When’s the Best Time to Go to A Comedy Show?

The Ultimate Guide to Timing Your Comedy Show for the Perfect Night Out

Comedy shows are a fantastic way to spend an evening. But let’s get real for a second—comedy shows, even at their best, run for about two hours. And honestly, that's long enough for most people. But the real secret to getting the most out of a comedy show is to blend it seamlessly into the rest of your night. Whether you’re in New York City or Los Angeles, you’re in luck—these comedy hubs offer shows at almost every time of the evening, so you can plan the rest of your night around them.

If you're wondering how to make the most out of a comedy show and fit it into your plans, look no further. Depending on the time slot you choose—6 PM, 8 PM, 10 PM, or even 12 AM—you can tailor your night to suit your mood and plans. Let’s break it down and find out which showtime is best for you.

Planning Your Night Around Comedy Shows

Comedy shows are a great way to kick off a night out or wind down after a busy day. But depending on when you choose to go, your evening can look very different. NYC and LA are packed with comedy clubs, and you can easily find shows at 6 PM, 8 PM, 10 PM, or even 12 AM. Whether you're in the mood to pregame, make comedy the main event, or just enjoy a late-night laugh, there's a show for every vibe.

Each of these time slots attracts different types of crowds, and the energy of the show changes accordingly. Let’s explore how your choice of showtime can shape the rest of your evening and how to maximize your fun.

Start Your Night with a 6 PM Comedy Show: The Pregame Vibe

If you’re looking to squeeze in a little laughter before a full night of debauchery, the 6 PM comedy show is where it’s at. This time slot is perfect for the happy hour crowd—people who are coming straight from work, eager for a few drinks and some good laughs before diving headfirst into the night.

A standout show in this time slot is DTF Comedy. For just $40, you not only get to see professional comics, but you also get a sweet drink deal—four drinks included, or sometimes even bottomless. This is the perfect opportunity to grab your coworkers and head over for some laughs before transitioning to dinner or a bar.

After the show, why not continue the fun with dinner and drinks? You’re already in high spirits from the show, so it’s a great time to let loose. For me, that means hitting up a spot with live music and staying out until 4 AM, but hey, you do you!

8 PM: The Prime Time for Comedy Fans

If you’re a serious comedy fan—or just want the full experience—8 PM is the ultimate showtime. This is prime time, the slot where bookers put their best talent on stage. Especially on weekends, you’re almost guaranteed to see top-notch comedians. Whether you're hitting up a well-known spot like the Comedy Cellar or a unique pop-up show like DTF Comedy, 8 PM is the sweet spot.

For those who want a perfect mix of laughs and a night out, this showtime is ideal. You can grab dinner beforehand, catch the 8 PM show, and still make it out to the bars before the lines start forming. And if you want to pregame with some drinks during the show, DTF Comedy offers unbeatable deals.

The 8 PM show is perfect for those who want the best of all worlds—top-tier comedy, drinks, and plenty of time to keep the night going. Whether you're planning to go out after or make the comedy show the main event, 8 PM is your golden hour.

10 PM: The Ideal Time for Post-Dinner Laughs

Did you score an amazing dinner reservation and want to keep the night going without hitting the bars? The 10 PM comedy show is for you. It’s the perfect time slot if you’re winding down from a great meal and still want to be part of the nightlife without going all-in on a wild night.

As a comic, I’ve noticed that 10 PM shows often attract double dates or small groups who aren’t necessarily looking to party afterward. It’s a laid-back, intimate time slot where you can enjoy great comedy without the hustle and bustle of earlier or later shows.

Big clubs like the Comedy Cellar often have their most seasoned comics working this slot, so you’re still getting top talent. This is the perfect showtime if you want to make comedy the focus of your evening and skip the madness of a late-night bar crawl.

12 AM Comedy Shows: Only for the Brave and the Drunk

Now, for the truly adventurous, there’s the 12 AM comedy show. Let me be real with you—if you’re going to a comedy show this late, you’re either brave, very drunk, or both. Most people don’t plan to go to a 12 AM show in advance, unless they’re headed to the world-famous Comedy Cellar. The Comedy Cellar is the only place you should consider for this time slot. Why? Because most other clubs don’t put their best talent on this late. If you're not at the Cellar, you’ll likely end up watching comics who are struggling to get decent spots elsewhere.

At this hour, the crowd tends to be drunk, loud, and sometimes a bit obnoxious. Many of these late-night shows are filled with audience members who were barked in—meaning a comic sold them tickets on the street in exchange for stage time. It’s a risky choice if you’re looking for a high-quality comedy experience, but if you do decide to go at this time, the Comedy Cellar is your best bet.

Conclusion

Whether you’re kicking off the night with a 6 PM show, hitting prime time at 8 PM, or winding down with a 10 PM set, comedy shows in NYC offer something for everyone. Just make sure you choose the right time slot for your plans to get the most out of the experience. If you’re feeling brave (or tipsy), you can even check out a 12 AM show—just make sure it’s at a reputable club like the Comedy Cellar.

When you plan your night around a comedy show, you’re not just getting laughs—you’re setting the tone for an unforgettable evening in one of the greatest cities in the world. So, grab your friends, pick a time, and enjoy everything NYC nightlife has to offer, without breaking the bank.