Kevin Hart, the acclaimed actor and comedian, is poised to take center stage as the next subject of Netflix's highly anticipated live roast special. This event is scheduled to conclude the streamer's annual 'Netflix is a Joke' festival on May 10, promising an evening filled with laughter and pointed humor. The decision to feature Hart follows the immense success of the previous live roast, which targeted NFL icon Tom Brady, attracting an impressive 26 million viewers and maintaining a spot in Netflix's global Top 10 for three consecutive weeks.
The upcoming 'Roast of Kevin Hart' will be hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, who is also known for his Netflix scripted series 'Tires.' While Gillis's participation has been confirmed, the full lineup of other comedians and celebrities who will join in roasting Hart is still under wraps, building anticipation for the event. This special is a highlight of the 'Netflix is a Joke Fest,' a week-long celebration of comedy running from May 4 to May 10 in Los Angeles. The festival boasts an extensive program of over 350 live events, encompassing stand-up routines, variety shows, comedy podcasts, tapings, exclusive gatherings, and screenings.
Beyond the roast, the 'Netflix is a Joke Fest' will showcase several exclusive events, including 'Night of Too Many Stars,' a telethon featuring stand-up, variety, and musical performances to benefit NEXT for Autism, hosted by Jon Stewart. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a taping of Nate Bargatze's forthcoming Netflix comedy special and a 'Shane Gillis and Friends' event at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Hart himself has other projects in the pipeline, with a reboot of 'Barbershop' slated as a series for Prime Video, further solidifying his busy schedule in the entertainment industry.
This live roast event signifies Netflix's continued investment in large-scale, interactive comedy programming, aiming to captivate a broad audience with its unique blend of celebrity and humor. The format, which allows for spontaneous and uncensored comedic exchanges, has proven to be a significant draw for viewers. With Kevin Hart, a figure known for his comedic prowess and ability to both deliver and receive jokes, the event is expected to be a memorable occasion, contributing to the festival's overall success and reinforcing Netflix's position as a hub for diverse and engaging comedy content.
