Tue Jan 20 17:00:00 UTC 2026: ## Netflix Is a Joke Fest Announces Massive 2026 Lineup

The Story:

Netflix has unveiled the initial details for its Netflix Is a Joke Fest, scheduled for May 4-10, 2026, in Los Angeles. Produced in partnership with Live Nation, the festival will feature over 350 live events across prominent venues, including the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. Tickets are set to go on sale January 23, 2026. The festival promises a week of stand-up shows, live podcast recordings, reunions, and unique collaborations, highlighting the breadth of the comedy world.

The lineup boasts a star-studded roster of comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Kevin Hart, Shane Gillis, Ali Wong, Bill Burr, and Nikki Glaser. Special events include “Night of Too Many Stars” hosted by Jon Stewart to benefit NEXT for Autism, Kevin Hart’s “Funny AF” comedy competition, and a tribute to “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” celebrating its 40th anniversary. The festival also features podcast tapings, film screenings, and musical performances, solidifying its status as a major event in the comedy industry.

Key Points:

  • Event Dates: May 4-10, 2026.
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA.
  • Number of Events: Over 350 live events.
  • Venues: Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre, Intuit Dome, Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv, and more.
  • Notable Performers: Nate Bargatze, Mike Birbiglia, Bill Burr, Michelle Buteau, Nicole Byer, Nick Cannon, Jerrod Carmichael, Steve Carell, Dana Carvey, Ronny Chieng, Larry David, Pete Davidson, Alex Edelman, Jim Gaffigan, Shane Gillis, Nikki Glaser, Brett Goldstein, Stavros Halkias, Kevin Hart, Marcello Hernández, Tony Hinchcliffe, Anthony Jeselnik, Jimmy Kimmel, Bert Kreischer, Nick Kroll, Bobby Lee, David Letterman, Natasha Lyonne, Hasan Minhaj, Leanne Morgan, John Mulaney, Mark Normand, Tig Notaro, Conan O’Brien, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt, Tom Papa, Trisha Paytas, Matt Rife, Seth Rogen, Jelly Roll, Adam Sandler, Andrew Schulz, Iliza Shlesinger, Tom Segura, Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman, Bill Simmons, Jon Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Julio Torres, Trixie and Katya, Mike Tyson, Theo Von, Katt Williams, Justin Willman, Ali Wong, Jimmy O. Yang, Ramy Youssef.
  • Ticket Sales Start: January 23, 2026.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of this announcement is consistent with the previous year (January 20, 2026), suggesting a well-established promotional strategy for the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The festival’s growth over its first four years indicates a successful venture for Netflix, reinforcing its commitment to comedy programming and live events.

Key Takeaways:

  • Netflix is solidifying its position as a major player in the comedy industry with the annual “Netflix Is a Joke Fest.”
  • The festival offers a diverse range of comedy experiences, from stand-up to podcast tapings, catering to a broad audience.
  • The lineup features a mix of established stars and emerging talent, suggesting a focus on both attracting viewers and cultivating new comedy voices.
  • The inclusion of charitable events and community support initiatives adds a social dimension to the festival.
  • The repeat partnership with Live Nation underscores the importance of established event production expertise in executing large-scale festivals.

Impact Analysis:

The “Netflix Is a Joke Fest” has significant long-term implications for the comedy landscape. It provides a high-profile platform for comedians, generates content for Netflix’s streaming service, and drives ticket sales for live events. The festival’s success is likely to encourage similar ventures from other streaming platforms and media companies, further blurring the lines between traditional entertainment and digital content. By investing in both established and emerging talent, Netflix is helping to shape the future of comedy and its distribution channels.

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