Happy International Women's Day!
We won't even bother opening this with the go-to line of 'whoever said women weren't funny' etc, as at this stage, any self-respecting TV viewer knows that women are bloody hilarious and have really come into their own on television, particularly in comedy.
There are an abundant of talented, quick-witted and downright awesome ladies to choose from, but as tough as it was, we decided to bring it down to just ten.
We were going to rank them, but that would be no craic.
So in no particular order;
1. Mindy Kaling
As soon as she rocked up to The Office as Kelly Kapoor, we loved her ever-so-annoying Ryan obsessed ways, but it was only when she took the lead in her own series The Mindy Project, which she created and stars in, that we got to see the true talent of Mindy Kaling. And did you know her real name is Vera Mindy Chokalingam? True Story.
2. Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer's career has skyrocketed in recent years, with a role in Judd Apatow's Trainwreck as well as an Emmy for her comedy series Inside Amy Schumer. The comedian also has a stand-up special that debuted on Netflix recently that is well worth checking out.
3. Julia Louis Dreyfus
There are no words for just how supremely talented this lady is. Maybe you weren't a fan of Seinfeld (what's wrong with you?) where Dreyfus won a zillion Emmys for her role as Elaine Benes, but for the love of God at least tell us you are watching Veep. The comedy, which is the American version of The Thick of It, sees Dreyfus plays Vice President Selina Meyer as she navigates her way through American politics along with her team of misfits that include Anna Chlumsky and Tony Hale. Oh and Julia has won a shed load of Emmys for this show too. In facts she is now tied for most Emmy wins for lead actress with Mary Tyler Moore and Candice Bergen.
4. Sofia Vergara
Not only one of the most beautiful women in the world, Sophie Vegara knows how to hit the right comedy note too as seen in her role in the smash hit show Modern Family, which just wouldn't be the same without the hot-tempered yet quick-witted Gloria.
5. Phoebe Waller-Bridge
If you haven't watched last year's hit UK comedy series Fleabag yet, get on it already. The BBC drama, written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, came off the back of her award-winning one-woman play for the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2013. It follows the story of Phoebe, a young woman very much unashamedly navigating her way through London life with the sort of dark humour that's been missing from TV these days. 2017 is undoubtedly the year of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who has already landed herself a showrunner gig on BBC America's Killing Eve.
6. Lena Dunham
Yes, some find her character Hannah in Girls extremely self-involved and annoying, which let's face it, she kind of is. However, that's not to take away from Lena Dunham's superb writing skills which has made it the hit show that it is, and her "the voice of a generation."
7. Amy Poehler
What can we say about Amy Poehler? Does a bigger legend walk the earth? It was Saturday Night Live where the actress originally cut her teeth where she became known for for her portrayal of former First Lady and Presidential candidate Hilary Clinton and since went on to win many an award for her role in the hilarious Parks and Recreation as Leslie Knope. She's also great friends with Louis C.K.... and she will be our best friend one day too. She just doesn't know it yet.
8. Kristen Wiig
Another SNL alumni, Kristen Wiig came to the world's attention as lead in the box office hit that was Bridesmaids, you may have heard of it. Since then she's starred in a string of movies proving that she can hit the serious notes too but it's undoubtedly comedy where she excels.
9. Tina Fey
As with her bestie Amy Poehler, Tina got her big break on Saturday Night Live where the opportunity of a lifetime fell into her hands as her physical similarity to the controversial Sarah Palin became apparent. So began a string of viral sketches that made Fey so synonymous with Palin that Fox news even mistakenly put up a picture of Fey instead of the politician. Besides SNL though, Tina Fey really hit global success with her satirical sitcom 30 Rock, which she created, wrote and starred in, while she also wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls and most recently created and produced the television series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. In short, she's bloody brilliant.
10. Sharon Horgan
Yes we know this list has mostly been dominated by them lot across the pond but how could we forget our very own Sharon Horgan, who is just going from strength to strength these days with the third season of the hilarious Catastrophe currently airing on Channel 4, which she writes and stars in alongside Rob Delaney. Horgan also made a name for herself for her role in British comedy Pulling, however she is now making her mark stateside as showrunner and writer for Sarah Jessica Parker's HBO show Divorce, and no doubt there's plenty more to come from this Meath lady.