Netflix is a Joke 2026 Is Underway: Here’s Your Guide to the Week’s Biggest Shows - Netflix Tudum

David Spade, Dana Carvey and Chris Rock sit on stage with microphones at Netflix is a Joke Fest, with a red event sign, round table, water bottles, and casual conversation in a well-lit theater setting.
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Netflix is a Joke Fest 2026 Is Underway: Here’s Your Guide to the Week’s Biggest Shows 

From Dave Chappelle’s three-night run to Seth Rogen’s Greek Theatre show, Netflix makes L.A. the center of comedy this week.

By Amanda Richards and Michael Ehrlich
Kit Karzen/Netflix
May 8, 2026

Los Angeles is once again the center of the comedy world as Netflix Is a Joke returns for its third year — showcasing Netflix as the home for every kind of comedy, from stand-up and podcasts to live shows, screenings, and more.

The week-long festival, produced by Netflix in partnership with Live Nation, features over 350 events across the city, bringing together the biggest names in comedy alongside rising voices and one-of-a-kind performances.

“What makes this fest so special is the sense of community — it’s a rare moment where the comedy industry and the fans come together in one place,” said Tracey Pakosta, Netflix Vice President of Comedy Series. “We’re not just putting on shows; we’re creating one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate the range, depth, and sheer brilliance of the comedy world right now.” 

Six men stand together on a stage with a microphone and stool, smiling at the camera as a large audience watches from the darkened outdoor amphitheater behind them at night.

Ron White, Jim Jefferies, Sam Jay, Shane Gillis, James McCann, and Dan Soder at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival Presents: Shane Gillis and Friends at the Hollywood Bowl

Adam Rose/Netflix

Festival exclusive events include Night of Too Many Stars — the stand-up, variety, and music telethon benefiting NEXT for Autism, hosted by Jon Stewart — Shane Gillis and Friends at the Hollywood Bowl, and the live semi-final and finale of Funny AF with Kevin Hart, where viewers help decide the next breakout comedian, alongside highlights like Dave Chappelle’s three-night run at the Hollywood Palladium, Seth Rogen’s all-star Seth Goes Greek at the Greek Theatre, a live conversation with David Letterman and Martin Short, the Pee-wee’s Playhouse 40th anniversary celebration, and The Roast of Kevin Hart at the Kia Forum.

Keep reading for more information on this week’s can’t-miss moments.

INFO

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When is Netflix is a Joke Fest?

Netflix is a Joke Fest takes place May 4–10, 2026.

Where is Netflix is a Joke Fest?

Thirty-five venues in Los Angeles will play host to the festivities, including the Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre, the Intuit Dome, The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, and Hollywood Improv.

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CAN’T MISS SHOWS

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From one-night-only celebrations to multi-night takeovers, Netflix Is a Joke Fest brings a full week of live comedy across Los Angeles. Here are some of the highlights of this week’s festival. 


May 4
 

Pee-wee’s Playhouse 40th Anniversary

Time: 8:00 PM
A one-night-only celebration of Pee-wee’s Playhouse featured The B-52s, Danny Elfman, Fred Armisen, Sheng Wang, Bob the Drag Queen, Patti Harrison, Julio Torres, and more, with special guest appearances and original show elements. Hosted by Patton Oswalt.

A performer in a suit, clown makeup, and bowler hat entertains an audience on stage at the Netflix is a Joke Fest, with a large red event sign and playful stage décor in the background.

Julio Torres at Pee-wee's Playhouse 40th Anniversary

Sara Mally/Netflix

May 6
 

Seth Goes Greek (The Greek Theatre)

Time: 8:00 PM
A massive night of music and comedy hosted by Seth Rogen, featuring Eric André, Nick Kroll, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Nikki Glaser, Busta Rhymes, and surprise guests, supporting Hilarity for Charity.

A man in a dark suit and glasses performs stand-up comedy on stage, holding a microphone, with a dark background and stage lights highlighting him.
Clifton Prescod/Netflix

May 7
 

Night of Too Many Stars (Hollywood Bowl)

Time: 8:00 PM
The biggest comedy stars in the world gather for a night of stand up, variety and music, hosted by Jon Stewart. Talent includes Bill Burr, Conan O’Brien, Steve Carell, Ron Funches, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, Jimmy Kimmel, Leanne Morgan, John Mulaney, Kevin Nealon, Bob Odenkirk, Matt Rife, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Ali Wong, Noah Wyle and many more.

Kevin Nealon and Tanner Smith smiling and embracing outdoors in a cheerful greeting, with people and a building visible in the background, suggesting a social or professional gathering.
Adam Rose/Netfix

May 7 
 

This Better Be Funny With David Letterman & Martin Short (The Montalbán Theatre)

Time: 7:00 PM
David Letterman returns to interview comedy legend Martin Short in an intimate live conversation.

Meryl Streep and David Letterman smiling and embracing each other warmly backstage in a dimly lit setting, with a few other people and stage equipment visible in the background.
Kit Karzen/Netflix

May 7–9 
 

Dave Chappelle Pulling Up (Hollywood Palladium)

Time: 8:30 PM
For three nights, Dave Chappelle takes over the Hollywood Palladium with shows blending stand-up, music, and surprise guest appearances.

Four people pose together, smiling in a casual indoor setting by a brick wall, with drinks and snacks on shelves behind them, giving a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.
Mathieu Bitton/Netflix

May 10 
 

The Roast of Kevin Hart (Kia Forum)

Time: 5:00 PM
Hosted by Shane Gillis, this arena show brings together top comedians for a live roast of Kevin Hart. If you can’t make the show in person, you can watch The Roast of Kevin Hart live on Netflix

NEWS

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  • News
     Get ready to laugh out loud with these 10 up-and-coming comedians.
    By Olivia Harrison
    April 22
  • Featured
    Hart and a lineup of comedy heavyweights set out to find the next breakout stand-up comic.
    By Amanda Richards
    May 6
  • What To Watch
    Maybe you have, we don’t know your life.
    By Ashwin Rodrigues & Derek Lawrence
    May 6

LINEUP

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Who will perform at Netflix is a Joke Fest?

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TICKETS

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How to attend Netflix is a Joke Fest

Tickets for events across the festival go on sale at 10 a.m. PT on Jan. 23 via www.NetflixIsAJokeFest.com.

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