Siddiquee Named to Variety's 2026 Comics to Watch
Bangladeshi-American comedian Usama Siddiquee is among ten comedians Variety selected for its 2026 list, announced November 4.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Variety
Variety named Usama Siddiquee one of its 10 Comics to Watch for 2026, announced on November 4, 2026. The honourees are scheduled to perform at a showcase during the New York Comedy Festival on November 12.
Why it matters
The annual list has previously spotlighted comedians such as Zach Galifianakis, Maria Bamford, Patton Oswalt, Nate Bargatze and Nikki Glaser. Endorsements from established comedians like Hasan Minhaj and Kevin Hart highlight Siddiquee's standing within the industry.
The list has run since 2000, and the 2026 class of ten comics includes Wally Baram, Olivia Carter, Aaron Chen, Adam Friedland, Kyle Gordon, Shapel Lacey, Eilise Patton, Josh Ocean Thomas and Lucas Zelnick. Variety has not published the selection criteria in the material provided.
The players
Variety
Variety is a long-running American entertainment trade publication that runs the annual 10 Comics to Watch list.
Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj is an American comedian and writer known for his Netflix series Patriot Act and his stand-up work.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart is an American comedian and actor who hosts the comedy competition series Funny AF.
The details
Siddiquee appeared on Kevin Hart's comedy competition Funny AF, where Hart crowned him during a live recording at New York's Village Underground. Hasan Minhaj, who has known Siddiquee for nearly a decade, praised his dedication, stage presence and years of hard work.
Timeline
2000: Variety launches its 10 Comics to Watch initiative.
November 4, 2026: Variety announces the 2026 selection.
November 12, 2026: Honourees perform at a New York Comedy Festival showcase.
Industry Dynamics
Variety's 10 Comics to Watch, begun in 2000, has previously named Zach Galifianakis, Maria Bamford, Patton Oswalt, Nate Bargatze and Nikki Glaser before they became widely known. The 2026 class continues that pattern of spotlighting emerging stand-up talent for the trade press's audience of industry professionals.
Readers can catch the honourees live at the New York Comedy Festival showcase on November 12, 2026, which is scheduled to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square. Viewers interested in following Siddiquee's career can look for his appearances on Funny AF.
The takeaway
Selection on Variety's list has historically served as an early marker for comedians who later reached wider audiences. Readers following stand-up can track the 2026 class as its members perform publicly over the coming year.
What happens next
The honourees are scheduled to perform at a New York Comedy Festival showcase on November 12, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the trade publication behind the list, explore Variety coverage.
