audio or purchase the vinyl on 800 Pound Gorilla.
9) Adam Sandler
The Sandman went back on the road in 2023. Since he only started his tour up in the late fall, that has us thinking he would’ve ranked much higher is he had begun it earlier. That said, Adam Sandler still sold 141,000 tickets over 15 shows, bringing in $14.2 million.
8) Sebastian Maniscalco
In addition to having a busy year in front of the camera in TV and film, Sebastian Maniscalco also had a busy - and profitable - year onstage. Over the course of 39 shows, he earned $16.8 million with over 130,000 tickets sold. Not too bad at all!
7) Taylor Tomlinson
Taylor Tomlinson has become one of the biggest names in comedy working today, thanks to her Netflix specials. She put in a ton of work this year, playing 132 shows and selling 296,000 tickets, which brought in $17.5 million dollars. This is all before she’s hosting her new CBS late-night show.
6) Peter Kay
Peter Kay may be a name that isn’t as widely known to Americans, but he’s huge over in the U.K. As a result, this year he sold 276,000 tickets playing just 21 shows, including 10 shows at the O2 arena. This had him earning $20.5 million dollars.
5) Nate Bargatze
A favorite of ours, Nate Bargatze has been killing it on his most recent tour, playing arenas and stadiums throughout the country and beyond. He has sold 330,000 tickets, played 113 shows, and earned $20.6 million dollars.
4) Bill Burr
In addition to starring in two Netflix movies coming out within a month of each other, Bill Burr has had a great year on tour. Playing just 37 shows, he’s brought in $20.6 million dollars, selling 231,000 tickets.
3) Bert Kreischer
Another comic who had his film debut come out this year, Bert Kreischer has been touring both solo and as part of his Fully Loaded comedy festival this year. He has sold 460,000 tickets, earned $32.9 million, and played 80 total shows. That’s a hell of a year.
2) Dave Chappelle
Despite everything, Dave Chappelle continues to be a big draw on the road. Despite only playing 19 shows in 2023, the comedian sold 254,000 tickets and managed to earn a total of $36.6 million as a result.
1) Kevin Hart
Holding court at the number one spot is of course Kevin Hart. It’s quite a jump from Chappelle to Hart, with Hart having brought in a nearly double $67.5 million dollars, selling 631,000 tickets. However, this is the result of playing 82 shows, which is a lot for a comic of his caliber.
