Netflix has officially revealed the lineup for the highly anticipated Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026, marking the third edition of this celebration of comedy. Scheduled to run from May 4 to 10, the festival will take place across Los Angeles, utilizing 35 venues and featuring over 350 live events, including stand-up comedy, variety performances, popular comedy podcasts, tapings, and exclusive screenings.
One of the major highlights of the festival will be the “Night of Too Many Stars,” hosted by Jon Stewart, which gathers an impressive array of talent such as Bill Burr, Conan O’Brien, Steve Carell, Tiffany Haddish, and many more. This special event aims to benefit NEXT for Autism, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to community and charitable causes.
Other exciting features include the first live tapings of Kevin Hart’s “Funny AF,” where the search for the next comedic superstar will culminate during the festival’s live semi-finals and finale on May 4 and 5. Top comedians like Nate Bargatze and Shane Gillis will deliver headlining performances, with Bargatze also filming his latest Netflix comedy special.
A landmark event at the Hollywood Bowl will showcase a unique collaboration between Colombian singer-songwriter Feid and stand-up star Marcello Hernández, promising to be the largest Spanish-language comedy show ever held at the venue. Additionally, other shows will include a night of comedy and music hosted by Lizzo, a tribute to Pee-wee Herman for the 40th anniversary of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” and the long-awaited return of Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie for their first live show in a decade.
Netflix’s Vice President of Stand-up and Comedy Formats, Robbie Praw, expressed excitement about the festival’s growth over the past four years, highlighting its significance as a gathering point for comedy fans and professionals alike. Similarly, Tracey Pakosta, Netflix’s VP of Comedy Series, noted the unique sense of community that the festival fosters, bringing together industry icons and fans in an unforgettable way.
Ticket sales for the festival will commence on January 23 at 10 AM PT, allowing fans to secure their places at an exceptional lineup of events. The festival promises a mix of iconic performances, surprise events, and community engagement, enhancing the vibrant comedy scene in Los Angeles.
As the festival approaches, it offers a hopeful vision of shared laughter and entertainment, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the art of comedy in its many forms. The enthusiastic response from the comedy community showcases the exciting possibilities that await both performers and audiences alike.