#FIRSTLOOK: “JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER” ANNOUNCE THEIR 2026 FESTIVAL LINEUP

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER today announced an exciting lineup of over 100 shows featuring more than 250 artists set to mark a decade of hilarity as the Festival celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary with eleven days of can’t-miss performances. From influential trailblazers and acclaimed performers to standout comedic voices, rising stars and digital comedy breakouts, this year’s edition welcomes an incredible roster of talent. Running from February 12 to 22, 2026, Western Canada’s largest comedy festival will offer fans a diverse programming mix featuring stand-up, podcasts, improv and sketch, and magic showcasing both celebrated global performers and some of the best in Canadian comedy.

Also returning in 2026 is Best of the West, the hugely popular annual comedy series celebrating B.C.’s local talent, presented in association with SiriusXM Canada. This year’s stacked lineup includes (Please Don’t Sue Us) T@$km@$ter, Buds and Suds Comedy, camp! Comedy!, Canadian Steam presented by The Comedy Department, CanFest, Cellar Comedy, Chill, Comedy!, Colin Cowan’s COMEDY WORLD: a pro standup show, Comedy Bingo!, Couples Clownselling, Drag Brunch with Dust Cwaine, Maestro, Pillow Talk, Rez Comedy Live, RIOT – Vancouver Sketch Comedy, Saving Face: A Multigenerational Asian Comedy, Seasoned, Sean McDonnell & Enemies, Teen Angst Night, That’s gay! Comedy, The HERO SHOW and Trans Girls: Raw and Uncut.

”We’re thrilled to bring together a bold, diverse mix of comedic voices for the 2026 Just For Laughs VANCOUVER festival,” said Nick Brazao, Head of Programming & Talent at JFL. “This year’s lineup showcases boundary-pushers, fan favourites, and emerging talent who reflect the energy and creativity of Vancouver’s comedy fans. We can’t wait to share these performances with audiences in February.”

“Celebrating our 10th anniversary is more than a milestone, it’s a tribute to everyone who has been a part of the journey: our artists, partners, audiences, team and the incredible local comedy community,” said Heather Wallace, Founding Partner and Festival Director of Just For Laughs VANCOUVER. “From our local roots to becoming a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, this festival has grown beyond anything I imagined.”

Tickets forJust For Laughs VANCOUVER will go on pre-sale for subscribers at 10AM PT, followed by the general public sale on Friday, November 28 at 10AM PT at JFLVancouver.com.

Performing at Just For Laughs VANCOUVER 2026

James Acaster
Orpheum | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM
James Acaster is “One of comedy’s most original voices” (Evening Standard) receiving acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking 5 consecutive nominations for ‘Best Comedy Show’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. In 2017 he toured with a staggering three-show ‘Trelogy’, performing Recognise, Represent and Reset consecutively over three nights in each venue. These three shows and Recap form his Netflix four-part series, Repertoire. In 2017 James released his debut book “Classic Scrapes” and his second book “Perfect Sound Whatever” in 2019, with both making the Sunday Times bestseller list. James also has two hit podcasts “Off Menu” which he hosts with Ed Gamble, and ‘Perfect Sounds’ both of which are regulars on the iTunes top 10 List.

Dropout Improv
Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Thursday, February 19, 2026 7:00 PM
From the minds behind Dropout comes an evening of improv, minigames, and off-the-wall shenanigans. Hosted by Kurt Maloney, and featuring the improv talents of Kimia Behpoorni, Jeremy Culhane, Vic Michaelis, Jacob Wysocki, and Scott Passarella.

Atsuko Okatsuka: The Big Bowl Tour
Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Saturday, February 21, 2026 7:00 PM
Atsuko Okatsuka is an award-winning comedian and actress. Her highly-anticipated second stand-up special “Father” premiered on Hulu and internationally on Disney+, quickly occupying the streamer’s top ten. Her previous special “The Intruder” (HBO), won a Gracie Award for “Best Comedy Special”, The New York Times called the “Best Debut Special of 2022” and Vulture and Variety named one of the “Best Specials of 2022.” Her 2024-2025 “Full Grown” tour sold out over 200 shows in more than 100 cities across 20+ countries and her comedic antics continue to go viral, racking up over 100 million views. Outside of stand-up, Atsuko’s film credits include “All That We Love,” “Group Therapy” and Pixar’s “Elio.” Her unique style of comedy blends joy with vulnerability and unforgettable storytelling. Her fans have even shown up at her shows wearing wigs styled like her signature bowl cut — a testament to how deeply she connects with her audience.

Laura Ramoso: The Calm Down Tour
Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Friday, February 20, 2026 7:00 PM
Laura Ramoso is a German-Italian comedian best known for her live sketch specials and viral impressions on social media. She has amassed over 3.5 million followers with hit characters like “German Mom,” “Italian Dad,” and “Chiara”. In 2023, she performed entirely sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s Soho Theatre with her critically-acclaimed second hour, “Frances.” Laura was named a 2023 Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy. In 2024, she embarked on her first international tour with her third special, “Sit Up Straight,” running 60+ sold-out shows through Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, and North America. Earlier this year, she opened for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their Restless Leg Tour at the Wang Theatre in Boston. Her “Calm Down Tour,” kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in March 2026.

An Evening with Phil Rosenthal of “Somebody Feed Phil”
Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning creator, executive producer, and host of “Somebody Feed Phil,” as well as a two-time New York Times Best Selling Author and soon-to-be restaurant owner. “Somebody Feed Phil” – one of Netflix’s most popular food and travel shows – has garnered a cult-like following and released its eighth season on June 18th in 190 countries. The Emmy-nominated series is Netflix’s longest unscripted series and combines Rosenthal’s love of food and travel with his unique brand of humour and has become must-see TV for foodies, restaurateurs, travelers, and armchair enthusiasts all over the world. Rosenthal has been nominated for a 2024 Critics’ Choice Real TV Award, after winning Critics Choice Real TV Awards in 2022 and 2021 for “Best Travel/Adventure Show” and “Male Star of the Year” on behalf of the series. He also garnered a 2022 James Beard Award nomination for “Visual Media—Long Form.”

Rene Vaca
Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:30 PM
René Vaca was named one of the featured comics for Netflix’s 2024 Introducing showcase at Netflix is a Joke Festival and also sold out two headlining shows of his own at the festival. René is 28 years old from San Fernando Valley, California. After realizing he wanted to pursue comedy for a living, he dropped out of college and has not looked back since. Rene recently won the 16th annual StandUp NBC competition and has built a following with his stand-up comedy clips reaching millions of views across his social media channels.

Lucy Darling: Simply Darling
Vogue Theatre | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 3:30PM & 6:30 PM
Carisa Hendrix – the mind behind Lucy Darling – is a respected magician and variety artist who brings magic and mayhem to the stage with their highly reviewed semi-improvised magic shows. A native of Calgary, this larger-than-life performer has earned accolades for their amazing magical stunts and delightful comedic flair. Winning over 15 different awards and thrilling audiences worldwide, Hendrix is well-loved in the world of magic. Known for their circus skills, bubble sculpting, and magic, Hendrix is a well-rounded and accomplished performer who has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Hendrix is the 2021 recipient of the Carlton Award from the Magic Circle in London, the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Allan Slaight Award, and was recently awarded Stage Magician of the Year at the world-famous Magic Castle for a historic second year in a row.

Michelle Buteau
Vogue Theatre | Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Michelle Buteau is an actress, comedian, producer and writer. The multihyphenate stars in the Netflix comedy series “Survival Of The Thickest,” which she created, executive produced, and which is inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. In 2024, Buteau taped her second Netflix comedy special, “A Buteau-ful Mind” live at Radio City Music Hall, becoming the first woman to tape a special at the iconic venue. Her first Netflix special, “Welcome to Buteaupia” won the Critics Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special. Buteau also starred in the hit comedy “Babes,” alongside Ilana Glazer and recently wrapped production on the comedy “Spa Weekend” opposite Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Anna Faris. Buteau is also known as the host of the hit Netflix reality competition show, “The Circle” as well as the second season of Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown.” She has also hosted the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party livestream. Buteau’s other film and television highlights include “Marry Me,” “First Wives Club,” “Always Be My Maybe” and “Someone Great.”

Nimesh Patel
Vogue Theatre | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Nimesh Patel is a comedian and Emmy-nominated writer who has risen the ranks to some of comedy’s biggest stages due to his unassailable joke writing, prolific output, and innovative marketing. Named as one of Variety’s prestigious “10 Comics To Watch” of 2023 and hailed by Vulture as “a Comedian You Should and Will Know,” Nimesh has charted a path from sold-out comedy clubs to major theatres. His most recent self-produced special “Lucky Lefty” about his experience having testicular cancer “for three business days” is his third in the past two years. “Lucky Lefty” along with his first two self-produced specials “Thank You China” and “Jokes to Get You Through Quarantine” have amassed millions of views on YouTube. His first writing job came after Chris Rock saw him perform standup and hired him to write for The Academy Awards in 2016 and tour with him. Since then, he has written for “Saturday Night Live,” “A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” The White House Correspondents Dinner, and was a producer for “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.” He has made multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”

Brent Butt
Vancouver Playhouse | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Brent Butt has long been considered one of the funniest people in Canada, with a career in stand-up comedy that stretches into five decades, including numerous appearances at major festivals in multiple countries and being voted Best Male Stand-Up in Canada by his peers in the profession. He also created and starred in two successful sitcoms – “Corner Gas” (“Funniest Show on TV” as voted by TV Guide Readers, seen in 60 countries) and “Hiccups” (multiple Leo and Writers Guild Awards). He has also written and produced two theatrical feature films (“No Clue,” “Corner Gas: The Movie”) and his debut novel, the dark psychological thriller “Huge,” was a #1 national bestseller.

Jimbo’s Clown Town at Just For Laughs Vancouver
Vogue Theatre | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Jimbo is a multi-disciplinary performance artist and designer, most known for his drag persona Jimbo the Drag Clown! Jimbo has been featured on three seasons of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” and was the break-out star of “Canada’s Drag Race: Season One,” where his outstanding performance, shocking elimination and iconic exit created an immediate fan favourite. Jimbo was cast on “Rupaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World, Season One” after which he embarked on his first world tour of 17 countries. Most recently Jimbo competed on and won “Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8,” and is currently completing his second world tour with over 100 North American and Australian dates still to come. As a stand-up comedian, Jimbo has toured the UK as a part of the MP Present: Hater’s Roast Tour and more was recently featured in a World Of Wonder stan- up comedy special as one of his legendary winning Snatch game characters, Joan Rivers. At Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, Jimbo performs his legendary impression of a comedy icon. It’ll be a night of good jokes and bad taste, featuring two beloved comedians, both of whom are long dead.

Rafi Bastos
Vogue Theatre | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Rafi Bastos is a Jewish-Brazilian comedian with an accent like Dracula and a rapidly growing social media presence of stand up clips in English. In his home-country of Brazil, Rafi is a trailblazer of comedy, media and is one of the first comedians to pioneer the art of American-style stand up comedy in Brazil. After setting more than a few records, he opened a stand-up comedy club and created national controversy by challenging Brazil’s oppressive laws surrounding freedom of speech. Rafi’s videos have more than 370 million views on his Youtube channel alone. In 2011, he was considered by The New York Times as the Most Influential Man on Twitter, at the time with 7 million followers, now at 11.4 million. In 2013, Rafi won the SHORTY AWARDS, also known as the “Oscars of Social Media”, for Best Comedian. Both in English and Portuguese, Rafi continues to prove that he is among the most talented artists of Latin America. He is also the first Brazilian comedian to headline at Just For Laughs in Montreal and has three comedy specials on Netflix. He has starred in movies, had his own controversial talk show, been an in-field journalist and hosted reality shows (“Ultimate Beastmaster” for Netflix).

