Netflix To Air Mark Twain Prize For American Humor; Kevin Hart To Be Feted

Peter White
·2-min read

Netflix has become the latest home for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The streamer has struck a multi-year deal with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to air the event. Last year, the event aired on CNN and before that PBS aired it for over 20 years. Comedy Central hosted it before PBS.

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The move comes as Kevin Hart, who has done a number of standup specials for Netflix, is set to be honored at the ceremony, which has previously feted the likes of Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, Jon Stewart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steve Martin, George Carlin, Tina Fey, Carol Burnett and Richard Pryor.

The show will also feature Dave Burd aka Lil Dicky, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, Nelly, The Plastic Cup Boyz, Keith Robinson, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and J.B. Smoove.

The streamer will not, however, be adding the Mark Twain Prize to its list of live events. The event will take place on March 24 and will air on Netflix on May 11, while the streamer’s Netflix Is A Joke festival is taking place in LA.

The Mark Twain Prize is produced by Done+Dusted with David Jammy as exec producer.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Netflix and continue the Center’s 25-year tradition of celebrating exceptional comedians like Kevin,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F.  Rutter. “The Mark Twain Prize, which annually brings the comedy community together to recognize comedic excellence and impact, aligns with Netflix’s standing as the eminent home for comedy  programming. We’re excited to bring this spectacular night of tributes, roasts, and hilarity to Netflix.”

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