This week, Lyle breaks down what he loves about Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kristen Wiig, while also debating the idea of women in control of the comedy world.

Lately, I’ve begun to notice a certain trend growing in the world of comedy. Many of the top comedians these days happen to be female. Throughout its history, comedy has been known more as a boys club. Don’t get me wrong, there have definitely been some amazing female comics, some who even made quite a name for themselves, like Gilda Radner and Paula Poundstone. However, ten years ago, if you asked for the top 5 comedians, I’d venture to say that at least four of the five would be men. Now the times have changed, and in my opinion, for the better.

For any comic, Saturday Night Live is usually a lifelong dream. What’s so great about SNL, is that it gives the general public access to some of the most talented performers to exist. If you go through every cast member ever to be an SNL regular, you will without a doubt hear some of the most profitable film stars of all time.

So, a few years ago, something amazing happened on SNL. The tides changed, and where the men once ran the show, a group of female comedians then took over. I like to call these women, The Holy Trinity. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kristen Wiig changed the way comedy is today. Yes, Maya Rudolph and Rachel Dratch were also part of the group, and while they are certainly extremely talented, they lack a certain joie de vivre that Tina, Amy, and Kristen seem to possess.

Tina, who started out as the head writer of SNL then was asked to co-host Weekend Update alongside Jimmy Fallon, has been a personal favorite of mine for quite some time. Aside from writing and starring in Mean Girls – which let’s face it, might be the single most important film ever created – she also created one of the best television comedies ever to exist, 30 Rock. Tina has such a sharp wit, it’s no wonder she became the star she is today. I mean, hell, this is the woman responsible for the creation of one Miss Regina George. Plus, has there been a better political sketch on SNL in recent years then that of Tina impersonating Sarah Palin? I really just don’t think so.

When I first started to take notice of Poehler, I must admit, I wasn’t thrilled. However, as time went on, I realized I simply could not stop laughing at literally every word to pass through this woman’s lips. I distinctly remember watching her in a “Kaitlin” sketch, shedding tears and having my side split from laughing so hard. She became one of the strongest SNL performers of all time. Aside from SNL, she has been quite amazing in a few films. Sure, they may not always be the critical darling like her show Parks and Recreation may be, but I stand by her performance in Baby Mama. Some of her lines from that film still make me laugh, even as I write this column.

And finally, we have the one and only, Miss Kristen Wiig. Oh, Kristen. I just love you. I remember having a thought as I watched her emotional departure from the show a few months ago. I thought to myself, “SNL is screwed.” Kristen might just be the most versatile, confident, intelligent, and quick-witted performer to ever grace the SNL stage. Whether she’s playing Gilly or Penelope, or even the girl with the small hands on the Lawrence Welk Show, she commits. It’s no wonder she’s found the success that she has outside of SNL. I remember before Bridesmaids hit theatres, critics and bloggers alike were insisting that an all-female cast in a raunchy comedy would not sell tickets. Two Oscar nominations and an unheard of box office receipt later, I think it’s safe to say just how wrong they were.

Anyway, my point is, I love these three women. Their wit, charm, beauty, and intelligence shine through in all of their work. Whether they’re writing, performing, or even directing, I will go and pay money to see any film any of them release. I remember watching an interview with Chelsea Handler recently, where she was asked if she’s biased to hire woman comedians to appear on her show. She said something along the lines of, “It’s not about gender, it’s about who’s funny, and right now, women are just funnier.”

What do you think?  Are women taking over comedy or have they already? Which of The Holy Trinity is your favorite? Sound off below! Also, be sure to check out Hypable Senior Editor John Thrasher’s column from a few weeks ago focusing on Kristin Wiig’s departure from the Saturday Night Live stage and the female revolution in comedy.