The controversial Netflix special 'The Roast of Kevin Hart' has shattered streaming records, amassing nearly 14 million views in its debut week. The show, which aired live on May 10 as part of the Netflix is a Joke Fest, has become the platform's most-watched program, topping charts in 15 countries.
Record-Breaking Viewership
According to Netflix's Tudum data, from May 11 to May 17, the roast secured the number one spot in the Top 10 Shows list with 13.5 million views. The three-hour special, hosted by Shane Gillis, features a lineup of A-list comedians including Dwayne Johnson, Pete Davidson, and Katt Williams, who delivered sharp, unfiltered jokes at Kevin Hart's expense.
Divided Audience Reactions
While the show has been a ratings success, audience opinions remain sharply divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer commented: 'It's no different than any other roast.. it's light but super dark gut wrenching comedy. It's an enjoyable watch.' Another praised the boldness: 'This is the edgiest, funniest roast I've seen. It was not afraid to push the boundaries of comedy, something we need more of.'
However, not all feedback was positive. A critic wrote: 'Easily the worst roast ever done. I love Shane, but he was so bad and unfunny. The Rock was the only one that did okay, everyone else was pretty poor.' Another viewer added: 'The cringe was high with this one. The few funny moments still didn't make the 3 hrs worth it.'
On Reddit, one user expressed mixed feelings: 'Overall I enjoyed lots of the jokes but many felt like they were simply seeking to push the discomfort to extremes for the sake of edginess rather than for the sake of smart humour. It felt desperate to shock.'
Netflix Synopsis and Streaming
The official Netflix synopsis reads: 'Kevin Hart is in the hot seat and ready for all the smoke as roastmaster Shane Gillis and a dais of A-listers unleash a raw and ruthless night of laughs.' The special is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
