Kevin Hart set out to discover the next great stand-up comic — and after weeks of challenges, live performances, and audience voting, Funny AF with Kevin Hart officially crowned its first winner.

The Netflix comedy competition series brought together rising comedians from across the country alongside a rotating panel of comedy heavyweights, including Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler, and Nikki Glaser.

Over the course of the season, contestants faced the realities of life as a stand-up comic, from high-pressure sets and rewrites to live performances in front of massive audiences. The competition ultimately culminated in two live episodes, where Netflix members voted in real time to help decide who would take home the title — and their own Netflix comedy special.

Who won Funny AF with Kevin Hart?

Detroit-based Ron Taylor officially won Season 1 of Funny AF with Kevin Hart.

Already known as a standout on the comedy circuit and a regular at The Comedy Store, Taylor emerged as the audience favorite during the live finale and earned the grand prize: his own Netflix stand-up special. Read more about Taylor and the other finalists here. 

When did Funny AF with Kevin Hart premiere?

The series premiered April 20, 2026, with new episodes rolling out weekly before concluding with two live episodes on May 4 and May 5.

Release schedule

Episodes 1–4

Episodes 5–6

May 4: Episode 7 (Semi-final)
May 5: Episode 8 (Finale)

How did the live finale work?

For the final live episodes, Netflix members voted in real time to help determine which comedians advanced — and ultimately who won the competition. Keep reading to learn more about real-time voting.

Clifton Prescod/Netflix

Who can vote

Any Netflix member watching the show live can vote, from anywhere in the world.

Where to vote

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.

When Voting Happens

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.

Why It Matters

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.

Who were the Funny AF guest judges?

The series featured 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 INCLUDED:

Each brought their own perspective from across the comedy world — from stand-up to film and television.

What is Funny AF with Kevin Hart about?

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.

Contestants from across the country faced challenges designed to mirror the realities of comedy, including open-mic sets, rewrites, high-pressure performances, and the challenge of connecting with live audiences.

The series explores both sides of stand-up: the grind behind the scenes and the breakthrough moments that can change a comedian’s career overnight.

Kevin Hart and Tom Segura

Ser Baffo/Netflix

Chelsea Handler and Kevin Hart

Kevin Kwan/Netflix

Who makes the series?

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.