Twitter: Who Brings the Funny?

Making people laugh is hard enough, but making people laugh in 140 characters or less is extremely difficult.  When I first joined Twitter, I decided early on that the comedic approach was not for me, and that I’d leave that to the professionals.  So, what have the professionals been tweeting?  Though some have gone theself-promotional route – which, while not as creative, is useful for their fans – some comedians have used their Twitter accounts to share their latest material.  With the help of this Mashable post and my own “following” list, I’ve rounded up some of those who will make you LOL…and those who should probably keep their day jobs.  However, keep in mind that, with comedy, laughter is in the eye of the beholder, so keep the heckling to a minimum and follow whoever tickles your funny bone.

*In some instances, spelling, grammar or punctuation of the tweets have been edited.  

STANDING OVATION

@robhuebel

Who: Rob Huebel

Claim to fame: Comedian on the MTV sketch comedy series Human Giant.

LOL-worthy: “There was a nun on my flight. She is married to God. They seem like a cool couple.”

*Crickets*: “'Beef Pot Roast' would be a crappy name for a breakfast cereal.”

Follow if: You want to read random, weird nuggets of hilarity.

@nicechucknice

Who: Chuck Nice

Claim to fame: Frequent contributor on VH1’s clip show, Best Week Ever.

LOL-worthy: “Just had a beer at the White House... oh, it was White Castle...my bad.”

*Crickets*: “Watched the movie UP; it got me a little down. Don't worry I'm back up again.”

Follow if: You want a steady stream of consistently-funny material.

@jimgaffigan

Who: Jim Gaffigan

Claim to fame: Stars in TBS’ My Boys; known for his popular Comedy Central Presents… specials; lover of bacon.

LOL-worthy: “I hate doing errands. They actually make kind of dislike people named Erin...or Aaron.”

*Crickets*:” “Can't believe they named a piece of exercise equipment the treadmill? ‘oh I can't wait to get on the treadmill. That doesn't sound boring.’”

Follow if: You’re a fan of his stand-up.  Which you should be.

@SklarBrothers

Who: Randy and Jason Sklar

Claim to fame: Identical twin comedians whose unique stand-up routine is done in tandem. 

LOL-worthy: “Can't wait for Cougar Town to change its name to Mellencampville.”

*Crickets*: “LL Cool J on my flight to LA. Wonder if he's singing to himself. ‘Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali. Going back to Cali.’  I don't think so.”

Follow if: You like funny observations and anecdotes.

@chelsealately

Who: Chelsea Handler

Claim to fame: Hosts Chealsea Lately on the E! Channel; author of two New York Times best-sellers.

LOL-worthy: “The Hills starts tonight, I'd watch but I have plans to stay home and put my hand in a blender.”

*Crickets*: “I read that they are making a Bad Boys 3 Can somebody tell me what happened in Bad Boys 1 and 2?”

Follow if: You like humorous digs at celebrities and Hollywood.

@ChristFinnegan

Who: Christian Finnegan

Claim to fame: Has appeared on Best Week Ever, Chappelle’s Show and hosts TV Land’s game show, Game Time.

LOL-worthy: “At what age does climbing a tree go from ‘whimsical & childlike’ to ‘creepy & deranged’? Younger than 36, right?”

*Crickets*: “I wish Project Runway was a show about a bunch of self-centered diva assholes all trying to land planes.”

Follow if: You want a daily giggle.

BOO, HISS…

@mitchfatel

Who: Mitch Fatel

Claim to fame: His half-hour special was ranked No. 6 on Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Showdown in 2007.

LOL-worthy: “’Ring or no ring, a hoe gunna be a hoe’ -My Dad toasting my Mom at their anniversary. Now that's romantic!”

*Crickets*: “I believe strongly that girls with hairy backs should be forcibly waxed. Sometimes the greater good of society trumps individual freedom.”

Follow if: You like raunchy jokes about women.

@thebrianposehn

Who: Brian Posehn

Claim to fame: Has had roles on Just Shoot Me, Mr. Show and The Sarah Silverman Program.

LOL-worthy: “Off to the gym. Not really, but everybody tweets that. Really gonna watch The Blob (the one with Kevin Dillon) and have a Coke for breakfast.”

*Crickets*: “Just saw a dreamcatcher in a Hummer. Obviously, it worked because if you're driving a Hummer all of your dreams have come true.”

Follow if: You want to hear a lot about what heavy-metal music he’s currently listening to. 

@JohnHeffron

Who: John Heffron

Claim to fame: Second-season winner of Last Comic Standing.

LOL-worthy: “Started my General Hospital box set, I hope Luke finds Laura.”

*Crickets*: “Wife is on a vacuuming spree, her ‘pick that up’ is growing more angry, I fear I have little hope for survival.”

Follow if: You think nerds who are afraid of their wives are funny.

@toddbarry

Who: Todd Barry

Claim to fame: Guest appearances on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

LOL-worthy: “Woman eating at next table quoting Shakespeare at same volume you'd use onstage at the Globe Theatre.”

*Crickets*: “Mentioned yesterday that I bought a box of "soft grip" binder clips at Staples. Realizing I don't need them. Guess what: NOT returning them.”

Follow if: You like hearing about mundane things that happen in his everyday life.

Other comedians you may like:

Chris Hardwick, @nerdist

Lance Krall, @LanceKrall

Paul F. Tompkins, @PFTompkins

Sarah Silverman, @SarahKSilverman

Doug Benson, @DougBenson

Dane Cook, @danecook

Mike Birbiglia, @birbigs

(Ed: We think Hillary is funny, follow her @hillaryjackson. Did she leave anyone out? Who do you think is funny on Twitter? Leave your comments below!)