ONE LINER MADNESS is a Time Out Critics’ Pick traveling comedy contest that finds the best joke writers in the country. It was founded in Brooklyn in 2016.

On Friday, March 27, 64 Boston-area comedians will go head-to-head in a bracket-style, single-elimination, one-liner joke contest. Audience applause determines which performers advance, and who ultimately becomes the 2026 ONE LINER MADNESS CHAMPION and winner of the trophy and cash prize. It’s like a March Madness tournament, but just under two hours, and with jokes instead of basketballs.

This not-to-be-missed contest is hosted, created, and produced by comedian and game show writer Emily Winter (from E!, The New Yorker, NPR), and Larry Mancini (from the Brooklyn Comedy Festival). It’s been recommended in/on The New York Times, Time Out, The Boston Globe, LAist, WGN, Real Milwaukee, Axios, WHYY and more.