REVIEW: ‘Funny AF With Kevin Hart’ Is Raw, Hilarious, And Insightful

Funny AF with Kevin Hart is the latest reality comedy competition series from Netflix. A cast of comedic geniuses joins Kevin Hart as they search for the rising star in comedy in this unfiltered, uncensored, and unapologetic competition featuring comedians from across the nation. At the time of review, the Chicago episode was made available.

Global superstar Kevin Hart is joined by Keegan-Michael Key, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler, and Nikki Glaser as they judge comedians in three major cities: Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The competition offers a rare opportunity for comedy fans to peek behind the curtain at the gritty, hilarious, and surprising journey of stand-up careers.

At first glance, fans may think that Funny AF is not much different from other talent shows. However, Funny AF operates on a different level of entertainment. Competitors step on the stage, deliver a set in front of Kevin Hart, his guest judges, and a comedy room packed with a live audience.

Funny AF sets itself apart by focusing on how and why comedy works.

Each comedian gets only five minutes for their set, and during that time they need not only to make the audience laugh hysterically but also to stand out to Kevin and the other judges. The last comic standing by the end of the competition not only wins fame and the honor of being the best comedian, but also the life-changing opportunity of a Netflix comedy special.

For fans not familiar with the intricacies and craft of stand-up comedy, Funny AF will be appreciated. The show sets itself apart from other talent reality shows by focusing on how and why comedy works. With only five minutes to land their jokes, a brutally short window to leave a lasting impression, the comedians have to deliver their set with precision and flexibility.

Kevin Hart and the other comedian judges’ commentary let audiences know that what they are looking for in the comedians is not just whether they can tell a few jokes and get some laughs. It is a bit more complicated than that.

Funny AF makes a firm distinction in the show between being funny and making people laugh.

Kevin and the other judges are looking for factors such as joke density, timing, originality, and comedians’ connection with the audience. Throughout the Chicago episode, in particular, Kumail and Kevin emphasize that this competition is not just about getting laughs; they need to see how the comedians engage the audience and take them on a journey that connects them to the comic.

Funny AF makes a firm distinction in the show between being funny and making people laugh. It is easy to be funny, but the true challenge is to bring joy and laughter to others. The distinction becomes even clearer when comedians’ sets fall flat.

The Chicago episode features a variety of stand-out comedic moments, but the most notable were those of Tee Sanders, Corey Bell, and Ron Taylor. Each comic brings its own unique skill set and strengths to the craft of comedy. Sanders’ voice is bold and instantly connects with her audience. Her ability to jump from topic to topic and deliver punchlines in rapid-fire fashion is impressive.

Each comedian makes the most of their five-minute set.

Whereas Bell comes to the stage with polish and control that signal her years of experience. Her delivery feels intentional, the pacing is tight, and her cadence keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Lastly, Taylor’s delivery feels very intentional as he understands how to build momentum in his short set to make the most of every second, though it feels rushed.

All three comedians make the most of their five-minute sets, weaving humor, identity, and their lived experiences into their sets. This earns them the right spots as three of the six comedians chosen to continue their Funny AF journey, heading back to L.A. to compete with the other finalists.

As much as Funny AF is about the craft of comedy and talent, it is also about failing, jokes needing more work, and what people can learn from it. Unfortunately, not every contestant is a knock-out comic. Some comedians have been in the stand-up game for years, while others are just getting their footing in the field. Regardless of experience, not everyone can rise to the occasion of an audition, and some sets bomb.

Comedians may have a strong setup, but the right punchlines can make or break their sets.

One of the Chicago episode’s most telling moments comes as a comedian falls apart under the silence, and their set falls apart. While it is brutal and awkward to watch, it is also one of the most honest depictions of stand-up comedy audiences will see on screen. Several performers may have a strong setup and good delivery, but the right punchlines can make or break their sets.

These moments in Funny AF reinforce a vital theme of the show: comedy is not just a personality trait; it is a skill and a craft. Some people may be naturally funny and can get a few laughs from the crowd, but understanding how to craft and build a joke, tell a story that takes the audience along for the ride, and deliver the right punchlines is what separates good comedians from the greats.

Throughout the Chicago episode, Hart and Nanjiani, along with other judges, impart their wisdom and critiques. Hart and the judges dissect the comedian’s sets, adding layers of depth and insight into the comedic craft. This is what sets Funny AF apart from other talent reality shows. It offers the audience a more in-depth look into what goes into crafting jokes, building a set, and having the right stage presence.

Kevin Hart always delivers the bad news with grace.

Funny AF with Kevin Hart works very well because it respects and honors the craft of comedy. It is not a show looking for the most erratic contestant or the one who says the most outrageous things. It is a show that seeks to offer comedians from all walks of life and with a variety of experiences an honest opportunity. Furthermore, it is a show that not only wants to bring the best comics to the stage, but also to bring out the best in the comics themselves.

Even when some sets fall flat, or when Hart and Nanjiani deliver the news that certain comedians did not make the cut, he imparts wisdom to the group, reminding them that there is a lesson and a blessing in failure. Which makes the judges’ feedback feel less like cut-throat judging and more like a comedy workshop or mentorship.

Nanjiani also makes an important point: Just because the comedians can kill a short five-minute set does not necessarily mean they will excel at a half- or even full-hour segment. Building an hour-long set is a completely different challenge in and of itself.

The latter episodes of Funny AF will be aired live to let viewers vote from home.

The competition gets steeper as the show progresses, but things conclude with the selected finalist. Now that the initial auditions are complete and the finalists have been gathered, it will be interesting to see what other challenges Hart has in store for his contestants. Another added entertainment element to the show is the audience involvement through voting. The latter episodes will be aired live, allowing viewers at home to vote for their favorite comedian as the competition narrows to the finalists in the semi-final and finale episodes.

Funny AF with Kevin Hart explores the skills, crafts, and dedication it takes to make it as a professional comedian. The show respects comedy as both a discipline and an art form. It gives audiences the impression that a successful comedy career is not simply about talent or getting laughs. It is about timing, flexibility, preparation, and a comedian’s resilience, making it a must-watch show for any true stand-up comedy fans.

If the Chicago episode is any indication, the rest of Funny AF with Kevin Hart is sure to be even more insightful and hilarious as the comedians continue competing for the grand prize.

Funny AF with Kevin Hart Episodes 1-4 are now streaming, exclusively on Netflix. New episodes will drop weekly.