Global comedy superstar Kevin Hart partnered with Netflix to debut Funny AF, an audacious reality TV show aimed at discovering the next great stand-up comedian.
The show follows Kevin Hart as he travels the country with all-star comedy heavyweights, Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler, and Nikki Glaser; each offering their expertise to assess aspiring comedians in an uncensored and unapologetic comedy competition. It’s more than just social media hype and bragging rights on the line for the contestants. The performers are each given a 5-minute set to perform for a live studio audience and the judges. The winner earns their own Netflix comedy special spotlighting them as a breakout star. Executive producers for the series include Kevin Hart; Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait and Dan Volpe (for Alfred Street Industries); Luke Kelly-Clyne, Meghan Hoffman, Jeff Clanagan (for Hartbeat), and Jenny Groom; and showrunners, Bill Dixon, Liz Cook, San Heng and Jason Raff.
Doors opened at at the Alamo Drafthouse for a lively pre-reception in the House of Wax. Industry tastemakers and journalists perused the wax gallery, mingled and chatted over light bites while indulging in an open bar. Guests paused at the step-and-repeat to commemorate the ‘first-of-its-kind’ premiere before being escorted to Theatre room 5. Reserved seating and complimentary snacks of popcorn and M&Ms awaited the guests in attendance. Anticipation filled the room and the energy shifted from rousing conversation to quiet curiosity. The emerging talents kicked off their sets in New York City and represented a wide range of comedic voices and cultural backgrounds. Featured comedians included LeClerc Andre, Eva Evans, Winston Hodges, Mia Jackson, Usama Siddiquee, Leonard Ouzts and others.
Attendees at the premiere expressed excitement about the show’s fresh approach to stand-up. A few of the comedians reflected on their experience during filming and sharing how it felt to see themselves on screen. “It was very surreal,” says comedian Reg Thomas, “…to watch Kevin Hart repeat one of my jokes, like him giving me props and for him to be as welcoming as he was…and me competing with some of my closest friends in comedy, it was a very full circle moment for me.” Andre Kim and Winston Hodges agreed that it was an, “Awesome and a life-changing experience.” Hodges noted that the hardest part about filming ‘Funny AF’ was, “…knowing how big of a deal it was. It’s the biggest show I’ve ever done. You just want to do well to get to the next round. Comedy is hard, but it’s fun. I love making people laugh, so it makes it worth it.”
Standout contestant Usama Sidduquee from Brooklyn, New York, stopped to interview with The Knockturnal, sharing that “Comedy is the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. Doing comedy with the people I love… It’s the best life. You wake up when you want to, and you get to follow your dreams. I’ve always wanted a life where I do what I want, the whole day. I’ve hated the idea of hating a career only to try to find something else to do with my life. That’s no way to live. I chose comedy. I’ve decided that whether I win this competition or not, I’ll be doing comedy for life. That’s the cheat code. I wake up, and I write jokes. It’s the best life I could think of. ” These early reactions highlight the show’s potential to entertain a broad audience and redefine how audiences engage with the person, the process, and the pressures behind becoming a successful comedian.
The evening closed with guests and comedians mingling and taking photos in the lobby. Comedian Eeland Stribling, a contestant on ‘Funny AF’, who flew from his hometown in Denver, Colorado, engaged the dwindling audience with lighthearted banter. “I’m leaving here with something!” he announced to anyone within earshot while collecting the remaining unopened snacks in the theater. “Aye,” he nods beyond me with two arms full of popcorn boxes, “go grab the M&Ms behind you.” I laughed and grabbed a box or two before stopping for a photo with him before our departure.
The new series, ‘Funny AF’ is set to release on April 20, via Netflix. Follow these social media platforms for more updates on the series @Netflix and @NetflixIsAJoke; or search the #FunnyAFwithKevinHart to see highlights from the show, behind the scenes, and more.
Featured comedians included:LeClerc Andre (Queens, NY); Eva Evans (Brooklyn, NY); Winston Hodges, (Washington DC); Mia Jackson (Hackensack, NJ); Conor Janda (Brooklyn, NY); Andre Kim (Queens, NY); Glorelys Mora (New York City, NY); Caitlin Peluffo (New York City, NY); Usama Siddiquee (Brooklyn, NY); TaTa Sherise (Jersey City, NJ); Eeland Stribling (Denver, CO); Reg Thomas (Brooklyn, NY); Leonard Ouzts (Chesapeake, VA) and Salma Zaky (Brooklyn, NY).