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We can’t even give you a precise number of shows that Netflix is a Joke Fest is staging, because that number seems to increase by the hour. (As of publication, it was upwards of 440.)
There are so many events to see during the third iteration of this city-spanning comedy marathon, but as an Angeleno with only so much time and money, you simply can’t see everything—or really even more than a small fraction of the fest, which runs from May 4 and 10. So where do you start? You have your heavy hitters: theater and arena-sized headlining sets from the likes of John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler, Nate Bargatze, Dave Chappelle, Atsuko Okatsuka and Shane Gillis, among others. And amphitheater-filling spectacles like a star-studded Seth Rogen–hosted show and a Flight of the Conchords reunion at the Greek Theatre or Night of Too Many Stars at the Hollywood Bowl.
But this is L.A., where you can see big names drop into intimate comedy clubs almost any night of the week. With that in mind, we set out to spotlight some of the standout shows (ones that still had tickets left) on the Netflix is a Joke Fest lineup that feel like truly one-of-a-kind occasions, either due to their extraordinary lineups or unprecedented premises. With that in mind, these are the 11 shows that we think stand out as some of the most unique ones to see at this year’s Netflix is a Joke Fest.
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary Of Pee-wee’s Playhouse
The Greek Theatre
May 4 at 8pm
Today’s secret word is: essential. Because a staggering assortment of guests are coming together for this essential—ahh!—40th anniversary celebration of Pee-wee’s Playhouse at the Greek. Patton Oswalt hosts, with music from the B-52s, Danny Elfman and Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale of DEVO, plus everything from comedians like Fred Armisen and Patti Harrison to David Arquette (who has taken up the Bozo the Clown mantle) and Puddles Pity Party to some of the show’s original puppeteers and cast members. If you need more Pee-wee, the Egyptian Theatre is screening a five-episode marathon of the show (May 9 at 7pm). –Michael Juliano
An Emergency Board Meeting Slumber Party
Pacific Electric
May 4 at 9:45pm
“A stand-up comedy show for anyone coping with the slow collapse of everything” is how Netflix describes this one, and really what else do you need to know to be sold on this? How about if director Adam McKay and Hacks standout Robby Hoffman are also on the lineup? And if proceeds support planet-protecting nonprofits? Self-professed climate comedian Stuart Goldsmith hosts, with additional sets from Jimmy O. Yang, Beth Stelling, Catherine Cohen, Gianmarco Soresi, Esteban Gast and Cristela Alonzo. –MJ
Off Book: The Improvised Musical
The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
May 4 at 7pm
Forget lavishly crafted musicals that take years to put together: Comedians Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino put a fresh one together on the spot for their semi-regular improv podcast. Not all podcasts transition well into a live show, but this one was made for the stage; the live band accompaniment and quick lyrical wizardry make this one a must-see. –MJ
Music & Comedy With Alex Edelman & Ben Folds
The Ford
May 5, 7pm
Beyond a proliferation of podcast tapings, this year’s fest is incorporating a lot more music, which is a welcome addition. Case in point: this unexpected mash-up at the Ford, featuring pianist and singer Ben Folds (whose lyrics often lean toward the comical anyway) and Emmy-winning comedian Alex Edelman, who blends stand-up with compelling storytelling. –Gillian Glover
Demetri Martin Is Also a Painter
729 N Fairfax Ave
May 5–10, 11am–5pm
I’ll watch anything Demetri Martin does since the days of Important Things on Comedy Central, but I’m particularly intrigued by his latest effort. Known for incorporating both music and drawing into his live shows, this later addition to the Netflix Is a Joke lineup finds the comic staging a comedy show inside a gallery of his paintings—all of which will be for sale to visitors. The gallery space itself will be open all week, and Martin himself will pop in for a few free shows, including Saturday, May 9 at 3pm. Email studio@artjokes.com to RSVP. –GG
This Better Be Funny with David Letterman & Special Guest Martin Short
The Montalbán Theatre
May 7 at 7pm
Last festival edition, the iconic host took the stage at the Montalbán for a series of sit-down chats with unannounced comedians (I caught a wholesome convo with Nate Bargatze that fell somewhere between Letterman’s relatively serious My Next Guest series and his sardonic late-night days). But this time around, you know what you’re getting: an evening with Martin Short, who will almost certainly completely take charge of the interview to laugh-till-you-can’t-breathe effect. John Mulaney guests earlier in the week (May 5). –MJ
The Legend of Crystal Shell (Kristen Schaal)
Dynasty Typewriter
May 7, 8 at 7pm
Whether you know her as the voice of Louise on Bob’s Burgers or for cohosting beloved local variety show Hot Tub for two decades, you’re probably not prepared for the fever dream that inevitably awaits at this stage show, described as “a story about a sheltered centaur who confronts her horse dad.” Schaal started performing the show earlier this year, but you can catch it again over two nights at Dynasty Typewriter, with fellow Bob’s Burgers costar John Roberts and music by Big Black Delta. Each night includes a different special guest: Thursday with Chris Fleming, Friday with Sheng Wang and post-fest with Eugene Mirman at Largo (May 12). –MJ
Troubadour
May 7, 7pm
One of our picks for up-and-coming L.A. comedians to watch, this comedy-music trio returns to Netflix is a Joke with a set at the Troubadour, where you can hear tracks from their eponymous debut album and brand-new EP. Guitarist Ethan Edenburg, drummer Eric Jackowitz and keyboardist Tom McGovern have only been performing together for a few years, but the band has been on a steady rise, earning devoted fans and praise from the likes of Jack Black. Calling to mind Flight of the Conchords and “Weird Al” originals, their songs are insanely catchy and expertly produced, and they’re even more fun live. –GG
A Visit From Portlandia with Fred & Carrie
The Ford
May 8, 7pm
It’s time to put a bird on it! It’s been eight years since Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s sketch-show send-up of Portland and all its quirks ended—though it lasted a full eight seasons without ever seeming to run out of ideas. The friends and creative partners will reunite at the Ford for a nostalgic evening of “storytelling, jokes, conversation and more.” And given the caliber of guest-stars the IFC show attracted, I wouldn’t be surprised if some stopped by. –GG
The Montalbán Theatre
May 8, 7pm; May 9, 7pm and 9:45pm
Stamptown is something of an enigma to me—but it comes highly recommended via word of mouth, which is why I’m excited to check it out in person. Led by professional clown Zach Zucker, the zany live variety show is taping its first special as part of the festival. Expect a 90-minute raunchy and chaotic production; past comedian guests have included Neil Patrick Harris and Rachel Sennott. A third show was just added by popular demand, so you have three chances to see what the buzz is about. –GG
The Wiltern
May 10 at 8pm
How’s this for a surreal, one-of-a-kind lineup: Lizzo hosts and performs at a night of music and comedy (and “yo mama,” as the show poster cheekily reminds that it coincides with Mother’s Day) that includes Eric André, Bob the Drag Queen, Dulcé Sloan, Myke Wright and Godfrey. –MJ