Drew Lynch
Vogue Theatre | Thursday, February 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Comedian and actor Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his Golden Buzzer performance on Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent” where he finished in second place. Since then, Drew has amassed millions of followers on social media while touring the world non-stop to sold-out audiences. In 2023, Drew released his second special “And These Are Jokes.” He also appeared in a recurring role in the final season of IFC’s hit series “Maron” as well as TBS’ “Conan.” A favourite on the podcast circuit, Drew has made multiple appearances on some of the most downloaded shows, giving his unique take on everything from pop culture to news headlines to the life of a traveling comic.

ISMO: Perseverance Tour
Vogue Theatre | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 7:00 PM
ISMO is an internationally acclaimed comedian, author, rally driver and master of wordplay. ISMO: Perseverance Tour blends clever wit with Finnish grit for a comedy experience that’s smart, surprising and seriously funny. ISMO has won over audiences in person and online with his sharp takes on language, culture and life’s absurdities. ISMO: Perseverance Tour features new material and observations in the Finnish spirit of SISU – having a stoic determination, tenacity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Perseverance. His debut, iconic stand-up set on “Conan” went viral with over 135 million views. The following year he was invited to perform on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” sparking massive growth across social media.

Connor Wood
Vogue Theatre | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Connor Wood, known as @fibula across his socials, launched his comedy career online with relatable rants about life in quarantine as an unemployed person. Connor has since garnered tens of millions of likes across his videos, and co-hosts his podcast – Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast – with Brooke Averick. Wood has been recognized as an upcoming comic to know by the New York Comedy Festival, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline. In the live space, Wood has been touring his Fibs & Friends show since early 2024, and has sold out over 100 shows. On the heels of his final Fibs & Friends Last Leg tour, Wood is excited to bring his standup to Vancouver for the first time. Wood will deliver fresh and relatable takes on navigating life in his late 20s, experimental crowd work, plus fresh material since his recent move to NYC.

Zoltan Kaszas: Worldwide(ish) Tour
Vogue Theatre | Friday, February 20,2026 | 7:00 PM
Zoltan Kaszas is a Hungarian-born, award-winning stand-up comedian known for his sharp, observational humour. Kaszas, who The Atlantic called a “breakout star,” has been featured on several SiriusXM comedy channels, Laughs on Fox, Netflix Is a Joke, Scotland’s Fringe Festival and headlines comedy clubs and theaters across the country. It was his riff on why cats are better than dogs that brought viral fame, racking up over 68 million views with The Guardian’s (UK) calling it one of the “ten funniest things I’ve seen on the Internet.” Kaszas has two Dry Bar standup specials and four independent standup specials on YouTube: Modern Male, White Lies, Honorary Jones and his most recent, London Fog. His ability to take relatable experiences and turn them into hilarious stories has earned him both critical acclaim and a loyal following.

Cristela Alonzo: The Midlife Mixtape Tour
Vancouver Playhouse | Friday, February 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Cristela Alonzo is a powerhouse comedian, writer, and actress whose sharp wit and infectious charm have made her a standout voice in comedy today. Most recently, she served as a co-producer on “Happy’s Place.” Her latest Netflix comedy special, “Upper Classy,” premiered on September 23, following the success of her previous hits “Middle Classy” and “Lower Classy” — a trilogy that hilariously traces her journey from humble beginnings to unapologetic self-awareness. Cristela has appeared in Netflix’s “The Laundromat,” alongside Meryl Streep and Gary Oldman, and before that, she made history as the creator and star of her own ABC sitcom, “Cristela.” A regular on “The View” and a familiar face from “Conan”, Cristela has also been featured on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution,” and Showtime’s “Legally Brown”. Her work behind the camera has earned her multiple awards, including Best Film at the Boston Comedy Festival for her short films. She also appeared in FX’s acclaimed series “Sons of Anarchy.” With her latest stand-up tour, “The Midlife Mixtape Tour,” she proves that comedy, like life, only gets better with experience.

UpDating
Vancouver Playhouse | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
UpDating is the critically-acclaimed New York City-based live dating & comedy show bringing two singles on blindfolded first dates in front of live audiences. Dubbed “the most raw dating show in existence,” what follows is a hilarious show with audience participation, raw moments, and relatable feedback on modern romance in real-time with real people. Reality TV…unfolding & unedited on stage! Created, Produced, and Hosted by NYC-based comedians, Brandon Berman (@bermmy16) & Harrison Forman (@htforman).

Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain Tour
Vancouver Playhouse | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Mary Beth Barone is a comedian, writer, and actor. She stars on the hit Amazon/A24 comedy series “Overcompensating,” which she also wrote on. Mary Beth made her late-night standup debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and returned to perform on the show again in 2024. Her self-produced her first standup special “Thought Provoking,” released in April 2024. She has headlined sold out shows at New York Comedy Fest, Netflix Comedy Festival, and the Edinburgh Fringe. Mary Beth is the co-host of the popular podcast “Ride” with Benito Skinner. Her standup has been (accurately) described as dark post-modernism and ingeniously self-aware.

Tumua
Vancouver Playhouse | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Tumua is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, former collegiate athlete, actor, and social media personality. He was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. His social media sketches and stand-up bits are very well known in the Polynesian community throughout the world, and his online presence reaches over 600,000 followers. As a stand-up comic, Tumua has been selling out clubs, theaters, and arenas all across the nation. In 2023 Tumua performed in 22 cities, 11 states, and 5 islands.

Craig Conant
Rio Theatre | Wednesday, February 18 & Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Craig Conant is known for his unique blend of storytelling, self-deprecating humour, and reflections on sobriety. Born and raised in Los Angeles to a Mexican mother and an angry white father, Craig uses his chaotic life experiences—like being fired from Trader Joe’s—as material that resonates with audiences. His humour often centers around the absurdities of life and his recovery journey, delivered with a laid-back, quirky style that has captivated fans across the country. Craig has performed at the Just For Laughs Festival, where he was named a New Face of Comedy, and the Netflix Is A Joke festival. His viral stand-up has drawn millions of views across social media. He has sold out shows at the iconic Comedy Store in Los Angeles and hosts his popular podcast “Community Service.” Whether performing alongside legends like Bill Burr, Theo Von, and Bobby Lee or going viral with relatable bits, Craig Conant is solidifying his place as a comedic force to watch.

Ed Gamble
Rio Theatre | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Ed Gamble is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, and podcaster. In 2018, Ed co-created Off Menu with fellow host James Acaster. In 2019 and 2020 it was nominated for Best Comedy Podcast at the British Podcast Awards. Guests have included Robert De Niro, Jeff Goldblum, Nicola Coughlan, Jada Pinkett Smith and Kumail Nanjiani. To date, it consistently tops iTunes and UK Comedy Podcast charts with over 100 million downloads in 195 different countries. Crowned the series nine champion of “Taskmaster,” Ed is the host of the Taskmaster Podcast. He was also a judge on series 17, 18, 19 and 20 of BBC Two’s “Great British Menu”, a guest-host on BBC One’s “Pointless,” and has co-hosted a Radio X Show with Matthew Crosby since 2019. In 2024, he became the host of “The Traitors: Uncloaked,” as well as “The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked” in 2025. He toured his twice-extended stand-up show, “Blizzard,” in 2019 with his special, “Blood Sugar,” being released the same year on Amazon Prime. His 2022 tour, “Electric,” was extended after selling out multiple venues in its initial run. Following the success of his most recent tour, “Hot Diggity Dog” has been extended into 2025 and 2026 with dates across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and America.

Joe List
Rio Theatre | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Joe List is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor whose movie “Fourth of July” (which he co-wrote and starred in) played in theatres across North America. Joe has released his last 3 specials on YouTube, where they’ve totaled nearly 14 million views. List is a regular on Rogan and “The Tonight Show” and he’s performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan.” He was a finalist on NBC’s” Last Comic Standing,” has his own half-hour special on Comedy Central, and he also stars in season 2 of Netflix’s “The Stand Ups.” His albums ‘So Far No Good’ and ‘Are You Mad at Me?’ can be heard on Sirius Radio. List is also the co-host of the popular weekly podcast “Tuesdays with Stories” w/ Mark Normand. He can be seen regularly at the Comedy Cellar in New York City.

Alingon Mitra
Rio Theatre | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Alingon is a stand-up comedian and comedy writer living in New York. He has written for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” on Comedy Central and was also staffed on “Adam Ruins Everything” for TruTV. He has done stand-up on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Conan,” “Late Night with Craig Ferguson” and “Adam Devine’s House Party.” After becoming a semi-finalist on “Last Comic Standing,” Alingon won the coveted “Comic Comeback” award to appear in the season finale. He was selected to be a new face at Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal in 2015. Alingon graduated from Harvard, where he was a writer for the illustrious Harvard Lampoon.

Mario Adrion
Rio Theatre | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Mario Adrion is a stand-up comedian and YouTuber from a small town in Germany who gained over 2 million followers from posting VLOGs and comedy clips across his various social platforms. His comedy is refreshingly vulnerable playing with the struggles and stereotypes of being a retired male model and as a European living in the United States. He’s been featured in Vogue, FOX, ABC, Daily Front Row, Pro7, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and you also might know him from his iconic comedy performance challenging Katy Perry to a Catwalk Battle on “American Idol” while wearing a Speedo. Based out of LA and NYC, Mario regularly performs at the Hollywood IMPROV, Laugh Factory, The Stand NYC, and recently sold-out his headlining shows as part of the New York Comedy Festival. Mario is currently touring the United States, Canada, and Europe, as part of his “German Efficiency” stand up tour. He is one of the hottest new comics and you don’t want to miss his European charm.

Michael Longfellow
Rio Theatre | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Michael Longfellow is a comedian and actor, most recently on the cast of “Saturday Night LIve.” Michael was one of Netflix’s Introducing next stars of comedy at the Netflix is a Joke Festival and a Comic To Watch at the New York Comedy Festival. Michael has appeared on “Late Night”, “Conan,” NBC’s “Bring The Funny,” and more. He can be seen performing stand up at clubs across the country on his Tourfellow Tour.

Emil Wakim
Rio Theatre | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Emil Wakim is a stand-up comedian and writer based in Brooklyn, NY by way of Bloomington, Indiana. He was a writer and cast member on “Saturday Night Live” for its milestone 50th season. Emil made his late-night television debut on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and can be seen on the latest season of Comedy Central’s “Stand-Up Featuring.” Also, he was selected as a New Face of Comedy at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Emil has opened for Roy Wood Jr., Kyle Kinane, Moshe Kasher, Michael Rapaport, and is a regular tour opener for Nikki Glaser.

Grace Helbig: Let Me Get This Off My Chest
Rio Theatre | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 7:00 PM
At 37 years old Grace was diagnosed with breast cancer. No family history, no pre-existing conditions. It was a darkly humourous adventure, to say the least. “Let Me Get This Off My Chest” reveals lessons and confessions from her “journey” into the wild world of cancer treatment.

Yakov Smirnoff
York Theatre | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM
In 1977, Yakov Smirnoff embarked on an incredible journey, leaving behind communist Soviet Union to chase the American dream. Yakov’s charming outlook on life as a newcomer to America quickly won over audiences, and he rose to the top of the comedy world. He graced “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and appeared on countless television programs, even becoming a beloved character on “Night Court.” His signature humour led to his own show, inspired by his famous catchphrase, “What a Country!” From there, Yakov made his mark on the big screen, sharing scenes with Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Meryl Streep, and Jack Nicholson. His TV special “Happily Ever Laughter” was named “The Best Special” on PBS in both 2016 and 2017. Yakov Smirnoff’s comedy is more than jokes — it’s a journey of heart, humour, and hope. His shows are an hour of non-stop laughter, leaving audiences inspired, grateful, and deeply connected. He appeals to families, couples, and anyone longing for comedy that is clean, timeless, and profoundly human.

Rosebud Baker
Revue Stage | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:00 PM & Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Rosebud Baker is a New York-based comedian, actor, and Emmy Award-winning writer. Named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch” and Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know,” Rosebud is currently a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” She wrote and performed on two WGA Award-nominated sketch series: “That Damn Michael Che” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” Rosebud has performed stand-up on “That’s My Time with David Letterman,” “Bill Burr’s The Ringers,” and her debut stand-up special, “Whiskey Fists,” premiered in 2021 on Comedy Central’s YouTube channel, produced by Bill Burr & All Things Comedy. This year, she released her first Netflix special, “The Mother Lode.” Her acting work can be seen in “Life & Beth” and the upcoming horror-comedy feature film “Hell of A Summer” directed by Finn Wolfhard & Billy Bryk.

