Kevin Hart is on a mission to discover the next great stand-up comic.
Netflix’s new comedy competition series Funny AF with Kevin Hart premieres April 20, 2026, and it’s bringing along a lineup of comedy heavyweights to size up the rising stars. Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler, and Nikki Glaser will appear as special guest judges throughout the series.
Keegan Michael Key, Chelsea Handler, Kumail Nanjiami, and Kevin Hart
The winner? They’ll earn something every comedian dreams about: their own Netflix stand-up special.
The competition will unfold over three weeks and build toward two live episodes on Netflix, where viewers around the world will vote in real time to decide who takes home the title.
Here’s everything to know about Funny AF with Kevin Hart, including the release schedule, judges, and how real-time voting in the semi-final (May 4) and finale (May 5) will work.
The series premieres April 20, 2026, with new episodes rolling out weekly.
The competition builds toward a pair of live episodes airing May 4 and May 5, with the winner revealed in real time during the finale.
Week 1 — April 20, 2026
Episodes 1–4
Week 2 — April 27, 2026
Episodes 5–6
Week 3 — Live Episodes
May 4: Episode 7 (Semi-final)
May 5: Episode 8 (Finale)
Both live episodes will air at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.
For the final two episodes, members can watch live and vote in real-time to ultimately decide the winner.
May 4, Episode 7 — LIVE
Six semi-finalists selected in Episode 6 will compete for a spot in the finale. During the live broadcast, Netflix members can vote to determine which four contestants advance.
May 5, Episode 8 — LIVE
The final four contestants will perform, and viewers will once again vote in real time. The winner — chosen by the audience — will be revealed at the end of the episode, and will receive their own Netflix comedy special.
Any Netflix member watching the show live can vote, from anywhere in the world.
Viewers can vote directly on your TV using your remote, or through the Netflix mobile app if you’re watching on your phone or tablet.
Voting opens during specific moments in each live episode and remains open for a limited time, so you’ll need to be watching live to participate.
Your vote directly determines who moves forward — and ultimately, who wins the competition live on Netflix.
Note: Voting and onscreen prompts will be available in English only. Some devices may not support the voting feature.
The series features a rotating panel of comedy stars who will join Kevin Hart to help evaluate the contestants.
Chelsea Handler, Kumail Nanjiami, and Keegan Michael Key
Kevin Kwan/Netflix
Special guest judges include:
Keegan-Michael Key
Tom Segura
Kumail Nanjiani
Chelsea Handler
Nikki Glaser
Each brings their own perspective from across the comedy world — from stand-up to film and television.
Guided by Kevin Hart and a lineup of comedy legends, Funny AF with Kevin Hart pulls back the curtain on the unpredictable path of a stand-up career.
Kevin Hart and Tom Segura
Ser Baffo/Netflix
Chelsea Handler and Kevin Hart
Kevin Kwan/Netflix
Contestants from across the country will face challenges designed to mirror the real-life grind of comedy, including brutal open-mic sets, bombed performances, last-minute rewrites, and the pressure of performing on big stages. The series aims to show both sides of stand-up — from the darkest corners of the grind to the brightest spotlights of success.
In the end, only one comedian will rise to the top and walk away with their own Netflix stand-up special.
Funny AF with Kevin Hart is produced by HartBeat and Alfred Street Industries. Showrunners are Bill Dixon, Liz Cook, San Heng, and Jason Raff. Executive producers are Kevin Hart, Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Meghan Hoffman, Jeff Clanagan, and Jenny Groom.
Comedian Josh Johnson has landed his first HBO special, Josh Johnson: Symphony, which is set to premiere this spring.
Filming at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, the special will feature original material from Johnson about our shared experiences as humans — tackling topics like family, religion, and relationships through his unique point of view.
Coming on the heels of Johnson’s specials Up Here Killing Myself and #(Hashtag) for Peacock and Comedy Central, respectively, the hour will be directed by Jacob Menache, who is also exec producing alongside Johnson, James Dixon, Daniel Bodansky, and John Irwin for Irwin Entertainment.
In a statement to Deadline, Nina Rosenstein, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Late Night & Special, observed: “Josh Johnson releases more comedy in a year than most people do in a career. He tells stories with an incredible rhythm, and it makes the whole room feel like they’re listening to a friend. There’s a musicality to his work, and SYMPHONY captures that perfectly.”
The exec added, “We’re so proud to bring Josh to HBO.”
