L.A.'s comedy scene is in a golden era. Netflix Is a Joke proves it
Key takeaways
- The L.A. comedy scene has never been just one thing.
- Thankfully, every other year for the last six years, the Netflix Is a Joke Festival injects L.A. with a large dose of discovery, turning our local scene into an onstage version of TV’s upfronts for the comedy world.
- “Comedy is so much about discovery,” said Netflix head of comedy Tracey Pakosta. “Being able to put groups of people together, or talent that’s been doing this for so long, I think that’s what makes the festival great.”
Atsuko Okatsuka, Iliza Shlesinger, Sheng Wang of Netflix Is a Joke. (Matt Seidel / For The Times) By Nate Jackson Deputy Entertainment and Arts Editor Follow April 29, 2026 3 AM PT 1 9 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
The L.A. comedy scene has never been just one thing. Sure, we’re home to some of the best comedy clubs and comedians in the world. Legendary improv troupes? We’ve got ’em. Podcasts and hilarious content creators? We’re drowning in them. When it comes to variety shows, drag brunches and clowns, our town is top tier. Yet still, at some point even the most omnivorous comedy fan can hit a wall when it comes to looking for new things in this city to laugh about.
Thankfully, every other year for the last six years, the Netflix Is a Joke Festival injects L.A. with a large dose of discovery, turning our local scene into an onstage version of TV’s upfronts for the comedy world.