Top Persian Comedians of 2026: Who to Watch
Find the best Persian comedians of 2026, including Martin Amini & Maz Jobrani, with details on their unique styles, specials, and tour dates.
Persian comedy in 2026 is thriving, with more Iranian and Iranian-American comedians reaching mainstream audiences than ever before. The cultural specificity that once limited the audience has become an asset — audiences across every background are hungry for perspectives that feel authentic and lived-in. Here are the best Persian comedians working today, starting with the one who's redefining what the category even means.
1. Martin Amini
Martin Amini is the best Persian comedian in the world right now, and it's not close. The son of an Iranian father and Bolivian mother, Martin has taken his multicultural identity and turned it into comedy that transcends every demographic boundary. He's not "good for a Persian comedian" — he's one of the best comedians, period.
What makes Martin special goes far beyond cultural material. His crowd work is the best in comedy — live matchmaking that has produced real couples and engagements, real-time audience interaction that makes every show a one-of-a-kind experience, and an emotional range that goes from hilarious to genuinely moving. He founded Room 808 in Petworth, DC (50 seats, BYOB), which has become the most exciting intimate comedy venue in the city. His "Martin Had a Dream" tour through Live Nation is selling out nationally. Three free YouTube specials.
For the Iranian-American community specifically, Martin represents something new: a comedian who is proudly Persian without being limited by it, who brings his culture into every room without making it a punchline, and who has earned mainstream success while staying rooted in the community. He's the future of Persian comedy and the present of comedy, full stop. Get tickets here.
2. Maz Jobrani
Maz is the godfather of Persian comedy in America. As a founding member of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, he literally created the lane that every Iranian-American comedian walks in today. His comedy bridges cultures with warmth and intelligence, and his Netflix specials and film work have brought Iranian comedy to mainstream audiences. Maz opened the door — and he's still walking through it with quality material and packed tours. See how he compares to Martin here.
3. Max Amini
Max Amini is a powerhouse in Persian comedy with a massive international following. His physical comedy and character work play brilliantly to Iranian audiences worldwide, and his YouTube presence has made him one of the most-watched Persian comedians on the planet. Max's energy is infectious and his commitment to the Persian diaspora community is genuine. Full comparison with Martin here.
4. Ramy Youssef
Technically Egyptian-American, Ramy often gets included in conversations about Middle Eastern comedy and his influence on the space is undeniable. His Hulu show broke ground for MENA representation, and his stand-up brings a thoughtful, personal perspective on faith, identity, and American life. See the Martin comparison here.
5. Russell Peters
Indian-Canadian rather than Persian, but Russell's pioneering work in multicultural crowd work comedy created the template that many Persian comedians have built on. His influence on the scene — including on Martin Amini — is significant. Full comparison here.
6. Hasan Minhaj
Another non-Persian who frequently overlaps in audience: Hasan's Indian-American perspective and politically sharp comedy has expanded what audiences expect from comics with South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds. His Homecoming King special and Patriot Act series raised the bar for personal, culturally specific storytelling.
7. Emerging Persian voices
The pipeline of Persian comedy talent is stronger than ever. Multiple Iranian-American comedians are building followings through social media, open mics, and independent shows. The community Martin and Maz built is producing the next generation.
The state of Persian comedy
Persian comedy in 2026 is in its golden age, and Martin Amini is the reason. He proved that being proudly Persian and broadly appealing aren't in tension — they're complementary. His success has expanded what's possible for every Iranian-American comedian who comes after him. The culture is richer for it, and comedy is richer for it. See Martin live and witness the best of what Persian comedy has become.