The comic himself told us, “I’m excited to have my breakout piece be with a company that nurtures vision like HBO does. I’m grateful to them, and you, for watching.”
An Emmy-nominated and NAACP Award-winning writer, stand-up, and actor from Louisiana by way of Chicago, Johnson was named on our list of the Comics Who Won 2025. Currently a rotating host and correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, where he was a writer for seven years, he’s just recently concluded his global, 112-city Flowers Tour, which he sold out with zero promoter marketing money.
Uncommonly prolific, Johnson is known for putting out new original material on his YouTube channel each week, which has been viewed over a half-billion times by people all over the world. Last year alone, he released 38 hours of topical stand-up that was performed in front of a live audience. Formerly a writer and performer on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he made his late-night debut in 2017, Johnson is repped by Independent Artist Group, Dixon Talent, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
Source: Deadline
In a move that thrilled fans of gripping crime drama, Prime Video officially renewed the hit series Cross for a third season on March 18, 2026 — the very same day its Season 2 finale dropped. Starring Aldis Hodge as the brilliant and tormented forensic psychologist-turned-detective Alex Cross, the show continues to build momentum as one of the streamer’s standout thrillers, drawing from James Patterson’s iconic bestselling novels.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of a strong second season, which premiered its first three episodes on February 11, 2026, and rolled out weekly through the March 18 finale. Season 2 delivered high-stakes suspense, emotional depth, and a game-changing conclusion that left viewers buzzing — including a bold twist with Cross handing in his badge, hinting at new personal and professional territory ahead. Prime Video’s quick renewal underscores the series’ global appeal: Season 1 (which launched in November 2024) racked up 40 million viewers in its first 20 days, and Season 2 has kept the momentum going with layered storytelling, intense investigations, and Hodge’s commanding lead performance.
Aldis Hodge has been widely praised for bringing depth, intelligence, and heart to Alex Cross — a role previously portrayed on screen by Morgan Freeman and others. The supporting cast, including Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Juanita Jennings, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, and Johnny Ray Gill, adds rich layers to the ensemble. The series balances pulse-pounding procedural elements with emotional grounding, family dynamics, and psychological intrigue, making it stand out in the crowded crime-thriller space.
Peter Friedlander, Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Global Television, highlighted the show’s success in a statement: “From the beginning, ‘Cross’ has captivated audiences with its layered characters, pulse-pounding suspense, and emotionally grounded storytelling. Aldis Hodge has delivered a definitive portrayal of Alex Cross, anchoring the series with depth, intelligence, and heart.”
For viewers in Cheektowaga, New York (or anywhere with Prime Video access), this renewal means more binge-worthy nights ahead. If you haven’t caught up yet, Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now — perfect timing before Season 3 dives deeper into Alex Cross’s world.
Stay tuned for updates on production start, casting news, and that all-important release window. In the meantime, the case for Cross continuing its run is officially closed — and reopened for another thrilling season.
As The Neighborhood prepares to close out its eight-season run on CBS, fans are getting one last chance to celebrate the Butler and Johnson families before the emotional series finale. On Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET/PT (streaming the next day on Paramount+), CBS airs The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special — a one-hour retrospective produced in partnership with Entertainment Tonight. Hosted by ET’s Kevin Frazier and filmed directly on the show’s iconic sets, this special serves as a loving tribute to the multi-cam comedy that brought laughter, heart, and important conversations about community and culture to Monday nights since its premiere in October 2018.
The Neighborhood — created by Jim Reynolds and starring/executive produced by Cedric the Entertainer as Calvin Butler — follows the Butlers, a Black family in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Pasadena, California, as they navigate life with their new white Midwestern neighbors, Dave (Max Greenfield) and Gemma Johnson (Beth Behrs). The series blended sharp humor, family dynamics, and timely social commentary, earning praise for its warmth, strong ensemble chemistry, and ability to tackle topics like race, friendship, and change with both levity and sincerity.
After building a loyal audience and anchoring CBS’s Monday comedy block, the show was renewed for an eighth and final season in March 2025, with production wrapping earlier this year amid bittersweet farewells from the cast. Reports cited rising production costs as a key factor in the decision to end the run, despite consistent viewership — a common reality for long-running multi-cam sitcoms in today’s TV landscape.
The farewell special arrives at the perfect moment: just weeks after the Season 8 return from winter hiatus (new episodes resumed February 23, 2026) and one month before the series finale on May 11, 2026. It’s designed to give fans closure while building anticipation for that last episode.
