The streaming giant's live comedy extravaganza is making its triumphant return to Los Angeles next spring. Netflix Is a Joke Fest has unveiled its ambitious 2026 program, featuring more than 350 individual performances spread across a week-long celebration of humor. Running from May 4th through the 10th, the festival will transform venues throughout the city into a sprawling comedy playground, establishing itself as the largest gathering of its kind in the entertainment industry.
This year's edition promises unprecedented scale and innovation, with Kevin Hart taking center stage as host of "Funny AF," a global talent search designed to discover the world's next breakout comedy sensation. The competition series will begin streaming on Netflix starting April 20th, building anticipation for the live semi-finals and finale happening during the festival on May 4th and 5th. This hybrid approach combines digital content with live performance, creating a unique viewer experience that bridges at-home streaming with in-person attendance. The format allows audiences to follow contestants' journeys before witnessing the climactic conclusion in real-time, representing a new frontier in comedy programming.
John Mulaney returns for his third appearance at the festival, headlining the iconic Hollywood Bowl with his new show "Mister Whatever." His continued involvement underscores the event's reputation as a premier destination for established comedy veterans who value the festival's energetic atmosphere and enthusiastic audiences. Meanwhile, Seth Rogen will command the Greek Theatre stage, bringing his distinctive brand of humor to one of LA's most beloved outdoor venues, where his cannabis-friendly persona is sure to resonate with the California crowd.
The festival demonstrates its commitment to diverse comedy voices with several groundbreaking productions that push cultural boundaries. Colombian superstar Feid joins forces with comedian Marcello Hernández to present what organizers are calling the largest Spanish-language comedy show ever staged at the Hollywood Bowl. This historic event highlights the growing mainstream recognition of Latin American humor and the platform's dedication to multicultural entertainment, serving a demographic often underserved in major comedy festivals.
Shane Gillis, who has rapidly ascended to comedy superstardom following his controversial departure from SNL and subsequent independent success, will headline his own night at the Hollywood Bowl, joined by special guests for what promises to be a memorable evening. His presence reflects the festival's ability to showcase both established legends and emerging powerhouses who have built their audiences through alternative channels. Additionally, Katt Williams will bring his electrifying, unfiltered energy to the Intuit Dome, while Nate Bargatze, currently the world's top-selling comedian, returns for two nights at the same venue to film his next Netflix special, scheduled for release later in 2026.
The lineup extends far beyond these headliners, featuring an impressive roster of comedy's biggest names across multiple generations. Tiffany Haddish, Nikki Glaser, Sarah Silverman, Ali Wong, Steve Carell, Bob Odenkirk, and Matt Rife are all scheduled to appear, representing different styles and eras of comedy. The festival also boasts appearances from late-night royalty including Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O'Brien, alongside political satirist Jon Stewart and veteran performer David Letterman, creating rare opportunities to see these television icons in intimate live settings.
One of the most anticipated events is Night of Too Many Stars, hosted by Jon Stewart. This benefit show, presented by event founders Robert & Michelle Smigel with Jill Leiderman, supports NEXT for Autism, a national organization providing crucial programs and support for individuals living with autism. The star-studded evening will feature Bill Burr, Conan O'Brien, Steve Carell, Ron Funches, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, Jimmy Kimmel, Leanne Morgan, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Matt Rife, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Ali Wong, Noah Wyle, and many others, combining stand-up, variety acts, and musical performances for a worthy cause. This philanthropic element adds depth to the festival, using comedy's power to effect positive change.
The festival's podcast and conversation series adds another dimension to the experience, catering to the growing audience for long-form comedic discussions. Popular shows like "Kill Tony" and "This Past Weekend With Theo Von" will record live episodes, offering fans the chance to be part of their favorite podcasts. David Letterman's interview program "This Better Be Funny" promises intimate conversations with comedy's most influential figures, while the "Portlandia" duo, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, will reunite for a special appearance, much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase who have missed their absurdist sketch comedy.
Venues span the city's most prestigious entertainment locations, each offering unique atmospheres. The Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre will host the largest productions, providing iconic backdrops for historic performances. The legendary Comedy Store provides an intimate setting for more experimental and raw performances, maintaining its reputation as a comedian's comedy club. The state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood continues its emergence as a premier comedy destination, hosting multiple headlining acts throughout the week with its modern facilities and excellent acoustics.
Flight of the Conchords, the beloved musical comedy duo from New Zealand, will reunite for what fans hope will be more than a one-off performance, adding a unique melodic element to the festival's diverse offerings. Their inclusion demonstrates the festival's embrace of alternative comedy formats beyond traditional stand-up.
For comedy enthusiasts eager to attend, tickets go on sale January 23rd at 10 a.m. PT through the official website, netflixisajokefest.com. Given the scale of talent and limited venue capacities, industry insiders anticipate rapid sell-outs for the most popular shows, particularly the headlining acts at major venues. The festival has become known for surprise guest appearances and unannounced pop-up performances, meaning even the published schedule may not capture the full scope of what's planned, adding an element of spontaneity that excites dedicated fans.
The 2026 edition represents Netflix's continued investment in live entertainment and its strategic pivot to extend beyond streaming into experiential events that create lasting memories. By creating a physical space for fans to connect with their favorite comedians, the platform strengthens its relationship with both talent and audiences, fostering loyalty that transcends digital subscriptions. The festival serves as a content generator for future specials while simultaneously building brand loyalty through unique, in-person experiences that cannot be replicated at home.
As the comedy landscape continues to evolve in the digital age, Netflix Is a Joke Fest has established itself as the definitive annual gathering for humor in all its forms. From stand-up to sketch, podcasts to musical comedy, the event celebrates the art of making people laugh while providing a platform for both established icons and rising stars. With 350 events across seven days, the 2026 festival promises to be the most ambitious yet, cementing Los Angeles as the global capital of comedy for one unforgettable week and setting a new standard for what a modern comedy festival can achieve.