At the Netflix is a Joke festival held at the Hollywood Bowl on May 1 and 2, 2023, popular comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Nate Bargatze entertained the audience with a blend of personal and observational humor. The event marked the beginning of the festival which spanned across various venues in Los Angeles, featuring numerous shows over 12 days, showcasing both established and up-and-coming comedy talents.
One of the highlights included the performance by David Nihill at Dynasty Typewriter, where he infused his travel tales with insights from renowned authors, depicting his adjustments to America. Outdoors at the Palladium parking lot, comedians faced the challenges of performing in the open air, with Tiffany Haddish hosting the "Are You Still Listening?" show which attracted local attention, both for its content and disruptions to surrounding residents.
Other notable performances came from Steph Tolev at the Comedy Store, who leaned into crude humor, and Jon Stewart at the Greek Theatre, where he delivered insights into aging and modern socio-political issues. The festival also included a variety of themed shows, including "Seth Rogen Smokes the Bowl" at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring a special prop and performances suited to the open-air venue.
Throughout the festival, themes ranged from deep socio-political commentary to light-hearted and raunchy humor, delivering a wide array of comedic styles and formats, from stand-up sets to thematic theatrical performances and live podcasts. The Netflix is a Joke festival highlighted Los Angeles' vibrant comedic scene and provided a platform for comedians to showcase their best work in front of diverse audiences.