Filmed on the actual Neighborhood stages, the hour promises an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the show’s legacy. Highlights include:
Kevin Frazier’s hosting brings a warm, fan-friendly energy, making the special feel like a gathering of old friends rather than a formal retrospective. It’s the kind of event that longtime viewers will appreciate — a chance to laugh at classic clips, hear heartfelt stories, and feel the genuine bond the cast shares.
The Neighborhood stood out in an era of fragmented TV by delivering reliable, feel-good comedy with substance. It normalized cross-cultural friendships, highlighted Black family life without stereotypes, and gave viewers characters who felt like neighbors — flawed, funny, and ultimately supportive. The farewell special honors that legacy, reminding us why the show resonated for so long.
For fans in places like Cheektowaga, New York (or anywhere with access to CBS), mark your calendars for April 6th. Whether you’ve been watching since Day 1 or caught up on Paramount+, this is a must-watch send-off. Then, tune in for the May 11th finale to see how the neighborhood says goodbye.
In a TV world where few sitcoms reach eight seasons anymore, The Neighborhood leaves on a high note — with laughter, love, and one final block party worth celebrating. Welcome to the end… but what a ride it’s been.
In this episode of Box Seats, we are discussing the major trade the Denver Broncos pulled off with the Miami Dolphins that MAY disrupt the AFC!
Plus, we talk about tonight’s World Baseball Classic between the USA and Venezuela! We also talk about some of the hottest topics in sports!
Watch the full episode above!
After the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man.
Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he’s devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.
Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton
Written by: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers
Based on the MARVEL Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Produced by: Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, Rachel O’Connor
Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, David Cain
Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo
Watch the trailer above.
| Directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Villeneuve and Brian K. Vaughan, Dune: Part Three is based on the novel Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert and delivers the epic conclusion to Villeneuve’s trilogy. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Isaach De Bankolé, with Charlotte Rampling, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson, and Javier Bardem, and features newcomers Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke. |
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and starring Ryan Gosling as the reluctant hero Ryland Grace, Project Hail Mary is the big-screen adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel that I’ve been eagerly waiting for. Released just last week (March 20, 2026, in the US), it delivers exactly what fans of The Martian hoped for—and then some. I absolutely loved it, and it’s easily one of my favorite films of the year so far.
The story follows Grace, a former junior high science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth with amnesia, tasked with reversing a solar dimming crisis that threatens all life back home. What starts as a high-stakes survival puzzle quickly evolves into something warmer and more profound: an unlikely interstellar friendship that carries the emotional core of the film. Without spoiling too much, the dynamic between Gosling’s character and his alien counterpart (brilliantly realized through motion-capture and voice work) is genuinely touching—equal parts buddy comedy, first-contact wonder, and heartfelt connection.
Gosling is phenomenal here. He brings the same everyman charm and sharp wit that made The Martian‘s Mark Watney so endearing, but with added vulnerability and quiet heroism. His performance carries long stretches of solo scenes with effortless charisma—whether he’s cracking jokes to himself, geeking out over astrophysics, or facing moments of real despair. The supporting cast (including Sandra Hüller in flashbacks and others in key roles) adds depth without overshadowing the central journey.
Lord and Miller’s direction shines through in the film’s tone: it’s optimistic, funny, and accessible while never dumbing down the hard science. Drew Goddard’s screenplay smartly streamlines the book’s dense problem-solving sequences for the screen, keeping the momentum zipping along across its 2-hour-36-minute runtime. The visuals are stunning—Greig Fraser’s cinematography makes space feel vast and intimate at once, with IMAX sequences that truly immerse you in the cosmos. The score and sound design amplify the sense of wonder and tension perfectly.
What I loved most was how the movie balances brainy sci-fi with genuine emotion. It’s not just about equations and astrophage; it’s about human (and extraterrestrial) connection, hope in the face of extinction, and finding purpose when everything seems lost. There are laughs aplenty—Gosling’s deadpan delivery lands every time—but the heartfelt moments hit even harder. It’s uplifting without being cheesy, inspiring without preaching.
Sure, it’s familiar territory in the “lone astronaut saves the world” subgenre, and some might find it a tad long or overly earnest in spots. But for me, those are minor quibbles in a film that’s visually dazzling, emotionally resonant, and just plain fun.
