Funny AF with Kevin Hart will debut on Netflix on April 20, 2026, introducing a new comedy competition series centered on finding the next stand-up star.
Netflix confirmed the series will roll out across three weeks, combining pre-recorded episodes with live broadcasts during the final round. The competition will culminate in two live episodes on May 4 and May 5, where viewers will vote in real time to determine the winner.
A competition built around stand-up comedy
The premise of Funny AF with Kevin Hart follows emerging comedians as they compete for the chance to break into the industry.
Participants will perform in front of Kevin Hart and a rotating panel of established comedians, who will evaluate their material and determine who advances through the competition.
The series focuses on the process of building a stand-up career, from early performances to higher-stakes rounds. The winner will receive a Netflix stand-up special, placing the outcome directly within the platform’s broader comedy slate.
Guest judges joining the panel
Netflix confirmed that several established comedians will appear as special guest judges across the first six episodes.
The lineup includes Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler, and Nikki Glaser. Each will contribute to the judging panel during the early stages of the competition.
These appearances are limited to Episodes 1 through 6, which form the pre-recorded portion of the season.
Episode release schedule and live finale
The Funny AF with Kevin Hart Netflix rollout is structured across three weeks:
- Week 1 (April 20, 2026): Episodes 1–4
- Week 2 (April 27, 2026): Episodes 5–6
- Week 3 (May 4–5, 2026): Episode 7 (Semi-Final) and Episode 8 (Finale), both live
The final two episodes will be broadcast live as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. During these episodes, viewers worldwide will be able to vote in real time for their preferred comedian.
The winner will be announced during the live finale on May 5.
Creative team and production details
The series is produced by Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries.
Showrunners include Bill Dixon, Liz Cook, San Heng, and Jason Raff.
Executive producers include Kevin Hart, alongside Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, and Dan Volpe for Alfred Street Industries, as well as Luke Kelly-Clyne, Meghan Hoffman, and Jeff Clanagan for Hartbeat. Jenny Groom also serves as an executive producer.
Key Details
- Release date: April 20, 2026
- Episode rollout:
- April 20 (Episodes 1–4)
- April 27 (Episodes 5–6)
- May 4–5 (Episodes 7–8, live)
- Finale: Live on May 5, 2026 with real-time global voting
- Host: Kevin Hart
- Guest judges: Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler, Nikki Glaser
- Showrunners: Bill Dixon, Liz Cook, San Heng, Jason Raff
- Executive producers: Kevin Hart; Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe; Luke Kelly-Clyne, Meghan Hoffman, Jeff Clanagan; Jenny Groom
- Production companies: Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries
- Format: Comedy competition series with live finale episodes
- Prize: Winner receives a Netflix stand-up special
