Netflix is tapping into the stand-up circuit with a new eight-episode comedy competition series set to premiere in 2026. The project is led by global star Kevin Hart, who will serve as an executive producer alongside a roster of seasoned producers that will be announced later. The show promises an unfiltered, uncensored journey through the life of a comedian, following contestants as they navigate the grind from brutal open mics to the pressure of big-stage performances.
Across the eight episodes, participants from across the United States will face a series of challenges designed to mirror the real-world arc of a stand-up career. Viewers can expect a candid look at the industry’s toughest moments and brightest highlights, with tasks inspired by the actual paths some comedians have taken.
Hart is joined by executive producers Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Luke Kelly-Clyne, and Meghan Hoffman, with Alfred Street credits (Alfred Street Industries) and Hartbeat also involved. Alfred Street, established in 2019 by Emmy-winning producers Cutforth and Lipsitz, has produced a range of television projects, from Next Gen Chef and Is It Cake? to the Emmy-winning Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo. Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s own multi-platform company, has built a footprint in stand-up and comedy-focused projects, including Comedy in Color, Hulu’s LOL Live, the revival of Comic View on BET, stand-up series for London Hughes and Affion Crockett, and the Women Write Now initiative to cultivate Black women in comedy both on and off the stage. The new competition underscores Hartbeat’s ongoing commitment to elevating emerging comedic voices.
Auditions are open for aspiring comedians who want to be part of America’s next great stand-up talent. Details on how to apply will be announced through Netflix’s Tudum channel, with updates to follow as production progresses.
What this could mean for the comedy landscape is a fresh platform that blends real-world career hurdles with high-stakes performance, potentially bringing more diverse voices into the spotlight. For fans, it offers a behind-the-curtain view of the craft and the tough choices, rewrites, and resilience that come with chasing a career in comedy.
Short summary: Netflix announces an eight-episode stand-up competition series for 2026, executive produced by Kevin Hart, featuring a slate of producers and backed by Hartbeat and Alfred Street. The show aims to reveal the real-life journey of comedians through challenging, career-mirroring tasks, with open casting for aspiring performers.
Value add: This project could become a notable stepping stone for new talent, especially given Hartbeat’s track record of supporting diverse voices in comedy. If the format succeeds, it could set a template for more transparent, career-focused reality competition shows in the comedy space.