Katherine Blanford
Revue Stage | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 9:00 PM & Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Originally hailing from Kentucky, Katherine Blanford is known for her human Golden Retriever presence on stage. After racking up millions of views on her “Don’t Tell Comedy” set, Katherine hit the road sharing confessions of her southern family secrets and awkward adolescent years across the country and internationally. Katherine has appeared twice on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,” Vice TV’s “Super Maximum Retro Show,” and “After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson.” Most recently, Katherine was featured on Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025”. Katherine released her debut special, “Catholic Cowgirl,” with 800LB Gorilla Records in December 2024. Not bad for a girl whose parents are cousins.

Aurie Styla
York Theatre | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Aurie Styla is an award-winning comedian, actor and writer from London, England. Standing out as one of the most charismatic and versatile performers on the British circuit, he’s now coming back to North America after being selected as one of the JFL New Faces in 2025. His most recent comedy special “The Aurator” sold over 30,000 tickets across 4 continents and was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. His personable and direct-to-consumer approach to delivering comedy, has amassed over 700K dedicated followers & 100’s of millions of video views across his social media platforms.

Wally Baram
York Theatre | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Wally Baram is a Mexican-Syrian stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. Wally is a series regular and supervising producer on the hit Amazon series “Overcompensating,” created by Benito Skinner. She was a producer on the Netflix series, “Neon,” created by Shea Serrano and a co-producer on the Apple TV series, “Shrinking” with Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein, and Bill Lawrence. She has written on “English Teacher,” “What We Do In The Shadows,” “Betty,” and “Sprung.” Wally was a Just For Laughs ‘New Faces”’ for stand-up comedy and made her late-night debut on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Wally performs regularly at clubs and venues across the country. Her comedy brings a unique perspective on the strange banalities of entering the adult world as well as growing up with a strong multi-cultural/Mexican-Syrian identity. She is also, unfortunately, Gen-Z.

Annie Lederman
House of Comedy | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM & 9:45 PM & Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM
Annie Lederman is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, writer and actress known for her quick-witted observation and uncensored, unapologetic comedic stylings. She is currently on her international Anniewood Tour. Annie hosts the hugely popular Anniewood podcast, offering fans an exclusive, weekly peek into her world alongside friends, including friends and comedy legends Bill Burr, Nikki Glaser, Marc Maron, and Tim Dillon. Annie has appeared on Showtime’s hit documentary mini-series, “The Comedy Store,” “Lights Out with David Spade,” “this is not happening,” “Girl Code,” “Chelsea Lately,” “Comedy Knockout,” “The Soup Investigates,” and “Adam Divine’s House Party.” You can listen to Annie’s wild stories and sharp tongue on the “Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Church with Joey Diaz,” “wtf with Marc Maron,” “good for you with Whitney Cummings,” “Planbri” and many others. Lederman has also written for some of today’s most popular TV/Film including Trutv’s “Impractical Jokers” as well as Showtime’s “Borat.” Additionally, she was a producer and writer on Sacha Baron Cohen’s Showtime series “Who is America?”

Vladimir Caamaño
House of Comedy | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 7:30 PM & 9:45 PM & Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM| Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 7:00 PM
With the name “Vladimir,” few people expect a Dominican from The Bronx to take the stage. His comedic style is the fruit of an immigrant Dominican family living in the cultural mecca that is New York City and is described as an elegant combination of urban grit and intellect. He began polishing his wit in the concrete jungles of The Bronx and Washington Heights and after graduating from Wesleyan University launched into stand-up comedy. After his standout performance at Just for Laughs in 2015, Vlad entered a pilot development deal to co-write, and star in a pilot based off of his comedy for NBC with Bill Lawrence and WB supervising. Vlad co-wrote the script with “Undateable” writerAdam Styzikiel and recently shot the pilot directed by Phill Lewis. Vlad was the only one of his New Faces class to be chosen to perform as part of the CW Gala hosted by Howie Mandel. In 2016, Vlad was named one of the Top 10 Comics to Watch by Variety and was honored at Just for Laughs. In 2017 Vlad made his late-night stand-up debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and performed again at the prestigious Just for Laughs Gala hosted by Lilly Singh. Vlad has been seen on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Marvel’s “Runaways,” and NBC’s “Superstore.”

Dylan Adler presents: Haus of Dy-lan
Revue Stage | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 9:00 PM & Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Dylan Adler is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and musician based in Los Angeles. Dylan was a writer on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” where he also made his late night stand-up debut. Previously he wrote and starred in “Stapleview” for producer Sam Grey. Additionally, he’s headlined at the New York Comedy Festival (2021 Comic To Watch), the Asian Comedy Festival, the Toronto Sketch Fest and was featured in the New York Times for his show “Rape Victims are Horny Too,” which was featured in the 2022 YES AND LAUGHTER LAB. Dylan has performed at clubs including Littlefield, The Bell House, Union Hall, Joe’s Pub, and his work has been featured on “The Gag” for Comedy Central and Hulu. Dylan was named as part of Vulture’s 2022 “Comics You Should and Will Know” list and was featured in the 2024 season of “Comedy Central Presents.” Dylan can currently be seen in the national Walmart campaign “Add To Heart,” co-written by Sharon Horgan. After opening for Atsuko all over the country, Dylan recently brought his acclaimed stage show “Play That Track” to the 2024 Netflix Is A Joke Festival.

Jesus Sepulveda
Revue Stage | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM & Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 9:00 PM
Jesus Sepulveda is a Tucson-native who began his stand-up career at 15-years old. After years of touring and opening for Fluffy, he filmed his first half-hour special “Mr. Tough Guy” for HBO Max in 2022. When he is not touring, making viral sketches, or performing nightly in Los Angeles at the Laugh Factory and Hollywood Improv, Jesus co-hosts the popular syndicated morning radio show Big Boy’s Neighborhood on 92.3 alongside LA-legend Big Boy. He recently partnered with Warner Bros. Studios on their first-ever “Vamos Comedy Event” and voices the popular character “Senor Tomas” on the animated Toonstar series “House of Chico.” He was just selected as a New Face at the 2025 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.

Jessie “Jetski” Johnson
Revue Stage | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 9:00 PM & Friday, February 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Jessie “Jetski” Johnson is a music school drop-out and trumpet player turned stand-up comedian from Phoenix, now blossoming in Los Angeles. She is a paid regular at the World Famous Comedy Store and frequently performs at the Comedy Mothership in Austin. She is a cast member on two of the most popular comedy podcasts today: the ”Kill Tony Podcast” and the ”Bad Friends Podcast” with Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee. Catch her on the road with the Bad Friends tour, the Killers of Kill Tony tour, or headlining a city near you.

Jack Jr.
York Theatre | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Jack Assadourian is an up-and-coming comedian of Armenian and Mexican descent who has gained massive popularity for his unique perspective and hilarious observations on life. He often incorporates his multicultural background into his stand-up routine, sharing stories and experiences that resonate with audiences from all different backgrounds. With his energetic stage presence and witty sense of humour, Jack has become a name in the world of comedy synonymous with guaranteed sold-out shows. He’s recently been seen selling out Netflix Is A Joke and Amazon Prime’s Laugh After Dark. Assadourian can also be found on his successful podcast, “Comedy Club Confessions.”

Nacho Redondo: Traumas (En Español)
York Theatre | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Nacho Redondo is a Venezuelan comedian who resides in Mexico City. He has toured the world and released several comedy specials (“Huevo de Dragón,” “Macadamia,” “Discapacitado”). Nacho has performed at the Netflix is ​​a Joke Festival and the 312 Comedy Festival in Chicago. He is also creator of “Escuela de Nada,” one of the most successful podcasts in the world

Red Richardson: Bugatti Live
Revue Stage | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Red Richardson is an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. His ‘Stay Toxic’ videos have well over a hundred million views on Instagram alone and his stand-up shows sell out theatres and comedy clubs across the globe. In 2023 his stand-up show “The Best of Red Richardson” sold out the Leicester Square Theatre in under 24 hours. In 2024 Red embarked on his “Bugatti Live” tour, which he took to America and sold out the legendary comedy store in LA twice with venues selling out months in advance and extra shows being added in every city of The UK and Ireland. He sold out London’s iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire and added Australian dates due to demand in what is now at the time of writing, a 90-date global sell out tour.

Ola Dada: “Eh Better Life” Live Comedy Special Recording
Hollywood Theatre | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM
Ola Dada is a Nigerian-born comedian who hosted the 2025 JUNO Awards for Comedy Album of the Year and continues to rise as one of Canada’s standout comedic voices. A runner-up in the SiriusXM Top Comic Competition, semifinalist on “Canada’s Got Talent”, and 2nd place finisher in the Seattle International Comedy Competition, Ola has performed across North America with his sharp wit and relatable humour. You could have seen him on CBC Gem and CBC’s “The Debaters”. His comedy special “Unlimited Dada” was recently added to Comedy Dynamics, the largest independent comedy distributor in North America, bringing his unique voice to audiences worldwide through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, Vimeo, and more.

Rachid Badouri: The Tale of the Syrian Dragon
Revue Stage | Monday, February 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Celebrated French-Canadian stand-up comedian Rachid Badouri, renowned for captivating audiences in French across the globe with three specials and over 1 million tickets sold in 10 countries, is set to make his groundbreaking English debut. Known for his humour and captivating stage presence, Rachid brings a fresh perspective to stand-up comedy, blending cultural anecdotes with his vibrant energy.

And Just LIke That This Is Me Now: An Evening with Tranna Wintour
Revue Stage | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:00 PM
Tranna Wintour is a comedian, writer, actor, singer, and podcaster. She has recorded gala performances with Just for Laughs in both English and French, and was one of the festival’s prestigious New Faces Canada in 2019. She has performed on stages and in festivals across the country and was named by Fashion magazine as one of the queens of Canadian comedy. In 2022, Tranna became a breakout star on Québec’s “Big Brother Célébrités.” Last year, she returned to reality TV on CTV/Crave’s “The Traitors Canada,” where her honest and magnetic personality took her to the final two, cementing her as one of the franchise’s most beloved and unforgettable players. In addition to her work as a performer, Tranna co-hosted and co-produced CBC Podcasts’ “Chosen Family” for three seasons. Her current show is a bold and experimental hour of comedy, featuring meditations on life, love, and celebrity culture. From whale cocks to Jennifer Lopez’s divorce from Ben Affleck, nothing is off limits during this night of (potentially unhinged) comedy you do not want to miss.

Dan Duvall
Fox Cabaret | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Dan Duvall is a Victoria-based comedian who has performed across Canada and the US including at Just For Laughs Vancouver, CBC’s LOL and Rifflandia Festival. He’s opened for Shawn Majumder, Brent Butt, Bruce McCulloch, Jon Dore and more. He is also the subject of the CraveTV/HBO Canada documentary “Funny Tweets!” Dan has extensive experience as a writer with his work appearing on the Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and has served as a copywriter for commercial adverts on TV and radio. He is fresh off being named to the 2025 cast of New Faces and being part of the hugely successful “One Night Out” Gala with Alan Cumming at Just For Laughs Montreal.

Special Presentations

As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is proud to present two Special Presentations – Jokers Canada: Valentines Day Comedy Classic and The Critical Hit Show – both shows that are helping to elevate Vancouver’s presence on the comedy map and deserve a special spotlight at this year’s Festival.

Jokers Canada: Valentine’s Day Comedy Classic
BMO Theatre Centre | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Spend an evening with Canada’s comedy elite. An all‑star showcase featuring touring headliners and the nation’s most accomplished comics. Produced by Aaron Arya.

The Critical Hit Show
Rio Theatre | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM
One of Vancouver’s longest-running comedy events, world-class comedians quest for glory and laughs in this improvised comedy adventure that takes its inspiration from tabletop role-playing games, fantasy film and TV, and (most importantly) YOU!

