The first wave of shows for Netflix is a Joke Fest 2026 has been announced. This will be the 3rd year for the festival, which is spread across 35 Los Angeles venues with more than 350 live events planned. These include stand-up, variety programming, comedy podcast tapings, and exclusive screenings.
Not to mention aFlight Of The Conchords reunion (that has already sold out).
“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.”
Festival exclusive events include the stand-up, variety, and music telethon “Night of Too Many Stars,” hosted by Jon Stewart to benefit NEXT for Autism. There will be a taping of Nate Bargatze’s upcoming comedy special. Kevin Hart will also host live semifinals and finals of “Funny AF” to search for the world’s next funniest comedian. Other exclusive events include:
Exclusive Events
- “John Mulaney: Mister Whatever” – Comedian John Mulaney returns for his third show at the Hollywood Bowl.
- Feid & Marcello Hernández – Latin music star Feid joins stand-up comedian Marcello Hernández at the Hollywood Bowl.
- “Seth Goes Greek” – Seth Rogen hosts a night of music and comedy to support Hilarity for Charity. Guests include Eric André, Nikki Glaser, Stavros Halkias, Nick Kroll, Sarah Silverman, Taylor Tomlinson, and surprise guests.
- “Seinfeld at the Greek” – Jerry Seinfeld headlines with musical guest Leonid & Friends and Leanne Morgan.
- “Beautifully Broken Comedy Night: Hosted By Jelly Roll” – musician Jelly Roll will be joined by Andrew Schultz and other surprise guests.
- Lizzo will host a night of comedy and music from Eric André, Nikki Glaser, Dulcé Sloan, Meg Stalter, and more.
- “A Tribute to Pee-wee Herman” – in partnership with Herman World, Netflix is a Joke will celebrate 40 years of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” The event will be a variety show hosted by Patton Oswalt featuring The B-52s, Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale of DEVO, Danny Elfman, Fred Armisen, Sheng Wang, Bob The Drag Queen, Patti Harrison, Julio Torres, Michael Carbonaro, and Puddles Pity Party. Plus appearances by David Arquette, Cheri Oteri, Natasha Lyonne, and original Playhouse puppets.
- Flight of the Conchords – Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are back for their first live show in 10 years!
- Katt Williams – Williams will be returning to Netflix is a Joke after a legendary set in 2024
- “Dodgers Comedy Night” – A night of comedy will be hosted by Ken Jeong, presented by Will Smith, catcher of the Dodgers.
- “Marty, Life is Short” – This film by Lawrence Kasdan will premiere at the Egyptian Theatre. It is the definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short.
- “Comedy for the Community: Supporting Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Hosted by Deon Cole”
- “Best in Show at The Dolby” – Check out acts from comedians like Michelle Buteau, Jim Gaffigan, Hasan Minhaj + Ronny Chieng, and Wanda Sykes.
- “The Not Inappropriate Show with Bob Odenkirk” – a surprisingly family-friendly event with skits and bits suitable for young audiences.
- “2 Bears 5K” – hosted by Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura, with guest Jelly Roll fans and celebs come together for a night of fun, at the iconic Rose Bowl.
- “Stamptown” – Hosted by Zach Zucker, this raunchy collection of performances will be taped across two nights for a Netflix special premiering later this year.
- “Princess Bride” – A screening of this classic film with star Cary Elwes.
- “Naked Gun” – there will be a special screening of this beloved comedy, followed by a Q&A with director David Zucker.
- “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out”
- “Beacher’s Madhouse” – a provocative, live variety show that blends circus, cabaret, comedy, and nightlife.
Podcasts and Reunions
- “This Better Be Funny With David Letterman” – David Letterman returns for his third year at The Montalbán. He’ll be interviewing comedy legends Martin Short and John Mulaney over two nights.
- “Rushmore Podcast Live” – Ariel Emanuel and Ben Persky host a special episode with Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The comedy legends will discuss which episodes of “Seinfeld” deserve a spot on Mount Rushmore.
- “Giggly Squad” – Hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, with the cast and creators of “Running Point,” including Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, and Mindy Kaling.
- “Bill Simmons with the creators of Tires” – with Shane Gillis, John McKeever, and Steve Gerben
- “Kill Tony”
- “Handsome Podcast” – with Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman of “The Hunting Wives.”
- “This Past Weekend” – With Theo Von and guest Mike Tyson.
- “The Pete Davidson Show” – Netflix Original Podcast.
- “Bad Friends” – With Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino.
- “Barstool Podcast Night” – Featuring Pardon My Take, Spittin’ Chiclets, and Ryen Russillo.
- “Fly on the Wall” – with Dana Carvey and David Spade.
- “Comedy on the Fly” – with DWade and Chris Spencer.
- “Basement Yard”
- “Smosh Reads Reddit Stories”
- “The Viall Files” – With the couples from “Temptation Island.”
- “The Tim Dillon Show” – With the cast of “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC”
- “The Bald and the Beautiful” – with Trixie, Katya, and a surprise special guest.
- “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: 10 (ish) Year Reunion”
- “Cunk In Conversation” – With Diane Morgan and Charlie Brooker
- “A Visit From Portlandia” – With Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein Drawing talk about their friendship and work on “Portlandia.”
Netflix is a Joke Fest 2026 takes place across Los Angeles from May 4th through 10th. Tickets for the festival event will go on sale on January 23rd at 10 A.M. (PT). You can learn more here.