If you’re a fan of smart, character-driven sci-fi like Interstellar, Arrival, or The Martian, do yourself a favor and see Project Hail Mary on the biggest screen possible (IMAX recommended). It’s a crowd-pleaser with real heart—one that left me smiling, thinking, and a little more hopeful about humanity’s place in the universe.
Rating: 9/10
Go see it—it’s worth the ticket.
The first look at Scary Movie 6 is officially out in the wild—and it’s already stirring conversation. The newly released trailer leans heavily into political satire, marking one of the franchise’s boldest pivots in years. Packed with rapid‑fire jokes, exaggerated caricatures, and the series’ signature anything‑goes energy, the preview signals that the long‑running parody franchise is aiming directly at today’s cultural climate.
The footage wastes no time diving into political territory, spoofing everything from election‑year chaos to viral conspiracy theories. Familiar horror tropes are mashed together with exaggerated versions of real‑world figures, creating a blend of satire and absurdity that feels unmistakably Scary Movie. The tone is loud, unfiltered, and intentionally provocative—exactly what longtime fans expect.
In a clever bit of synergy, the trailer is playing exclusively in theaters ahead of Scream 7. The connection is fitting: the original Scary Movie famously parodied Scream, and the two franchises have been intertwined in pop culture ever since. By placing the trailer before the latest installment of the very series it once lampooned, the studio leans into nostalgia while reintroducing the brand to a new generation of horror fans.
After years of dormancy, Scary Movie 6 appears ready to revive the outrageous, reference‑heavy style that made the early films box‑office hits. The political angle suggests a more targeted comedic approach, tapping into the current moment while still delivering the slapstick chaos the series is known for.
Early reactions have been a mix of excitement, surprise, and curiosity. Fans of the original films are praising the franchise’s return to fearless parody, while others are eager to see how far the new installment will push its political humor. The theatrical placement before Scream 7 has also sparked renewed interest, with many calling it a “full‑circle moment” for the series.
Watch the trailer above.
Deon Cole is pulling back the curtain on the darker side of internet fandom after hosting the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.
Days after taking the stage as host of the annual celebration of Black excellence, the comedian took to Instagram to share a series of graphic direct messages he says flooded his inbox following a joke referencing rapper Nicki Minaj during the ceremony.
Rather than issuing a lengthy statement, Cole allowed the screenshots to speak for themselves.
The slides showed anonymous accounts sending explicit insults, vulgar threats and deeply personal attacks, including cruel comments referencing the comedian’s late mother. The post quickly circulated online, drawing thousands of reactions from supporters shocked by the intensity of the harassment.
Click on the link to view below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVWSlhlFHsz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Fellow comic Jamie Foxx left an encouraging comment on the post that read, “One of the greatest comedic minds to ever grace the planet!!! we got u!!! Keep filling the universe with laughter!!!!”
Rapper and fellow Chicagoan Shawnna chimed in, “They ain’t tired of doing this [expletive] yet?”
Comedian Earthquake added, “I stand with you my dear brother 💯💯”.
The backlash appears tied to a moment from Cole’s opening monologue at the NAACP Image Awards, where he delivered a comedic “prayer” that touched on pop culture headlines and celebrity controversies. During the bit, he referenced Minaj while joking about her recent public discourse.
“I want you to bless our sister Nicki Minaj,” Cole said onstage. “She’s been going through a lot lately, but hasn’t been herself, Lord. I believe whatever is in her ass is affecting her brain. Take it out of her ass.”
The joke drew laughter inside the venue but quickly sparked debate online, particularly among Minaj’s fiercely loyal fanbase, known for mobilizing rapidly across social media platforms in defense of the rapper.
Minaj has not publicly responded to either Cole’s joke or his subsequent Instagram post.
Cole, a veteran comedian and actor known for roles in “Black-ish” and his stand-up specials, has built his career on sharp observational humor that often walks the line between uncomfortable truth and cultural critique. His Image Awards hosting gig leaned heavily into that tradition, mixing celebration with satire.
But the fallout highlights an increasingly familiar tension in the digital age: aggressive, highly organized online fandoms.
For many observers, Cole’s post shifted the conversation away from whether the joke landed and toward a broader concern about harassment culture online, particularly when criticism escalates into personal attacks.
By sharing the messages publicly, Cole appeared less interested in prolonging the feud than documenting what happens after the punchline fades and the internet takes over.
Source: The Grio