Sponsors

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is proud to welcome its partners Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, Destination Vancouver, SiriusXM Canada, B.C. Lottery Corporation, Stanley Park Brewing, NUTRL, Downtown Van, Vancouver Sun, The Province, DailyHive and Curiocity to its 10 Year celebration and 2026 event.

Comedy For Community

Comedy For Community returns in 2026! Everyone deserves a laugh and we are committed to ensuring live comedy is accessible to all. We’ll continue to use our platform to support causes that matter, and recognize the incredible people who serve our community —because laughter brings us all together, and there’s nothing more impactful than connection!

This year, we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the BCLC Community Ticketing Program, which recognizes local not-for-profit societies and charities by bringing staff and volunteers together for a shared moment of joy and laughter. Organizations can apply for a pair of tickets to select Just For Laughs VANCOUVER 2026 shows at jflvancouver.com/comedy-for-community.

At BCLC, we believe in the power of human connection. Whether it’s through the excitement of a shared win or the pride of knowing your play gives back to B.C., we create opportunities for people to come together and feel part of something bigger. This includes celebrating the passion, dedication, and support of local non-profit organizations in communities throughout B.C.

In addition to the BCLC Community Ticketing Program, festival-goers can choose to add a donation of $1, $2, or $5 at checkout to help us offer even more tickets, bringing the laughs to as many deserving community members as possible!

FESTIVAL TICKET DETAILS:
Pre-sale tickets will be available starting today, Tuesday, November 25, at various times at www.jflvancouver.com.

Tickets will be available to the public as of Friday, November 28 at 10:00 AM PT at www.jflvancouver.com.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER:
Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is one of Canada’s largest and most renowned comedy festivals, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of top-tier comedic talent from around the globe. Spanning multiple venues across the city, the festival brings Vancouver to life with a celebration of all things comedy. Over the years, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER has welcomed some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, Bill Burr, Trevor Noah, Hannah Gadsby, Marc Maron, The Office Ladies, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, Maria Bamford, Ronny Chieng, and many more. In addition to hosting global megastars, the festival proudly fosters homegrown talent with its wildly popular curated series, Best of the West, shining a spotlight on the exceptional comedians emerging from Vancouver and beyond. With a legacy of unforgettable performances and a reputation for curating both established icons and rising stars, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER continues to solidify its place as a premier destination for comedy fans

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is a co-production between Just For Laughs and B.C. based company NorthWest Comedy. For more information, please visit jflvancouver.com/about-us.

Join us on social media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JFLVAN
Twitter: @JFLVancouver
Instagram: @JFLVancouver
TikTok: @justforlaughsvancouver

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS APPOINT ALEXANDRE AVON AS VP, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

The Just For Laughs Group is proud to announce the appointment of Alexandre Avon as Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Brand Partnerships. A recognized strategist in the cultural and entertainment industries, Alexandre will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative strategies to create long-term synergies between Just For Laughs and its partners.

This new vice presidency marks an important milestone in our ambition to make strategic alliances a cornerstone of our business model. By activating creative, year-round collaborations across our many properties and digital media — and no longer solely during our festivals — we are strengthening our brand relationships and fueling the growth of our group in Quebec, across Canada, and internationally.

With nearly twenty years of experience in sales, marketing, content distribution, commercial partnerships and go-to-market strategies, Alexandre Avon has built a solid track record marked by major achievements. A unifying leader and seasoned strategist, he has led multidisciplinary teams and spearheaded projects with international reach. Deeply connected to both creators and partners, Alexandre stands out for his ability to transform opportunities into tangible growth drivers, combining vision, creativity and performance.

“I’m excited to take on this new role. I believe in partnerships where two brands align to grow together — and have fun doing it. When the vision is shared, the strategy is sound and people remain at the centre, you build alliances that generate value far beyond expectations,” says Alexandre Avon, Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Brand Partnerships.

“Over the past eight years, Alexandre has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build strong bridges between our teams and our partners. His business instincts, strategic mindset and commitment to excellence have directly contributed to the success of our projects and to the international reach of the Just For Laughs Group. His appointment reflects our ambition to build a strong, agile and innovative organization where strategic alliances become drivers of growth and influence. Alexandre perfectly embodies this vision and the collaborative culture that sets us apart,” says Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President of the Just For Laughs Group.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS
Founded in 1983, Just For Laughs is a global comedy leader and organizes the world’s largest comedy festival in Montreal, along with festivals in Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, Singapore and Bermuda. The company has launched the careers of numerous renowned comedians and entertains millions of spectators each year through its festivals and content distributed in more than 150 countries. Just For Laughs also produces shows and musical comedies and is the organizer of the “ComedyPRO” conference.

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO 2025 WRAPS

The 2025 edition of Just For Laughs Toronto marked a triumphant return to the city. From sold-out shows and doubleheader nights to late-night drop-ins and breakout sets, the Festival brought together comedy lovers, artists, and the city. See some of our highlights here!

Comedy heavyweights, viral sensations, and local favourites brought comedy energy to every corner of Toronto. Over the course of 10 days more than 150 artists performed across 9 venues, drawing an estimated 44,000 attendees. Across digital audiences, over 5 million engaged with Just For Laughs Toronto on Instagram, affirming the city’s demand for comedy is stronger than ever.

This year’s curated selection of headliners and fan favourites included Gabriel Iglesias, Sarah Millican, Ron Funches, Dropout Improv, Zarna Garg, Maria Bamford, Patti Harrison, Al Madrigal, and Connor O’Malley, alongside standout sets from local stars including Ashwyn Singh, Hamoodi, Alistair Ogden, and more. The festival footprint spread out across the city at Meridian Hall, Scotiabank Arena, Elgin Theatre, Bluma Appel Theatre, Randolph Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Second City and both Comedy Bar Bloor and Danforth locations.

Beyond the stage, Just For Laughs Toronto continued its mission to discover, develop, and deliver the best in comedy. The Festival serves as a launchpad for rising comedians from Toronto, across Canada, and around the world, offering opportunities to perform alongside established stars. Through a dynamic mix of live showcases, strategic industry partnerships, and filmed content, JFL nurtures emerging voices while delivering world-class comedy experiences to audiences both locally and globally.

“Toronto is a vital part of Canada’s comedy landscape and we are thrilled to be back ,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President & CEO of Just For Laughs. “With the incredible support of local audiences, the dedication of exceptional world-class artists, and Toronto’s undeniable hunger for comedy, we witnessed a powerful resurgence of creative energy. We’re proud of this renewed momentum and deeply grateful for the unforgettable moments it brought to life.”

Just For Laughs Toronto would like to thank partners TO Live, Ontario Heritage Trust, Comedy Bar and W Hotel.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS

Created in 1983, Just For Laughs is a world leader in comedy. Just For Laughs organises numerous festivals, including the world’s largest comedy festival in Montréal. The company has launched the careers of many renowned comedians and entertained millions of spectators each year through its festivals and content broadcast in more than 150 countries. Just For Laughs manages the careers of artists and produces shows, musicals, television series and films. Just For Laughs is a leading brand of the Just For Entertainment Group which, since its foundation in 1997, has established itself as an international leader in creating a world of entertainment. Just For Entertainment was historically known as ComediHa!

Connect with Just For Laughs:
Facebook: facebook.com/justforlaughs
Instagram: @justforlaughs
YouTube: @justforlaughs
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/justforlaughs/

#JFLTORONTO: JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

Promising ten days of non-stop laughter, JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO is back finally and despite being a bit more humble this go, there are plenty of great entertainers – local and international – in-town to bring the laughter! The Festival runs September 18 to 27, 2025 and here are the names who defined the Festival! Check back daily as we add updated reviews to help in your planning!

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AL MADRIGAL

Former Daily Show “Senior Latino Correspondent” Al Madrigal delivered an extended set at the Bluma Appel Theatre. He mused on the cutoff for telling your son the truth about Santa and the Tooth Fairy, when to stop pranking your “little psycho” dad on April Fools Day, and what can happen when you pound a free can of ‘Go Girl’ in Rochester. He also shared his experiences buying unlicensed piñatas for his kids’ birthdays, and how best to “jack IN” your dog. – Nicholas Porteous

RON FUNCHES

Ron Funches returned to Just For Laughs Toronto with a hilarious and contagiously gleeful set about raising his second son, going through his second divorce, and his endless internal struggle over whether he should be a good parent or ‘just eat cookies and die.’ He gave touching insight into the kind of lasting love we all deserve, before ramping into extreme detail about his visions of the Obamas’ sex life. And taking his eldest son to Wrestlemania fuels some incredible laughs at legend John Cena’s expense. Funches performed two shows at Randolph Theatre (736 Bathurst Street). Our only regret is not catching him sooner! – Nicholas Porteous

GABRIEL “FLUFFY” IGLESIAS

Toronto had the absolute honour and pleasure of having Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias at Scotiabank Arena for one of the first stops on his 1976 Tour, which started with some openers including Matt Golighty and Martin Moreno, the latter a frequent opener and collaborator with Fluffy. After the openers, we were informed there was a signed (1/50) poster by Fluffy and a meet and greet opportunity backstage – rest assured, this is not a Diddy Party – they assured audiences.

Fluffy went on for an unprecedented two hours and went nearly 30 minutes past curfew, ensuring that everyone got their money’s worth at the show. He told us that he is being sued by singer Bobby McFerrin for $750k because his last tour was named ‘Don’t Worry Be Fluffy’ and he’s still working through it. – Justin Waldman

ZARNA GARG

Things are happening quickly for this Indian-American Queen of Comedy who not only recently opened for Tina Fey & Amy Poehler on their tour, she also starred in acclaimed 2025 film A NICE INDIAN BOY. Toronto got lucky this year to see Zarna Garg at Elgin Theatre two nights at JFL Toronto 2025, bringing her unique perspective and “Indian Auntie logic”, before the sold-out crowds, drawing big laughs from the audience. Whether she’s joking about the very specific needs of brown people versus white people, her mother-in-law or her now-adult kids’ dating lives, she promises an enlightened experience where the audience will leave the show enlightened and wiser. And wiser we are with her energetic wisdom! – Mr. Will

BRITTANY SCHMITT

On the first night of JFL Toronto, we went to the Comedy Bar on Bloor West to see Brittany Schmitt. Before her show started, she had two openers consisting of Karis Anderson and Crystal Ferrier, who both absolutely slayed and got us all amped-up for Brittany to grace the main stage. Anderson and Ferrier played to their strengths (gender stereotypes and cultural comedy), the laughter was uproarious.

