Definition & Meaning of "tight five"

What is a "tight five"?

A tight five is a well-rehearsed, polished five-minute comedy routine. This short set is crafted to be highly engaging and effective, often used by comedians to showcase their best material in auditions, open mics, or as part of a larger performance. The goal of a tight five is to deliver maximum impact within a limited time, demonstrating the comedian’s ability to engage the audience and generate laughs quickly and efficiently.