Netflix is holding its second roast, and this time around the target is one of the most beloved and recognizable comedians working today. Kevin Hart, the Philadelphia-born performer who has built one of the most prolific entertainment careers of his generation, takes the hot seat Sunday evening as the streaming giant puts him through a three-hour live special that stands as one of the year’s most anticipated comedy events. For a performer who has sold out arenas and starred in major films, the roast stage represents an entirely different kind of spotlight — one built entirely on being taken apart by friends.
The first Netflix roast, centered on Tom Brady just over two years ago, became a genuine cultural moment, drawing enormous viewership and producing clips that circulated for weeks after the broadcast. The expectations heading into this one are set accordingly high.
When, where and how to watch
The Roast of Kevin Hart airs live on Netflix on Sunday, May 10, beginning at 8 p.m. EST. The event will be broadcast from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, one of the premier live entertainment venues in the country. Netflix subscribers can stream the roast directly through the Netflix app on any compatible device.
At three hours, the broadcast is a substantial commitment — long enough to accommodate a full lineup of roasters, extended exchanges and the kind of unpredictable live moments that make these events worth watching as they happen.
Who is hosting and who is confirmed
Comedian Shane Gillis, who has been on one of the most remarkable upward trajectories in stand-up comedy over the past few years, will serve as host for the evening. His casting brings a sharpness and edge to the proceedings that sets a clear tone for the night. Jeffrey Ross, a roast format veteran who has appeared at more celebrity roasts than perhaps any other working comedian, is also confirmed to appear. His presence gives the lineup a seasoned anchor — someone who has spent enough time in this format to understand exactly how far is too far and exactly how to get there anyway.
The Rock factor and a notable absence
The announced guest list beyond Gillis, Hart and Ross has been kept tight, which is part of what makes these events worth watching live. Speculation has centered on Dwayne Johnson potentially taking the stage — and given the two men’s well-documented friendship across years of films, press appearances and social media exchanges, his presence remains the most credible piece of casting speculation surrounding the night.
One name that will not be there is Nikki Glaser. The comedian confirmed that a scheduling conflict keeps her away, which will disappoint many viewers who watched her steal the show during Netflix’s Tom Brady roast. Glaser emerged as the undeniable standout of that event, delivering a relentless set that drove conversation for weeks afterward. Her absence removes what might have been the most anticipated matchup of the evening.
Why this one is worth watching
Hart is uniquely well-suited to be roasted. He has spent years building a persona grounded in self-deprecating honesty about his own personal failures and public missteps, which means roasters walking in already have years of documented material to work with. The format lands hardest when the subject is both vulnerable enough to hit and confident enough to absorb it with genuine good humor. Hart checks both conditions, and the combination of a sharp host in Gillis, a proven operator in Ross and the very real possibility of a surprise appearance makes this a live event that rewards watching in real time over catching the highlights the next morning.
Source: Asbury Park Press