Schmitt’s hilarious set consisted of a more crude and vulgar humour – but if you’ve seen her Comedy before, this is truly what is expected. If you haven’t, think a combination of the sexual jokes of Sarah Silverman and the depravity and darkness of Nikki Glaser. She delivered a 60-plus minute set that involved some crowd work, including ripping on some Gen Z audience members who thought ‘their phones were more entertaining’. The set was honest, hilarious, and dark, a name to look out for! – Justin Waldman

ABBY GOVINDAN

28-year old Abby Govindan described her completely self-inflicted viral fame in “Pushing 30”. From the day she issued a formal apology for calling people from the San Fransisco Bay area “annoying” to the extended saga when she pretended to be the creator of Emily in Paris. She also shouted out her dad’s copious use of emojis, everyone’s reluctance to publicly admit they know who Mia Khalifa is, and running into ‘Pakistani uncles’ all over the place. – Nicholas Porteous

SABRINA WU

This up-and-coming Comedian caught our eye first in the raunchy Comedy ROAD TRIP and we’ve been a huge fan since. While this isn’t Wu‘s first Just for Laughs Toronto run, we were eager to see more and they did not disappoint, back with one show at each Comedy Bar location on the west and east end of the City. Awkward sexual jokes and a blend of heartfelt personal anecdotes that explore the American-Chinese cultural conflict growing-up in the U.S. highlight the set, jampacked with supporting talent, including their coming out story to their grandma after a tragic accident! Need more Wu, who recently was seen in Apple TV+‘s MURDERBOT. – Mr. Will

JACOB BALSHIN

Things have taken off very quickly for local hero Jacob Balshin, whose viral food reels, which work both as deadpan satire and actual “influencing”. But does that translate to an actual live Comedy Show? The answer is a resounding yes! Balshin certainly knows how to bring the laughs with a range that spans from local humour, to raunchy jokes (he literally ad libbed a song about circumcision), commentary about the messed-up state of Toronto, to endearing family anecdotes. Very impressed he was able to fill his entire timeslot with polish, yet still have something for another show at a sister Comedy Bar on the opposite end of the City on a 30-minute turnaround. – Mr. Will

TODD BARRY

This veteran Comedian shone bright at Randolph Theatre, putting his mastery of crowdwork on full display. A fan in the front row taught him a new word “clown”, as in making a clown out of someone and he went to town with the word, sparing no victims in his vicinity! Barry, with his signature deadpan delivery, also amused the crowd with funny anecdotes about brushing his cat Michaeleen‘s teeth, which had the audience in stitches. – Mr. Will

CHLOE RADCLIFFE

Chloe Radcliffe has been tipped to be one of the next big breakout stars in Comedy. The New York native delivered a frenetic hour of Comedy at Comedy Bar, one of two shows, flexing her two-time national championship debate-winning skills with various audience members over what she should call her mailing list, and alternative names for Oakville. She also called out which parts of the body should be okay to stare at, jokes that are too mean to say in Canada, and why hooking up with a strange mailman is a kink unto itself. – Nicholas Porteous

PATTI HARRISON

Patti Harrison delivered an explosive, mind-bending set which morphed from jokes to heartfelt ruminations to a McDonald’s-coded powerpoint presentation, a PSA, and finally a podcast comprised of audience volunteers who “didn’t look like they wanted to do it”. She checked-in about the state of her Comedy, what defines “normal” looking people, the duality of porn and true crime, and why the venue probably didn’t trust her to have control of the lighting. She made sure at least a few people in the audience were high-fiving at the right moments. – Nicholas Porteous

COREY B

We first discovered Corey B during Covid with his food reels which made him a viral sensation. His commentaries and sometimes recipe duplications brought us great joy. Looking back, this proved a successful move, leaving audiences wanting more of his boisterous humour and quick wit and now they have a chance to see him live. Marriage jokes, a forced healthy lifestyle (after his wife overcame a terminal illness), and bidet humour highlight his act, playing at Randolph Theatre to a packed house of enthused fans who live for his bathroom humour! – Mr. Will

MARIA BAMFORD

Maria Bamford rocked the Bluma Appel Theatre on JFL Toronto 2025’s closing weekend. She brought her signature Comedy to a completely sold-out theatre, gave an audience member $20 Canadian because “the audience never gets paid for their participation”. Bamford delivered a well-rounded and great 60-odd minute set. She talked about everything from politics, briefly including apologizing for her country, doing jobs (weirdly for Grimace), and some jokes about her abode and where she resides in Los Angeles. If you’ve never seen Bamford before, check her recorded specials, she is a must-see! – Justin Waldman

DROP OUT IMPROV

Dropout Improv took over Meridian Hall and delivered a stellar evening of short form games, scenes and spontaneous songs. They explored a first date (or “big FD”) at a casino, a town hall regarding a turtle takeover (full of Torontonians with embarrassing names), and what happens when you find your old Tamagotchi in the attic—and it’s not happy to see you. They also staged a proposal at a haunted house in Niagara Falls, and spent a good chunk of the evening dissecting an unauthorized, AI-generated promo image for the show, as well as the mean comments in the group chat it inspired. – Nicholas Porteous

HIGHLIGHTS PART TWO:

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More here.

(Photo/video credit: Nicholas Porteous/Justin Waldman/Mr. Will Wong)

#JFLTORONTO: AN OPEN LETTER FROM SYLVAIN PARENT-BÉDARD, PRESIDENT & CEO OF JUST FOR LAUGHS

An Open Letter from Sylvain Parent-Bédard
President and CEO of Juste pour rire / Just For Laughs

Comedy and freedom of expression

When a comedian is silenced, it’s far more than a voice being muffled. It’s a fundamental right under threat. It’s freedom being gagged. It’s democracy being weakened.

I am Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Juste pour rire / Just For Laughs, a major cultural institution in Québec and Canada, and one of the largest comedy institutions in the world.

I have always stood for a value that is dear to me: freedom of expression. A precious freedom, sometimes unsettling, but absolutely essential. It is the cornerstone of every democratic society. Without it, dialogue fades, thought becomes uniform, and fear takes hold.

What is currently happening in the United States, with the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following overt political pressure, is deeply troubling. It sets a dangerous precedent. An alarm that echoes far beyond American borders.

State censorship, under the direct influence of a political figure, is a disturbing drift. It chills anyone who still believes in democracy. This is no longer about the exchange of ideas. It is ideological repression. And when that repression targets humor, it strikes at one of the last bastions of raw freedom and unfiltered truth.

In response, we are seeing courageous voices rise from the cultural and artistic community; organizations like the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America, and many artists, including Jimmy Fallon; standing up to denounce the unacceptable and support Jimmy Kimmel.

And they are right.

This is not a simple dispute between a comedian and those in power. It is a global wake-up call. A warning to all free societies.

In countries where humor is no longer welcome, dictatorships often take root. Laughter is a counter-power. It asks questions. It disturbs. It exposes absurdities, abuses, and flaws. And that is precisely why it is essential. Humor is a high form of freedom. It is the mirror of our societies; sometimes distorted, but always revealing.

Let me say it loud and clear: At Just For Laughs, we will always defend the right to make people laugh. To provoke. To reflect. To shock, at times. To create. To speak the unspeakable. To give voice to what some would rather silence.

I salute Jimmy Kimmel’s courage, and I call on the entire comedy industry, around the world, to stand tall. Now more than ever. Comedians, writers, producers, agents, managers, broadcasters, unions, festivals: let us unite, because humor and laughter often have the power to change the world.

And to all the comedians I have the privilege of working with, admiring, and defending; you carry an immense responsibility, but also an incomparable strength. Keep speaking out. Keep making us laugh. Keep making us think. We stand with you. In solidarity. With resolve. Unshakably.

Moreover, I cannot help but think of comedian Mike Ward, right here in Canada. He fought for nearly a decade; all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada; to defend his right to humor, to provocation, to irreverence. Whether one agrees with the content of his jokes or not is beside the point. What he defended was the fundamental principle that humor must not be censored out of fear of offending or shocking. His victory was not personal; it was a victory for all artists, all creators, and all societies that value their freedom. It drew a clear line: humor is not a crime. It is a necessity.

When laughter is silenced, the light goes out. And a society that loses its humor loses its ability to speak the truth. It loses its humanity.

Freedom of expression is not a luxury. It is not a privilege reserved for those who think like us. It is a universal right. And that right is not up for debate. It must be protected. Proclaimed. Defended. Together. Now.

(Photo credit: Arachpictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO EXPANDS 2025 LINEUP

Just For Laughs Toronto continues to expand with additional headliners and programming announced for the 2025 lineup. From acclaimed comedians to rising voices in comedy, JFL Toronto will welcome an exciting range of performers including viral superstars Zarna Garg, Mojo Brookzz, and Corey B, festival favourites Patti Harrison and Amanda Montell’s The Big Magical Cult Show, homegrown trailblazer Sunthar V, 2025 JFL New Face Chloe Radcliffe, hot off their success at JFL Vancouver Sabrina Wu, among others. Just For Laughs Toronto also announced the anticipated return of the iconic Alternative Show hosted by master of impressions, James Adomian, and Late Bad hosted by Laura Cilevitz, Ben Sosa-Wright and Mark Little taking place at Comedy Bar alongside a curated selection of the best of the Toronto scene including solo, mixed-bill and concept shows with top emerging talent. Just For Laughs Toronto takes place September 18–27 across multiple venues across the city. Tickets are available at TORONTO.HAHAHA.COM.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our second wave of incredible talent for Just For Laughs Toronto—this lineup brings even more excitement, energy, and world-class comedy to the city and spotlights some of the best from the Toronto comedy scene. We can’t wait to share the laughs,” said Nick Brazao, JFL’s Head of Programming and Talent

Newly announced lineup includes:

ABBY GOVINDAN: September 22 @ 8:30pm, Comedy Bar – Danforth
Abby Govindan is a stand-up comedian and writer based in New York City. She got her start in comedy at the age of 20, making her comedic debut at Caroline’s on Broadway in New York City in December of 2017. Since starting comedy, Abby has performed at venues all over the world and, in 2019, toured as a headliner for several colleges across the nation while being a college student herself. She’s opened for coveted comedians such as Russell Peters, Daniel Sloss, and Hasan Minhaj. A stand up show and solo act in one, “How to Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents” is a biting and irreverent storytelling experience that explores a pertinent universal theme: wanting to understand your parents but struggling to see eye-to-eye. Throughout the course of an hour, Abby takes the viewer on an intimate, hilarious, soul-bearing journey about her struggles with mental health, fitting in, and finding common ground with the ones you love even after they’ve hurt you. Most importantly, it is a love letter to Abby’s Indian heritage and her wonderful parents, without whom none of this would be possible. No gimmicky Indian accents, guaranteed.

AMANDA MONTELL (​​THE BIG MAGICAL CULT SHOW): September 27 @ 9:30 PM, Randolph Theatre
Join Amanda Montell, New York Times bestselling author and host of the Sounds Like A Cult podcast, for “The Big Magical Cult Show,” a raucous night of culty deviance featuring drag burlesque performances from the extra spicy Rara Darling & Theydy Bedbug and other surprise guests. In her newest book The Age of Magical Overthinking, Amanda tackles the world of irrational thinking in the modern age, like extreme celebrity worship and with TikTok manifestation gurus. Spend a night of nerdy, laugh-out-loud pop culture analysis, spicy performances, and more with Amanda & friends!

BIG JAY OAKERSON: September 21 @ 6pm, Randolph Theatre *Previously announced
Second show added September 21 @ 8:30pm, Randolph Theatre
Big Jay Oakerson is one of the most beloved and easily recognizable comedians working today. His laid-back style and dirty delivery are the signature marks of his comedy. Constantly touring the country, Jay has been a part of some of the biggest comedy festivals. Every week, Jay co-host’s The Bonfire alongside Bob Kelly on Radio Sirius XM 95 and two wildly popular podcasts Legion of Skanks with Luis J. Gomez and Dave Smith and The SDR (Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll) Show with Ralph Sutton. On the screen, Jay has been featured on This Is Not Happening with Ari Shaffir, Comedy Underground with Dave Attell, FX’s Emmy winning Louie, Inside Amy Schumer, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon & Conan O’Brien. This year, Jay released his newest hour, Dog Belly on YouTube already garnering over 1.7 million views.

CHLOE RADCLIFFE: September 25 @ 9pm & September 26 @ 7pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
Chloe Radcliffe is an NYC-based standup comedian, actor, and writer. In 2024, Chloe was named to both Deadline’s 15 Comedians Ready To Break Out in 2025 and Vulture’s Comedians You Should and Will Know. Most recently, Chloe wrapped production on Bradley Cooper’s upcoming feature Is This Thing On? opposite Cooper, Will Arnett, and Laura Dern. Her one-woman-show Cheat, about her history of serially cheating in relationships, led The New York Times’ recommendations for the 2024 New York Comedy Festival and had sold out runs in LA, NYC, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show was featured in Deadline’s Comics to Watch, and Chloe is currently imagining Cheat for other mediums. Chloe starred in Steven Soderbergh’s Command Z and was a staff writer on the series with teleplay credit on 3 episodes. She was nominated for a 2024 WGA award for her work on Command Z. She recently created the YouTube interview series In Tandem, in which she talks with fellow comics while riding a tandem bike through NYC or LA…it’s like Comedians in Cars, but sweatier.

