Netflix Just Announced the Subject of Its Next Roast, With Host Shane Gillis
After the viral chaos and undeniable success of The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady, Netflix is officially running it back. This time, the celebrity stepping into the line of fire is none other than Kevin Hart.
The beloved comedian will be the next subject of a live roast event for the streamer, set to air May 10 at 5 p.m. PT, closing out the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The show will once again take over the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the same venue that hosted the now-infamous Brady roast.
If the last one proved anything, it’s that Netflix has figured out how to turn roasting into must-watch, live-event television.
A Historic Roast
The Brady special proved to be a major cultural moment. It dominated Netflix’s Global Top 10 for three weeks, pulled in 26 million views, and sparked nonstop social media chatter thanks to its unfiltered jokes and headline-making burns. It even helped catapult Nikki Glaser into a new level of mainstream fame and landed an Emmy nomination alongside TV’s biggest live spectacles.
Now, expectations are sky-high for Hart’s turn in the hot seat. Plus, if there’s anyone built for it, it’s him.
Why Hart Is the Perfect Choice
Kevin Hart has spent over two decades building one of the most successful comedy empires in the world. From stand-up specials like Laugh at My Pain and Irresponsible to blockbuster films and his ever-growing media company, Hart has mastered the art of being both wildly relatable and relentlessly self-aware. That self-awareness is key, because roasts are brutal, and nothing is off-limits.
Hart is no stranger to the format either. He’s appeared on past celebrity roasts and has often been the one delivering the jokes. This time, though, he’ll be the main target, and given his larger-than-life persona (and willingness to laugh at himself), it’s likely to get ruthless—in the best way.
Leading the charge as host is Shane Gillis, a controversial but undeniably popular comic known for his sharp, unapologetic style. Behind the scenes, roast legend Jeff Ross returns as executive producer alongside Casey Patterson, Hart himself, Amy Zvi, and Dave Becky—essentially ensuring the same chaotic magic that made the Brady roast work.
One major detail that's still under wraps, however, is the lineup.
The Cast Can Make or Break It
Part of what made the Brady roast so electric was its mix of comedians, athletes, and surprise guests who all came armed with deeply personal—and often savage—material. With Hart’s extensive network of celebrity friends (and rivals), speculation is already building around who might show up to take their shots.
The idea of a follow-up roast has been floating around ever since Brady’s went nuclear. In fact, Jeff Ross teased it months ago, hinting that Netflix wanted to build something akin to the “Super Bowl of roasting.” Big names—including Will Smith—were rumored as potential targets, but Hart ultimately feels like a natural fit: famous enough to draw a massive audience, but comedic enough to handle the heat.
And that balance is what makes these events work. Roasts walk a fine line between hilarious and uncomfortable, and the best ones lean all the way in. They’re messy, unpredictable, and often controversial—but that’s exactly why people tune in, especially in a live format where anything can happen.
With Hart at the center, Netflix is betting lightning can strike twice.