Kevin Hart and Netflix Launch Search for America’s Next Comedy Star — Casting Now Open

Kevin Hart is teaming up with Netflix to find America’s next big stand-up comedian in a brand-new series coming in 2026. Hart will executive produce the show alongside other comedy experts, who will be announced later. Together, they will lead contestants through a raw and real competition that shows what it’s really like to build a career in stand-up comedy.

The show will have eight episodes, where hopeful comedians from across the country will face challenges that reflect the real struggles of a stand-up comic. From tough open mic nights and bombing on stage to rewriting jokes and handling the pressure of big performances, the series promises an honest look at the ups and downs of comedy. The challenges are inspired by true experiences from some of the best comics.

Kevin Hart is joined by executive producers Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, and Dan Volpe from Alfred Street Industries, as well as Luke Kelly-Clyne and Meghan Hoffman from Hartbeat. Alfred Street was founded in 2019 by Emmy-winning producers Cutforth and Lipsitz, known for popular shows like Next Gen Chef, Homicide: Los Angeles, Is It Cake?, and Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo.

Hartbeat is Kevin Hart’s entertainment company focused on comedy and culture. It creates projects that aim to keep people laughing worldwide. Some of its well-known stand-up shows include Comedy in Color, which features over 300 comedians from more than 30 countries, Hulu’s LOL Live, the revival of Comic View on BET, and series for comedians like London Hughes and Affion Crockett.

Hartbeat also supports new talent through Women Write Now, a program to help Black women build careers in comedy both onstage and behind the scenes. This new Netflix competition continues that mission by highlighting fresh comedic voices.

The series will premiere on Netflix in 2026. Casting is now open for anyone who thinks they have what it takes to become America’s next comedy star.

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