COLUM TYRRELL: September 26 @ 7:30 PM, September 27 @ 7:30pm & 9:30pm, Comedy Bar – Danforth
After beginning his career in his home country of Ireland, Colum Tyrrell moved to New York City and quickly became one of the fastest rising comics in the scene. He is a regular at The Comedy Cellar, The Stand Comedy Club and Stand Up New York. A staple in the New York Comedy Podcast scene he can be heard on The Legion of Skanks, You Know What Dude, Are You Garbage? and Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast. He launched The Colum Tyrrell Podcast in 2022 which is growing to be one of the more popular shows in New York and he recently made his television debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Catch him now before he blows up and becomes a household name.

COREY B: September 26 @ 9:30pm, Randolph Theatre
Corey B (Corey Bonalewicz) is a high-energy comedian and content creator with over 23 million followers and a reputation for making people laugh both onstage and online. Known for his sharp delivery, off-the-wall pranks, and brutally honest takes on everyday life, Corey blends stand-up chops with viral video instincts to create nonstop comedy that hits hard and spreads fast. From sold-out shows across the country to sketches that rack up millions of views, he’s built a comedy brand that’s raw, unpredictable, and always entertaining. Based in New York City, Corey also co-hosts the Cane and Corey podcast and regularly ropes in his fiancée and son for hilarious bits that give fans a glimpse into his chaotic, unfiltered world. Corey also co-hosts The Boy Friends podcast with Marcus Monroe and Matt Lopes, a comedy podcast about 3 boys that are friends.

HIDDEN GEMS HOSTED BY JACOB BALSHIN: September 24 @ 11pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
Following a year of consecutive sold out shows Hidden Gems returns to Comedy Bar. Host Jacob Balshin introduces you to some of his favourite comedians in all of Toronto. With stars from Just For Laughs, CBC & so much more.

JACOB BALSHIN: September 24 @ 9pm, Comedy Bar – Danforth
An award winning stand-up, Jacob was named one of Toronto’s Top 10 Influencers of 2025 by the Toronto Star and has also been featured on CBC’s New Wave of Comedy. His videos have amassed millions of views online and a loyal Canadian cult fanbase.

JAMES ADOMIAN (THE ALTERNATIVE SHOW): September 18 – 20 @ 11pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
The Alt Show is back! The legendary late-night showcase returns, this time hosted by the brilliant James Adomian (Comedy Bang! Bang!, MadTV). A yearly cornerstone of the JFL Toronto lineup, The Alt Show is known for its boundary-pushing, anything-goes energy. Comedians are encouraged to debut new material, take big swings, and push the limits of the craft in front of a game crowd. Expect chaotic brilliance and the kind of fearless comedy that only happens when the rules go out the window.

James Adomian is an actor/comedian who is well known for his characters and impressions. Conan O’Brien called him “a genius.” He can currently be seen almost weekly on Jimmy Kimmel Live! doing various impressions like Mike Lindell and Elon Musk. His podcast, The Underculture on the Forever Dog Podcast Network, had one of the best podcast episodes of 2019 according to Indiewire, and in 2020 James got to interview Bernie Sanders (as Bernie Sanders). He can be seen on the Netflix comedy special Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration and History Of The World 2, the Mel Brooks series and sequel on Hulu, playing Richard Nixon. In 2016, he portrayed Bernie Sanders in the wildly successful project Trump Vs Bernie, which resulted in a sold out international tour, a #1 comedy album, and two one-hour long comedy specials on Fusion.

JFL LIVE SESSIONS: September 18 – 20, 25 – 27 @ 7:30 PM, Comedy Bar – Bloor
JFL Live Sessions is a high-energy stand-up showcase featuring a handpicked lineup of some of the funniest voices from the festival. Filmed live at the Comedy Bar – Bloor, each set captures the raw, unfiltered magic of live comedy at its best.

JOHN MOSTYN: September 19 @ 8:30pm & 10pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
John Mostyn is a Toronto-based comedian originally from Glasgow, Scotland. Since moving to Canada, he has quickly established himself as one of the country’s most exciting and in-demand performers. His sharp storytelling and quick-witted, fish-out-of-water humour have made him a crowd favourite across the nation, where he regularly headlines top comedy clubs. His debut comedy special The Scotsman was released in 2022 by Cottage Country Digital, hitting #1 on the iTunes comedy chart and earning widespread critical acclaim. In 2024, John performed a sold-out run of his solo show Bawbag at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and appeared on CBC’s Accent on Toronto. He has opened for comedy heavyweights including Russell Howard, Gilbert Gottfried, Rosebud Baker, James Adomian, Tom Green, Randy Feltface, Amy Miller, Josh Gondelman, and many more.

LATE BAD: September 25 – 27 @ 11PM, Comedy Bar – Danforth
Late Bad is a party variety show full of carefully curated comedians and surprise special guests in town for the festival. The stage is covered in balloons filled with prompts for the performers to play off of, as well as 30 second dance parties, impromptu challenges, games and so much more. Hosted by Laura Cilevitz, Ben Sosa-Wright and Mark Little with Monsieur Sex – the pan sexual European DJ as their Musical Director.

LAUGH SABBATH: September 18 @ 10pm & September 25 @ 10pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
This beloved, long-running, madcap comedy show has been entertaining Toronto’s top laughers since 2006! LAUGH SABBATH is a different show every week featuring a rotating ensemble of radical and exciting comedians. Acclaimed by critics as one of the best comedy shows in the city and celebrated by fans as a cult favourite for over a decade. Come see where comedy legends are born!

MATTHEW BROUSSARD: September 23 @ 8pm & September 24 @ 9:30pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
Matthew Broussard is a disgraced financial analyst forced into stand up comedy. The byproduct of a Cajun chemist and Jewish microbiologist, he holds a degree in computational mathematics he always manages to bring up (just did it!) and is fully aware of how douchey he looks. His comedy is heady, self-effacing, and weirdly… educational? He’s performed on the Tonight Show, Conan, Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, the Comedy Central Half Hour, and some stuff with MTV2 he doesn’t like to talk about. You can catch him in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The League, The Mindy Project, and alongside Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the film Here Today. He is the creator of the webcomic and puzzle app, Monday Punday.

MOJO BROOKZZ: September 25 @ 9:30 PM, Randolph Theatre
Dyon “Mojo” Brooks is an actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian that recently appeared in a leading role for Tyler Perry’s She The People on Netflix. As a comic, Brooks is nationally acclaimed and celebrated having toured with legends such as Mike Epps, Martin Lawrence, and Deon Cole to name a few. He recently wrapped his headlining nationwide Unhand Me Now Tour which sold out every single night with multiple added shows in nearly every location. This fall, Brooks will set out on his fourth headlining tour with stops at multiple different theatres across the nation. Additionally, Dyon can be seen on the most recent Season 21 of Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘n Out, having been hand selected by Cannon who is a fan of Brooks viral sketch comedy videos that can be found across his social media pages, which have amassed millions of views and over 28 million likes.

PAT THORNTON: September 27 @ 8:30pm & 10pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
Pat Thornton has been a comedian for a long time, known for his work on TV in both sketch and stand up. His first album, Chicken! was nominated for a Juno. His first special, Different Times is on Crave.

PATTI HARRISON: September 26 @ 7pm, Bluma Appel Theatre
Born and raised in rural Ohio, Patti Harrison began her career in the NYC comedy scene. After her first film role in 2017’s A SIMPLE FAVOR, she’s made fans for her sociopathic character “Ruthie” on Hulu’s Shrill and various appearances on I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson, Poker Face, High Maintenance, Search Party, and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. She’s written on multiple series including two seasons of Big Mouth on Netflix, and has even voiced the role of “Tail Chief” in Disney’s ensemble Raya And The Last Dragon.

SABRINA WU: September 23 @ 8:30pm, Comedy Bar – Danforth & September 24 @ 7pm, Comedy Bar – Bloor
Sabrina Wu is a New York based actor, writer, and stand-up comedian. They made their feature film debut in the Lionsgate comedy Joy Ride, from executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and director Adele Lim. They’ve also guest starred in Abbott Elementary, and a series regular in the Apple TV+ show Murderbot starring Alexander Skarsgard. Wu was a writer on the critically-acclaimed FX limited series Dying For Sex starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. On the stand-up side, they were selected as one of the New Faces of Comedy by the Just For Laughs Festival in 2022. Later that fall, they had their TV debut doing stand up on the Tonight Show. Variety named Wu one of the Top 10 Comics to Watch in 2023. In the same year, Vulture Magazine named Wu a Comedian You Should Know and Will Know.

SUNTHAR V: September 27 @ 4pm, Comedy Bar – Danforth
Sunthar V is a globally touring comedian who seamlessly blends sharp storytelling with cultural wit, performing in both Tamil and English. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, he is the first openly queer Tamil comedian to take his work worldwide, building an independent career from the ground up and selling out shows across North America, Europe, and India to nearly 10,000 attendees annually. Now based in New York City, he’s focused on expanding his reach with new English material to connect with broader audiences while staying true to his roots. His online videos have amassed millions of views, with over 6 million monthly impressions, resonating with fans across the globe. Known for his ability to navigate identity, queerness, and the absurdities of modern life with humor and heart, Sunthar is carving out a unique space in the international comedy scene.

ZARNA GARG: September 19 @ 7pm, Elgin Theatre
Zarna Garg is a comedy trailblazing Indian immigrant mom from New York City. She masterfully infuses humor, wit, and fearless social commentary into her comedy special for Amazon Prime, One in a Billion, and her insightful podcast, The Zarna Garg Family Show, dissecting modern family dynamics. She headlined her sold-out Practical People Win tour and is the opener for comedy legends Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their Restless Leg Tour. Zarna has also crossed over to the film world, starring in A Nice Indian Boy. Boasting a devoted social media following of 2M+, she passionately advocates for change and representation in comedy and is bravely vocal about criminalizing evil mother-in-law behaviors.

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS MONTREAL RETURNS JULY 16-27, 2025

Today at a press conference in Montréal, Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Just For Laughs, announced the highly anticipated return of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montréal, running July 16 to 27, 2025. This year’s edition welcomes comedians Tom Segura, Russell Peters, Adam Ray, Fortune Feimster, Michelle Buteau, Kumail Nanjiani and Mae Martin, among others, marking the beginning of a bold new era for the Festival. 

With an incredible programming lineup featuring exclusive performances, international talent, major premieres and returning favourites, the 2025 Festival promises to be one of the most memorable in Just For Laughs’ renowned history. Montréal will once again serve as a global hub for comedy drawing acclaimed performers, standout comedic voices, rising stars, and fans from around the world to experience the transformative power of laughter and creativity. Performances will take place at the Quartier des Spectacles and iconic venues including Place des Arts, Le Gesù, L’Olympia, Théâtre Saint-Denis, Espace Saint-Denis, MTelus, Club Soda and Studio TD.

Previously announced media partnerships will see some of the Festival’s most popular programs, the JUST FOR LAUGHS GALAS and ROAST BATTLE CANADA, taped before live audiences to air on CBC and CTV Comedy Channel & Crave respectively, bringing the laughs to comedy fans across Canada. 

This year’s lineup also features can’t-miss solo performances from comedy heavyweights alongside returning favourites offering something for every comedy enthusiast.

Sylvain Parent-Bédard, Just For Laughs president and CEO had this to say about the announcement:

“Just For Laughs is back — and this moment is one of true gratitude. As we find our voice again, we do so with heart, humility, and profound gratitude. To all the artists, agents, managers, producers, broadcasters, sponsors, governments, and — more than anyone — the fans who support us and believe in the power of laughter: thank you. This return isn’t ours alone. It’s a collective achievement. A shared belief that comedy has the power to unite, soothe, and inspire — now more than ever. Let’s keep building, together. Let’s keep laughing, together.”

Highlights of the 2025 Just For Laughs Festival Montréal include:

TWO INCREDIBLE FREE OUTDOOR SHOWS AT PLACE DES FESTIVALS

TOM SEGURA: COME TOGETHER
Place Des Festivals
July 26 at 9pm

Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. Tom’s previous tour, I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour, played over 300 shows and his hit podcasts Your Mom’s House which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, 2 Bears 1 Cave which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, draw millions of listeners each week.. He is currently selling out venues all over the world on his Come Together tour, andJust For Laughs is closing out the Festival with a bang with this amazing free show.

