Kevin Hart has partnered with Netflix for an unfiltered new comedy competition in 2026 to find America’s next big stand-up superstar.
Netflix is teaming up with global comedy powerhouse Kevin Hart to discover the next breakout star in stand-up comedy with a brand-new competition series set to debut in 2026. The eight-episode series will showcase the grit, hustle, and humor needed to make it big in the world of stand-up, offering an unfiltered and unapologetic look at the craft.
Guided by Kevin Hart and a soon-to-be-announced lineup of comedy legends, the competition will feature aspiring comedians from across the country taking on challenges that mirror the realities of the stand-up grind. Contestants will navigate everything from nerve-wracking open mics and tough rewrites to high-pressure big-stage performances — all while trying to survive the highs and lows that come with chasing laughs for a living.
The series promises to pull back the curtain on both the darkest corners and brightest spotlights of the comedy world, giving audiences a rare behind-the-scenes view of the art form’s unpredictable nature. Every test and challenge will be inspired by actual moments from comedians’ career journeys, ensuring the competition stays as authentic — and as brutally funny — as possible.
Produced by Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries, the series counts Kevin Hart, Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, and Dan Volpe (for Alfred Street Industries) as executive producers, alongside Luke Kelly-Clyne and Meghan Hoffman (for Hartbeat).
Aspiring comedians who believe they have what it takes can already throw their hat in the ring — casting is now open at standupcompetitioncasting.com.
With its blend of raw talent, high stakes, and comedic insight, Netflix’s upcoming series is set to be a must-watch event for comedy fans when it arrives in 2026.
