The Hollywood Improv Delivers fantastic Standup Comedy including Nikki Glaser, Anthony Jeselnik and more- Dec 2025
Review: Hollywood Improv – A Legendary Comedy Destination
If you love stand-up, the Hollywood Improv isn’t just a comedy club — it’s a living piece of American comedy history. With roots stretching back over six decades, The Improv first opened as The Improvisation in New York City in 1963 and quickly became the launching pad for comedy legends. By the 1970s, the club expanded west to Los Angeles, and the Hollywood Improv on Melrose Avenue has been a cornerstone of live comedy ever since.
Over the years, this iconic venue has welcomed household names — from Richard Pryor and Jay Leno to Robin Williams and countless others — giving both established stars and rising talents a place to sharpen their craft.
Expect a Night of World-Class Laughs
Walking into the Hollywood Improv, you feel the legacy immediately. The classic brick wall, intimate room and buzzing energy make it the perfect setting for stand-up comedy that’s both personal and unpredictable. Shows often feature headliners you know as well as surprise drop-ins from acclaimed comics polishing new material or trying out bold ideas.
Highlight: December 9 Show — Jeselnik & Glaser
The December 9th lineup was an absolute treat for stand-up fans. The night included comedy from Anthony Jeselnik, whose razor-sharp dark humor is legendary, and Nikki Glaser, delivering her hilarious and candid take on life — including material she’s been refining from her Golden Globes monologue earlier this year. Glaser’s Globes opening — where she playfully roasted Hollywood trends and power structures — got widespread buzz for being funny and fearless.
Anthony Jeselnik: A Comedy Force
Jeselnik’s set was especially memorable for fans of smart, irreverent comedy. He has become a standout in modern stand-up with multiple Netflix stand-up specials, including Thoughts and Prayers (2015), Fire in the Maternity Ward (2019), and most recently Bones and All (2024), marking 20 years of his boundary-pushing comedy career on Netflix. His deadpan delivery and twisty punchlines had the Improv crowd both gasping and laughing all night.
Why It Still Matters
What keeps the Hollywood Improv at the top of the comedy scene is its blend of legendary heritage and current relevance. Whether you’re seeing a big name stress-testing new material or discovering the next breakthrough comic, every visit feels special. From classic sets that honor stand-up’s roots to fresh voices shaping its future, this club delivers laughter night after night.
Plan Your Visit: You can find schedules, tickets, and more at their official site: https://www.improv.com
— where you’ll see upcoming shows, special events, and the club’s celebrated legacy laid out in full.