ADAM RAY IS DR. PHIL LIVE
Place Des Festivals
July 24 at 9pm

With over 10 million views online, Dr. Phil LIVE has become one of the most fun things to see in comedy. From comedian/actor Adam Ray (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Barbie Movie, MadTV, Hacks, Pam & Tommy, The Heat) the live show provides a wild late night feel with crowd interactions, standup, huge celebrity guests, surprise characters, and hilarious moments you can’t see anywhere else.

EXCLUSIVE TV TAPINGS

JUST FOR LAUGHS GALAS in partnership with CBC
Théâtre Maisonneuve
July 25 – 26, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

The iconic Just For Laughs Galas deliver stand-up comedy’s biggest international nights. Hosted by Fortune Feimster (July 26 @ 6:30 PM) and Michelle Buteau (July 25 @ 9:30 PM) with two hosts yet to be announced, each Gala features a curated mix of global stars and breakout voices from across the comedy spectrum. Taped live at Théâtre Maisonneuve, the shows capture the electric energy, sharp writing, and international flair that have made Just For Laughs a premier comedy destination for fans and industry alike. Presented in partnership with CBC.

“The CBC Galas at Just For Laughs have long been a defining moment for so many Canadian and international comedians,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content. CBC. “They offer a national platform for standout emerging and established talent, and a chance to be part of a celebrated comedy tradition that CBC is proud to play a part in. We’re excited to continue to share these performances with audiences across the country.”

In addition, Big Yellow Taxi Productions returns to Montreal this summer to curate Season 23 the of JFL Montreal TV series for Australia and New Zealand. Playing across multiple platforms including WBD, Paramount+ and Network 10, Just for Laughs continues to draw large TV audiences for its host broadcasters “down under”

ROAST BATTLE CANADA in partnership with Bell Media
Espace St-Denis
July 20 – 22, 5pm – 8pm – 10:30pm

Roast Battle Canada’s fifth scorched-earth season will be filmed for the first time ever this year at the Festival. Judges Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and K. Trevor Wilson return with their signature mix of wit and brutal honesty. Hosted by the razor-sharp Ennis Esmer, the series sees Canada’s boldest comics go head-to-head in savage insult battles where no punchline is off-limits. Roast Battlers to be announced soon. Produced in association with Bell Media.

“We are excited to bring a new season of Roast Battle Canada to The Just For Laughs Montreal Festival,” said Carlyn Klebuc, General Manager, Original Programming, Bell Media. “Roast Battle Canada showcases and provides a platform for some of the sharpest and quickest minds in Canadian comedy, and filming during the Festival allows us to capture the incredible energy and spirit it creates.”

ACCLAIMED CONCERTS AND SOLO SHOWS

Some of the biggest names and most relevant brands in comedy will be making stops at the Festival this year, giving Montreal audiences and tourists alike a taste of whatever flavour of comedy they seek.

KUMAIL NANJIANI
L’Olympia
July 26 at 7pm

Following his sold out shows at JFL VANCOUVER, former JFL New Face turned Marvel movie star Kumail Nanjiani returns to perform stand-up in Montreal. Kumail is an Oscar-nominated writer, Emmy-nominated actor, and critically acclaimed producer and comedian. Catch him for one night only at L’Olympia this summer in Montreal.

MAE MARTIN & FRIENDS
L’Olympia
July 25 at 9:30pm

MAE MARTIN is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer who currently hosts the smash hit comedy podcast HANDSOME alongside Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster, and can be seen in OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION, a Netflix documentary which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival that explores the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy and its importance as an instrument for social change over the past five decades. They rose to fame as the star of their own Netflix series FEEL GOOD, and are back from hosting a Just For Laughs Gala in 2023 to present an amazing evening at L’Olympia, surrounded by some great, funny friends.

RUSSELL HOWARD LIVE
L’Olympia
July 24 at 7pm

After the global success of writing and starring in 182 episodes of The Russell Howard Hour (Sky) and Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC) combined, plus six stand-up specials, with clips amassing over 1 billion views on social media and selling 1.5 million tickets to his gigs worldwide so far, Russell Howard is back on the road once again with his fourth and biggest world tour to date, Russell Howard Live. Russell Howard Live has already seen him perform runs in the UK, Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand.

NICK MOHAMMED IS MR. SWALLOW: SHOW PONY
Le Gesù
July 23 – 26, 7pm – 9:30pm

Ted Lasso star and Taskmaster UK loser Nick Mohammed brings his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow to Just For Laughs Montreal for the first time with his brand-new show: Show Pony. Recently seen on Amazon Prime’s hit show Last One Laughing UK, Mr. Swallow has also appeared on numerous episodes of Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown with many of his performances in Dictionary Corner going viral.

Show Pony has been described by Mr. Swallow as “a golden opportunity for anyone who didn’t come to the last tour” and “my most personal/libelous show to date” and will cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). Expect magic, music and a whole load of brand-new mistakes.

DANNY BHOY: DEAR WORLD
Le Gesù
July 22 – 27, 7pm – 9:30pm

Scottish comedy superstar Danny Bhoy returns to Just For Laughs Montreal! From his first appearance here back in 2003, Danny quickly became a favourite with Canadian audiences. He now regularly sells out some of the biggest theatres across the whole country with his unique observational storytelling style of comedy. In a comedy landscape littered with social media, Danny has built up a worldwide following largely through the most reliable platform of them all, word of mouth. In 2025, fresh from it’s completely sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, he brings his latest show ‘Dear World…’ to our shores. It’s the sequel to his 2015 smash hit show ‘Dear Epson…’ which he describes as a hybrid of stand up and theatre, and it’s sure to delight audiences in Canada as much as it did in his hometown.

DROPOUT IMPROV
L’Olympia
July 26 at 9:30pm

From the minds behind Dropout comes an evening of improv, minigames, and off-the-wall shenanigans. Hosted by Kurt Maloney, and featuring the improv talents of Kimia Behpoorni, Jeremy Culhane, Lou Wilson, Jacob Wysocki, and Scott Passarella.

SMOSH READS REDDIT STORIES
L’Olympia
July 26, 4pm

Smosh Reads Reddit Stories is coming to you LIVE in Montreal! Join host Shayne Topp (33m) and his friends from Smosh as they delve into Reddit’s wildest stories and updates, share their own hilarious commentary, and more. Mark your calendars & get your pancakes out – this is one live show you DON’T want to miss.

BRAD WILLIAMS
MTelus
July 24 at 9:30pm

Pound for pound, Brad Williams is the funniest comedian in the continent right now and has become one of the most in-demand comedians working today. Williams started doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and has been touring successfully ever since, routinely selling out prestigious venues all over the country and world.

In addition to stand-up and acting, Williams co-created and co-hosted one of the most successful podcasts in the world, with friend and fellow comic Adam Ray, entitled About Last Night, which was always a mainstay on the iTunes charts during their five-year run. (Fun fact: Brad has also received a standing ovation at every Just For Laughs Gala he has ever performed on)

RACHID BADOURI: THE TALE OF THE SYRIAN DRAGON
Club Soda
July 23 at 9:30pm

Celebrated French-Canadian stand-up comedian Rachid Badouri, renowned for captivating audiences in French across the globe with three specials and over 1 million tickets sold in 10 countries, is set to make his ground-breaking English debut. Known for his humour and captivating stage presence, Rachid brings a fresh perspective to stand-up comedy, blending cultural anecdotes with his vibrant energy.

UPDATING
Club Soda
July 25, 7pm

UPDATING is the critically acclaimed New York City-based live dating & comedy show bringing two singles on blindfolded first dates in front of live audiences. Dubbed “the most raw dating show in existence,” what follows is a hilarious show with audience participation, raw moments, and relatable feedback on modern romance in real-time with real people. Reality TV…unfolding & unedited on stage! Created, Produced, and Hosted by NYC-based comedians, Brandon Berman & Harrison Forman.

NINA CONTI
Studio TD
July 22, 9:30pm

Virtuoso ventriloquist, BAFTA nominee and British Comedy Award winner Nina Conti returns with a brand new live show ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’

Following countless five star reviews at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe where she debuted the show, and fresh from sell-out runs in London’s West End and New York, and a sold-out national UK tour this Spring.

With her beloved monkey in tow, join Conti for ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’ as she presents an unparalleled, unscripted new show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp.

CAT COHEN
Studio TD
July 23, 9:30pm

Actress, comedian, singer and writer, the glamorous Catherine Cohen can be seen in Season 4 of the award-winning Hulu series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, as well as in the Netflix series GIRLS5EVA alongside Ashley Park and Sara Bareilles. She starred in THE FRENCH ITALIAN which premiered this year at The Tribeca Film Festival.

In 2022, Catherine dropped her first Netflix comedy special, called “The Twist …? She’s Gorgeous” to rave reviews and in August of 2019 won the coveted title of Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival.

CLUB SERIES: RETURNING FAN FAVOURITES

NEW FACES OF COMEDY: STAND-UPS AND CHARACTERS
Espace St-Denis
July 23 – 24, 7pm – 9:30pm

The New Faces showcase is one of the most anticipated events at the Festival, with a long-standing track record of launching comedy’s biggest stars, in both stand-up and sketch. Alumni include global icons like Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, Tim Robinson, and Kumail Nanjiani, Saturday Night Live cast members like Jimmy Fallon, Pete Davidson, and Heidi Gardner, as well as Canadian Comedy Award winner DeAnne Smith, and Letterkenny’s K. Trevor Wilson. Recent New Faces include rising stars like Derrick Stroup, Leslie Liao, and Marcello Hernandez, whose stand-up sets have racked up millions of views online.

THE NASTY SHOW
Club Soda
July 16 – 22, 9:30pm – 11:59pm

The Nasty Show is back! A Festival staple for decades, this show once again promises to be its filthiest and most shocking show, pushing boundaries and encouraging audiences to check their political correctness at the door… let go, and laugh! This summer’s lineup is hosted by stand-up comedian and viral sensation Che Durena and features a killer lineup including Jiaoying Summers, Jay Jurden, Amos Gill, and more!

JFL CULTURE SHOW
Club Soda
July 16 – 22, 7pm

JFL’s long tradition of breaking stereotypes and boundaries with comedy continues with The Culture Show. Hosted by comedian and actor Asif Ali (Deli Boys, WandaVision, The Mandalorian) and featuring former New Face Andrea Jin, and from Frankie Quiñones (What We Do In The Shadows) and more, this cultural melting pot for comedy has become a Festival staple, hilariously tearing down barriers and bringing people closer together.

BRIT(ISH)
Studio TD
July 23 – 26, 7pm

Get ready to cross the pond (ish) without leaving the city. Brit(ish) is a comedy showcase celebrating the sharp wit, dry humour, and distinctive style of top-tier comedians from Britain, but could also include friends from Ireland, or elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Hosted this year by acclaimed UK comedian Ed Gamble, co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Off Menu, the show offers a fresh, hilarious perspective from some of the funniest voices in comedy today.

MIDNIGHT SURPRISE
Studio TD
July 23 – 26, 11:59pm

The Midnight Surprise Show is one of the Festival’s most exciting and unpredictable events, offering a high-energy, spontaneous experience for both performers and audiences. As you might expect, the show is typically held at midnight and features a surprise lineup of top-tier comedians, many of whom may be performing impromptu sets or testing new material. You never know who might drop in!

Additional programming details—including the full festival schedule, free outdoor shows, daytime ComedyPRO sessions, The Just For Laughs Awards show, New Faces: Writers and New Faces: Creators showcases, fireside chats, keynotes, fan events, and screenings of Just For Laughs Shorts and Pilots—will be announced in the coming weeks. (a.k.a we’re just getting started!)

TICKET INFORMATION

EXCLUSIVE PRESALE – JUST FOR LAUGHS MEMBERS
Tickets are on sale now via exclusive presale for Just For Laughs Members. Members save 30% from Thursday, May 8 through Monday, May 12 at 12:00pm on select shows. Become a Just For Laughs Member at HAHAHA.COM.

