Netflix carved its streaming niche, in part, by showcasing stand-up comedy specials that captivated audiences worldwide. Now, the streaming giant embarks on a quest to uncover the next wave of comic talents. Teaming up with Kevin Hart, Netflix announces a groundbreaking competition series aimed at discovering the future superstars of stand-up comedy.
In this show, Hart, alongside a soon-to-be-revealed ensemble of fellow comics, will mentor and judge contestants through what Netflix describes as "grueling trials that mirror the genuine struggle of a comedian's journey — from the brutal honesty of open mic nights to the crushing disappointment of bombed sets, through rewrites and the intense pressure of performing on grand stages." This competition will pull back the curtain, revealing both the shadowy challenges and the dazzling spotlights of the comedy world, with challenges inspired by the real-life career paths of comics.
If this premise sounds remotely (or profoundly) similar to NBC's 'Last Comic Standing,' it's perhaps because there are only so many ways to frame a competition for stand-up comedians. However, a shared producing heritage links the two series: Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, executive producers of the Netflix show, also helmed some of 'Last Comic Standing's' earlier seasons.
Hart, through his Hartbeat banner, will executive produce this eight-episode Netflix series. The collaboration builds on an existing working relationship between Hart and Netflix, fortified by a film and first-look production deal inked in 2021. Additionally, Lipsitz, Cutforth, Nan Strait, and Dan Volpe of Alfred Street Industries, along with Luke Kelly-Clyne and Meghan Hoffman of Hartbeat, will also executive produce the show.
Prepare for an exhilarating ride into the heart of comedy, where raw talent, resilience, and humor collide.
