What's Happening?
Kevin Hart is set to be the subject of a live roast during the Netflix Is a Joke Fest on May 10, 2026. The event will be hosted by comedian Shane Gillis and will take place at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. This roast follows the success of Netflix's first
live roast featuring Tom Brady, which was co-hosted by Hart and became a major cultural event. The Brady roast attracted two million viewers on its first night and reached 1.67 billion minutes viewed in its first week, topping Nielsen's streaming rankings. Hart, who has experience with the roast format, having served as Roast Master for the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber in 2015, will also be executive producing the event alongside Casey Patterson, Jeff Ross, Amy Zvi, and his manager Dave Becky.
Why It's Important?
The roast of Kevin Hart is significant as it highlights Netflix's continued investment in live comedy events, which have proven to be highly successful in engaging audiences. The previous roast of Tom Brady not only drew massive viewership but also dominated pop culture discussions, indicating a strong demand for such content. This event could further solidify Netflix's position as a leader in live streaming entertainment, potentially influencing other platforms to explore similar formats. For Hart, this roast represents an opportunity to showcase his comedic resilience and maintain his relevance in the entertainment industry. It also provides a platform for Shane Gillis, enhancing his visibility as a prominent comedian.
What's Next?
Following the roast, Kevin Hart will continue his involvement in the Netflix Is a Joke Fest with his comedy competition series, Funny AF, which begins streaming on April 20. The series will feature taped episodes leading up to live semi-finals and a finale during the festival. Additionally, Shane Gillis is set to headline 'Shane Gillis & Friends' at the Hollywood Bowl on May 4 as part of the festival. The success of these events could lead to more live comedy specials on Netflix, potentially expanding the platform's offerings and attracting a broader audience.
