ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2026.01.001
The Emergence and Impact of Female Stand-up Comedians in China
Yuruo Zhou
Department of Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
*Corresponding author: Yuruo Zhou
Published: January 16,2026
Abstract
This study explores the emergence and growing influence of female stand-up comedians in China, focusing on their performances in the shows “Talk Show and Friends” and “King of Comedy”. Traditionally, Chinese stand-up comedy has been dominated by male voices, with female comedians struggling to gain visibility and agency. However, the year 2024 marked a pivotal moment, often referred to as the “first year of Chinese female stand-up comedians”, as more and more excellent female stand-up comedians increasingly stood out, and used humor to address societal and gender issues. By drawing on personal experiences and tackling topics such as sexism, patriarchy, and body image, these comedians have carved out a new space for female discourse in China’s entertainment industry. Using a case study approach, this paper examines how these comedians challenge traditional gender roles, break stereotypes, and reconstruct gender norms through humor. By amplifying women’s voices and encouraging public discussions about gender equality, these performances signify a cultural shift in China’s media landscape.
Keywords
Female stand-up comedy; gender norms; humor and resistance; Chinese popular media; women’s discourse
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How to cite this paper
The Emergence and Impact of Female Stand-up Comedians in China
How to cite this paper: Yuruo Zhou. (2026) The Emergence and Impact of Female Stand-up Comedians in China. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 10(1), 1-4.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2026.01.001