Comedy’s Golden Era: Billboard Boxscore Reveals Surging Arena Demand

Billboard’s latest Boxscore report, published October 29, 2025, highlights the booming comedy touring industry. While music superstars like Chris Brown continue to dominate stadiums, comedians are proving their own arena-filling power. The September recap shows that stand-up comedy is thriving, with performers selling out theaters and arenas across the country.

Bargatze’s Record-Breaking Month

For the third straight month, Nate Bargatze claimed the No. 1 spot. He grossed $13.3 million from 159,000 tickets sold. His Big Dumb Eyes Tour delivered standout performances in Denver and New York. At Denver’s Ball Arena, Bargatze played three shows between September 12–13, earning $3.7 million from 47,200 tickets. Later in the month, he headlined Madison Square Garden with three sold-out sets, grossing $4.6 million and drawing more than 50,000 fans. Bargatze’s consistency underscores his rise as one of comedy’s most bankable stars.

September’s rankings also spotlighted other heavy hitters. “Weird Al” Yankovic secured the No. 2 position with $5.7 million from 82,100 tickets across 16 shows. John Mulaney followed with $4.5 million from 15 performances. Gabriel Iglesias and Matt Rife rounded out the top five, grossing $3.6 million and $3.5 million respectively. Together, these comedians played a combined 65 shows—far more than the top five overall touring acts in music, who staged just 38. The numbers highlight the sheer work ethic and demand driving comedy’s rise in live entertainment.

Comedy’s Growing Influence

Billboard’s comedy hub, launched earlier this year, has been tracking the momentum of stand-up tours. Names like Sebastian Maniscalco and Matt Rife previously topped midyear lists. Bargatze’s continued dominance signals a shift in audience appetite, as comedy tours increasingly rival music acts in scale and profitability. Fans are not only showing up in massive numbers but also proving that comedy can command the same ticket prices and grosses as major concerts.

In summary, September’s Boxscore proves that comedy is no longer a niche touring category. With Bargatze leading the charge and other comedians consistently selling out arenas, the industry is witnessing a golden era for stand-up. Audiences are embracing comedy as a premier live entertainment option, and the momentum suggests even more blockbuster tours ahead.