Netflix Is a Joke Fest: 15 Shows to Check Out This May
The post Netflix Is a Joke Fest: 15 Shows to Check Out This May appeared first on Consequence.
For the past few months, billboards and bus ads in Los Angeles have been touting the arrival of Netflix Is a Joke Fest, with some legitimately funny ad copy (“You can’t spell ‘laugh’ without ‘L.A.’ and ‘ugh'”). And what’s in store promises to be truly epic; there’s so much packed into these 12 days: “400+ Artists. 500+ Shows. 35+ Venues,” the streamer promises.
As Consequence’s man lady in Havanna L.A., I’m excited to check out the full spread of shows, and below I’ve compiled some of the fest’s most exciting announced events, with a focus on shows that aren’t just straight-up stand-up from a headliner. (Though there are some great options there, including John Mulaney, Wanda Sykes, Ali Wong, and more.)
There are a lot of surprises planned, with many full lineups under wraps, but when you consider just how many damn comedians will be in Los Angeles for the duration of the fest, the odds are good that you’ll spot at least one or two of your favorites on stage this May.
Chris Rock’s Table Reads
Multiple Dates
Hollywood Palladium
During the last NIAJF, Seth Rogen’s table reads of Friday and Seinfeld were deeeelightful. So there’s no question that Chris Rock’s turn at recasting the films When Harry Met Sally and Boogie Nights will be equally fun, with the promise of some truly wild surprise stars performing some classic scenes.
The Drop In
Multiple Dates
Outside Joke at Hollywood Palladium
Taking place at the Outside Joke festival venue (day passes are only $25, and every day has plenty of fun events scheduled), The Drop In promises “surprise sets from the biggest names in comedy!”, which means you’re rolling the dice on who will be featured, but the spontaneous vibe could be really fun.
Gods Of Comedy With David Letterman
Multiple Dates
The Montalbán Theatre
Retirement looks good on David Letterman — not just talking about the beard. His new passion for longform interviews with notable figures has led to some wonderfully insightful conversations (his new special featuring John Mulaney, premiering on Netflix April 30th, is a must-see). And so it doesn’t matter that Netflix hasn’t announced who he’ll be interviewing over the course of three nights at the Montalbán — no matter what, these will be some great conversations.
Late Night At The Hollywood Palladium
Multiple Dates
Hollywood Palladium
If they’re not past your bedtime, this series of shows should be pretty damn cool, with announced hosts Gabriel Iglesias, Hasan Minhaj, Michelle Buteau, Nikki Glaser, and Sarah Silverman bringing together a surprise selection of big names.
Mae And Brett Make Love To One Another Live On Stage
Multiple Dates
Avalon Hollywood
Mae Martin and Brett Goldstein are two truly great comedians on their own — what happens when they team up? The Avalon Hollywood is the place to find that out.
Netflix Is A Drag… Brunch
Multiple Dates
Outside Joke at Hollywood Palladium
The official description says “expect drag, comedy, music and more” from Alyssa Edwards, Jimbo, Latrice Royale, Mudd, Irene Tu, Nori Reed, Trixie Mattel, Scarlett BoBo, and Meatball. If that’s not your definition of a good time… well, there’s probably something else to do with your Sunday. But you’ll be missing out.
Big Mouth Live At The Greek
Big Mouth (Netflix)
May 2nd, 2024
8:00pm
The Greek Theatre
Odds are good that Big Feelings will dominate this live read experience, given that Big Mouth is coming to a close with its upcoming Season 8. Also, it’s a show about pre-teens going through channnnnnges, as the theme song says. Currently scheduled to attend are Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jason Mantzoukas, Fred Armisen, Maria Bamford, Richard Kind, and Nathan Fillion (perhaps, once again, playing himself?).
Princess: Maya Rudolph & Gretchen Lieberum
May 5th, 2024
9:00pm
Hollywood Palladium
Did you know that Maya Rudolph and her longtime friend Gretchen Lieberum have a Prince cover band? If you didn’t, now you do, and this is your chance to see them live!
Death, Let Me Do My Show
May 5th, 2024
9:45pm
The Montalbán Theatre
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s Rachel Bloom has been touring this one-woman show for a while now (humblebrag: I saw a performance last July) and it’s indescribably funny, heartbreaking, and cathartic. Plus, there are songs! Know as little as possible going in. But definitely check it out if you can.
Marsha Warfield
May 6th, 2024
7:00pm
Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
As mentioned above, I didn’t want to spotlight too many straightforward headliners, but how often do you have the opportunity to see someone like Marsha Warfield live in person? Not often enough, of course. Far more than just Roz from Night Court, she’s a true legend worth seeing live.
Seth Rogen Smokes The Bowl
May 7th, 2024
7:30pm
Hollywood Bowl
Thanks to California’s liberal recreational marijuana laws, “smokes the bowl” may be a pretty literal description. Even if you don’t partake, though, the lineup for this show is a solid blend of music and comedy, including Lil Dicky, Janelle James, Ramy Youssef, Ronny Chieng, and Snoop Dogg.
Nick Offerman & Friends Vs Climate Crisis
May 9th, 2024
7:00pm
Wilshire Ebell Theatre
A comedy show that also promises to do some good, as Nick Offerman hosts a night of stand-up featuring Pattie Gonia, Mae Martin, Nicole Byer, and Steve Agee to support environmental nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council. Given that framing, it might not be the wackiest show, but Planet Earth could use all the help it can get.
Middle Aged Dad Jam Band
May 11th, 2024
2:15pm
Outside Joke at Hollywood Palladium
The State’s Ken Marino and David Wain serve as lead vocals and drummer of a band specializing in “a diverse songbook of classic rock, pop, Motown, alt, New Orleans, favorites from the 60s, 70s and 80s” (per the official description). Who might join them on stage? That’s the surprise in store!
The Clash Of Netflix Casts: That ’90s Show Hosted By Kevin Smith
May 11th, 2024
5:30pm
Outside Joke at Hollywood Palladium
There are a few other Family Feud-esque Clashes planned during this Fest, featuring the casts of Love Is Blind, the Selling series, Too Hot to Handle, and The Circle. But this one’s the least likely to depend on the IRL charm of reality stars. Plus, Kevin Smith! We don’t know who officially will be in attendance, but the description promises a “special guest,” so all you Topher Grace fans out there, start crossing your fingers.
I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson Live!
May 11th, 2024
8:00pm
The Greek Theatre
You don’t need me to tell you whether or not you want to see Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin live on stage — if you’re a fan of ITYSL’s very specific brand of sketch comedy, you’re already looking up tickets. (Buy quickly if you are, because as of Monday, April 29th, this one’s got a low ticket warning.)
Netflix Is a Joke. Fest runs from May 1st-May 12th in Los Angeles. For tickets and more information, visit the official site.
Netflix Is a Joke Fest: 15 Shows to Check Out This May
Liz Shannon Miller
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