Kevin Hart is expanding his comedy slate with a new Netflix stand-up competition series, with casting now open and a targeted 2026 premiere for eight episodes. The search for the next big name in stand-up is underway at standupcompetitioncasting.com, inviting hopefuls from coast to coast to throw their hats into the ring.
Hart will executive produce and actively mentor the contestants as their stand-up skills are pushed to the limit. He’ll be joined by a slate of executive producers including Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Luke Kelly-Clyne, and Meghan Hoffman. The project is produced by Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries.
Netflix describes the series as unfiltered and unapologetic, promising a behind-the-curtain look at the comic’s journey from brutal open mics to bombed sets, rewrites, and the pressure of big-stage performances. The format aims to mirror the real-life career path of stand-ups, with challenges drawn from comics’ actual trajectories.
Key facts about the project
– Format: An eight-episode competition series with a focus on discovering stand-up talent
– Casting: Open now at standupcompetitioncasting.com
– Premiere target: 2026
– Executive producers: Kevin Hart (lead), Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Meghan Hoffman
– Production companies: Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries
– Netflix angle: Described as a candid, behind-the-scenes look at a comedian’s career path, featuring tests that reflect real-life industry challenges
Context and what it could mean
– This marks another high-profile push into stand-up content for Netflix, extending Hart’s influence beyond acting and production into talent development on a streaming platform.
– The premise promises a gritty, realistic showcase of comedians’ growth, potentially giving new voices a national stage while offering viewers a fresh, behind-the-scenes lens on the craft.
– For aspiring comics, the open casting represents a tangible path to visibility, mentorship from a seasoned comedian, and a structured, competitive experience that mirrors industry challenges.
Summary and outlook
With Kevin Hart at the helm, the series combines real-world career stakes with a mentorship-driven competition format. If the show delivers on its promise of candor and rigorous testing, it could become a meaningful platform for discovering the next generation of stand-up talent and further energize Netflix’s stand-up offerings. The audience can look forward to a transparent, highs-and-lows exploration of what it really takes to rise in the comedy world, packaged for essential viewing in 2026.
Potential value addition
– A spotlight feature on standout hopefuls who emerge from the casting process, including early profiles and anticipated career arcs.
– Behind-the-scenes previews or teaser clips highlighting the mentoring sessions, set dynamics, and the pressure moments that shape a comedian’s trajectory.
– A brief explainer on how the show’s challenges align with real-world industry milestones, helping audiences understand the path from open mic to headline status.
Overall, the project holds promise for fans of stand-up and for aspiring comedians seeking a credible, television-ready journey into the profession, guided by one of the genre’s most recognizable figures.