GENERAL PUBLIC ONSALE
The general public can take advantage of a limited-time 20% discount on select shows from Monday, May 12 at 12:00pm to Monday, May 19 at 12:00pm.

All remaining tickets will be available at regular price beginning Monday, May 19 at 12:00pm.

Tickets can be purchased and the complete Just For Laughs Montréal schedule found at HAHAHA.COM.

JUST FOR LAUGHS PARTNERS
The Just for Laughs Festival Montréal is extremely thankful for the support of its partners: Énergir, Belle Gueule, Distillerie des Appalaches, YUL Aéroport de Montréal, and its official broadcast partners CBC, Crave, CTV Comedy Channel, Bell Media, ICI Télé, ICI TOU.TV, TVA, illico+, Noovo, TV5, UnisTV, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount +, Network 10, CANAL+, France Télévision, and the Canada Media Fund. The Festival would also like to recognize the financial support of the Gouvernment du Québec, the Government of Canada, the Ville de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, the Quartier des spectacles, Montréal centre-ville and la Place des Arts, without which none of this would have been possible.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS
Created in 1983, Just For Laughs is a world leader in comedy. Just For Laughs organises numerous festivals, including the world’s largest comedy festival in Montréal. The company has launched the careers of many renowned comedians and entertained millions of spectators each year through its festivals and content broadcast in more than 150 countries. Just For Laughs manages the careers of artists and produces shows, musicals, television series and films. Just For Laughs is a leading brand of the Just For Entertainment Group which, since its foundation in 1997, has established itself as an international leader in creating a world of entertainment. Just For Entertainment was historically known as ComediHa!

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS SIGNS-ON TO PRODUCE BROADWAY MUSICAL ” REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES”

Just For Laughs has signed on as co-producer of the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves, set to begin previews at Broadway’s James Earl Jones Theatre on April 1, 2025. Sylvain Parent-Bédard, new owner of Just For Laughs and CEO of Just For Entertainment Group – who produce the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, the world’s largest comedy festival – and Jérôme Tremblay, producer for the group, are joining the producing team.

This collaboration with National Artists Management Company (NAMCO) and TruWorthy Productions marks a significant milestone for the Quebec-based company in the field of theatrical and musical productions. In addition to the amazing comedy festivals that Just For Laughs has been producing around the world, the company has also created French-language adaptations of beloved musicals such as Mary Poppins, Annie, Waitress, Chicago, and many more. It was after collaborating with Barry and Fran Weissler, along with NAMCO’s executive producer Alecia Parker, on the French adaptations of Waitress and Chicago in Montreal, that the company was approached for the co-production of Real Women Have Curves on Broadway.

“Collaborating once again with our Quebec partners at Just For Laughs, this time in New York, is truly exciting. We have built a wonderful relationship and it’s a pleasure to have them as co-producers on Real Women Have Curves. They are incredible and valuable partners.” says Barry Weissler, producer of Real Women Have Curves and founder of NAMCO, the New York-based company with an impressive track record of nearly 50 years of experience in producing world-class productions. Whether on Broadway, the West End, or with international tours, NAMCO’s productions have earned 93 Tony Award nominations and 8 Laurence Olivier Award nominations, winning 24 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards.

“This new and exciting adventure confirms the position of Just For Entertainment as a leader in musical theater production in Quebec and marks a significant expansion for its Just For Laughs division, opening the door to new opportunities in New York, the United States, London, and internationally.” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president and new owner of Just For Laughs, a division of the Just For Entertainment Group. “Although comedy has always been our focus, we are convinced that theater—whether musical, comedic, or dramatic— can be an equally powerful unifying force. We are excited about expanding the Just For Laughs brand with musical productions on Broadway, and it is an honor to begin this new chapter for the company with trusted partners like Barry and Alecia.”

“Our involvement as co-producer of Real Women Have Curves is a natural extension of our successful collaboration with NAMCO for the world premiere of Waitress in French last year and now for the production of Chicago. I must also say that we were immediately captivated by this original musical. The songs by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez are absolutely beautiful, and the show powerfully demonstrates that a heartfelt story about the real challenges faced by immigrants can also be a funny, inspiring, and uplifting celebration of family, community, and resilience. It’s truly a show that brings people together!” concludes Jérôme Tremblay, producer at Just For Entertainment.

Based on Josefina López’s acclaimed play that inspired the iconic HBO hit film by Josefina López and George LaVoo, Real Women Have Curves is a captivating new show that explores life’s unexpected turns with strength and emotion. This adaptation marks a historic first on Broadway: a musical where the entire creative team (book, music, choreography, and direction) is made up of Latin artists, including music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning artist Joy Huerta and composer/lyricist Benjamin Velez, book by Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin, and direction and choreography by Tony and Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Music Supervision is by Nadia DiGiallonardo. The show will star Tatianna Córdoba in her Broadway debut, alongside Screen Actors Guild Award-winner Justina Machado, and has been cast by X Casting/Victor Vazquez, CSA and ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA.

ABOUT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT

Since it was founded in 1997, Just For Entertainment/Juste pour divertir (formerly ComediHa!) has firmly established itself as an international entertainment leader in the world of live shows, television, film and festivals. In 2024, the acquisition of the Just For Laughs Group added to ComediHa’s strengths and values. We solidified our position as the benchmark in the comedy industry for “Making people laugh around the world”. Established in 1983, Just For Laughs is internationally renowned for organizing the world’s largest comedy festival, attracting millions of visitors to Montreal and Quebec City. It’s also celebrated for its role in promoting comedy worldwide and for catapulting the careers of countless comedy stars. Today, Just For Entertainment goes far beyond comedy to deliver a diverse range of content, including music, drama and much more. Our talented team is made up of nearly 200 permanent employees and 6,000+ temporary employees and collaborators, who always bring their shared passion and creativity to the table. Our mission is clear: Bring together talent to create a world of entertainment through inspiring brands and content. Our brands and products now captivate hundreds of millions of viewers around the world via our broadcast partners, festivals, social media, and digital platforms, which are followed by over 70 million engaged fans and have accumulated over 100 billion views so far.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS

Established in 1983, Just For Laughs stands as a global beacon of comedy, orchestrating the world’s grandest Comedy festival in Montreal. It has fostered the ascent of esteemed comedians and entertains millions of viewers annually through its festivals and content broadcast in over 150 countries. Just For Laughs also produces shows and musical comedies and organizes the “ComedyPRO” conference.

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS MONTREAL ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERS

Just For Laughs is proud to reveal Loto-Québec as a signature partner of the 2025 Just For Laughs Montréal Festival. Partners in laughter and happiness, Loto-Québec reinforces its commitment alongside the world’s biggest comedy festival, which has welcomed tens of millions of festivalgoers over more than 40 years, and whose group has now amassed over 70 million subscribers on its various digital platforms.

“This irreplaceable support from Loto-Québec consolidates our position as a leader in the comedy industry and allows us to prepare a memorable edition for 2025. Loto-Québec is a key partner in our mission: to make the world laugh, everywhere, and especially in Montréal,” declares Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Just For Laughs.

“It is with great pride that we will once again be supporting the Just for Laughs Montréal Festival as part of the Rendez-vous Loto-Québec in 2025. We are very pleased to play a role in showcasing Québec’s comedy and highlighting Montréal’s radiance by contributing to this world-renowned festival. Next summer, the Just for Laughs Montréal Festival will offer a unique opportunity to be entertained and to discover a multitude of local talent,” says Benoit Lefrançois, Corporate Vice-President of Responsible Commercialization, Social Responsibility and Public Affairs of Loto-Québec.

The Just For Laughs Montréal Festival is a world famous gathering for comedy, bringing together hundreds of artists and thousands of artisans from the English and French-speaking worlds each year. Together, they celebrate comedy in all its forms, in a unique spirit of festivity and collaboration, to the delight of all comedy lovers.

“This partnership promises a rich, exclusive, and diverse program, especially designed to bring families and friends together in a spirit of joy and conviviality. Thanks to the support of Loto-Québec, we will be offering a program combining stand-up comedy, visual comedy, musical

comedy, interactive shows and free outdoor events to provide memorable and unique moments for over a million festival goers,” states Josée Charland, head of French programming.

#FIRSTLOOK: COMEDIHA! TO OPERATE UNDER JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL – QUEBEC BRAND

Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and Founder of ComediHa! and the new owner of Just For Laughs (acquired in June 2024) announces that ComediHa ! Fest-Québec will now operate under the Just For Laughs Festival – Quebec brand. This marks a new era for the comedy event in the city, where the head office of the Quebec entrepreneur’s new group is based.

“Last June, our group acquired the biggest comedy brand on the planet, Just For Laughs. I’m proud that the head office of the world’s number one comedy group will now be based in Quebec City. After careful thought and analysis, I decided that the Quebec City festival should bear the name of Quebec’s favourite comedy brand, Just For Laughs—the province’s favourite entertainment brand along with Cirque du Soleil” – Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Just For Laughs.

Quebec City now joins a prestigious global network of Just For Laughs venues that includes Sydney, Australia, Bermuda, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, along with other major international cities soon to be announced as part of the brand’s new strategic plan.

This latest addition helps solidify Quebec City’s position as a must-visit destination for comedy, reinforced by the exceptional reputation of Just For Laughs (which will operate as the English-language brand of the Quebec City festival).

For more than 40 years, the Just For Laughs brand, a Quebec cultural institution celebrated by French- and English-speaking communities alike, has played a major role in promoting comedy worldwide, helping catapult the careers of many renowned French- and English-speaking comedians. Just For Laughs plays host to iconic events where up-and-coming talents meet the industry’s best-known artists.

This new chapter for the festival is testament to Parent-Bédard’s strong commitment to the Quebec City community and underscores the city’s potential as a dynamic cultural hub ready to shine on the international stage.

From August 6 to 17, 2025, the Just For Laughs Festival-Quebec City promises to captivate comedy fans, coming together to enjoy an experience worthy of the world’s leading comedy brand. The festival will also feature an impressive English-language lineup to welcome an increasingly diverse audience from around the world.

ComediHa! Group changes its name to Just For Entertainment Group

The ComediHa! Group is making a decisive shift by grouping all its activities under the new banner of the Just For Entertainment Group. This consolidation follows a period of significant growth, marked by a number of major musical events, including the relaunch of SuperFrancoFête, as well as several acquisitions in recent years. These acquisitions, including Les Boys, Les Productions Martin Leclerc and the Just For Laughs / Juste pour rire Group, have helped redefine the Group’s influence in the entertainment world. This evolution signals a new identity for its operations, inspired by the worldwide reputation of the Just For Laughs Group.

With the slogan “A world of entertainment,” the Just For Entertainment Group now offers a wide range of content that includes festivals, shows, tours, audiovisual content, digital platforms, artist representation, global content distribution and more.

About Just For Entertainment

Since it was founded in 1997, Just For Entertainment/Juste pour divertir (formerly ComediHa!) has firmly established itself as an international entertainment leader in the world of live shows, television, film and festivals.

In 2024, the acquisition of the Just For Laughs Group added to ComediHa’s strengths and values. We solidified our position as the benchmark in the comedy industry for “Making people laugh around the world”. Established in 1983, Just For Laughs is internationally renowned for organizing the world’s largest comedy festival, attracting millions of visitors to Montreal and Quebec City. It’s also celebrated for its role in promoting comedy worldwide and for catapulting the careers of countless comedy stars.

Today, Just For Entertainment goes far beyond comedy to deliver a diverse range of content, including music, drama and much more. Our talented team is made up of nearly 200 permanent employees and 6,000+ temporary employees and collaborators, who always bring their shared passion and creativity to the table.

Our mission is clear: Bring together talent to create a world of entertainment through inspiring brands and content.

Our brands and products now captivate hundreds of millions of viewers around the world via our broadcast partners, festivals, social media, and digital platforms, which are followed by over 70 million engaged fans and have accumulated over 100 billion views so far.