Netflix delivered another unforgettable comedy event with “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” a live three-hour special packed with fearless jokes, celebrity surprises and brutal punchlines. Hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, the event gathered famous athletes, actors, comics and entertainers to roast Hart’s career, public image and personal life before ultimately celebrating his success. The live special quickly became one of Netflix’s biggest comedy moments of 2026. But where was the event filmed?
Fans searching for where the answer will find themselves heading straight to the iconic Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Of course, the Southern California city offers far more than one legendary venue. Visitors can build an entertainment-filled weekend around sports arenas, music landmarks, beaches, trendy restaurants and stylish hotels. This guide explores the best places to stay, eat and experience while discovering the pop culture energy of Inglewood.
Where Was Kevin Hart’s First Comedy Show?
Before selling out arenas and starring in global Netflix events, Kevin Hart started performing at small Philadelphia comedy clubs during the late 1990s. According to Rolling Stone, Hart performed regularly at The Laff House in Philadelphia during 1998. Early crowds were tough, and Hart often struggled to connect with audiences. He originally performed under the stage name Lil Kev before developing the honest storytelling style that later made him famous. Those small club performances built the confidence and stage presence that eventually helped Hart dominate stand-up comedy tours, blockbuster films and streaming specials watched worldwide.
The Kia Forum In Inglewood, California
Key Scenes: “The Roast of Kevin Hart” featured nonstop celebrity entrances, ruthless stand-up sets and crowd reactions filmed entirely inside the Kia Forum. Netflix confirmed the event streamed live globally from the Inglewood arena during the Netflix Is a Joke Fest.
Best Time to Visit: Inglewood enjoys warm weather year-round, making it a strong destination for entertainment-focused vacations. Spring and early summer offer comfortable temperatures and busy concert schedules at the Kia Forum and nearby SoFi Stadium. Fall weekends are excellent for football fans hoping to attend NFL games or major live events. Winter remains mild compared to most American cities, though occasional rain showers can appear between December and February.
Transportation Options: Rental cars remain the easiest option for travel around Inglewood and greater Los Angeles. Large distances separate Southern California attractions, and entertainment venues often feature nearby parking garages. Uber and Lyft are also popular for visitors attending concerts or comedy shows at the Kia Forum. Rideshare services help travelers avoid heavy event traffic after performances end. Budget-conscious visitors can use the Metro K Line (lite rail), which connects parts of Inglewood with the wider Los Angeles transit system.
Originally opened in 1967, the Kia Forum has become one of Southern California’s most recognizable entertainment destinations. Major musicians, sports legends and comedians have all performed inside the arena. The Forum sits close to SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, turning Inglewood into one of America’s fastest-growing entertainment districts. Fans visiting the area can easily combine comedy tourism with concerts, sports games, nightlife and celebrity-inspired sightseeing throughout greater Los Angeles.
“The Roast of Kevin Hart” featured appearances from Tom Brady, Dwayne Johnson, Katt Williams and Sheryl Underwood. The latter even earned a standing ovation after delivering what critics called the “funniest” set of the night at the Kia Forum.
Things to Do: Nearby SoFi Stadium hosts NFL games, concerts and major cultural events throughout the year. Sports fans can also visit Intuit Dome, the modern home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers. Music fans should stop by Hollywood Park for shopping, nightlife and public entertainment spaces. Beach lovers can easily reach nearby Santa Monica and Venice Beach within about 30 minutes. Travelers wanting classic Los Angeles sightseeing can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory or Universal Studios Hollywood.
Where to Eat: Inglewood’s food scene mixes classic California comfort food with trendy international flavors. Visitors near the Kia Forum often stop at Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen for fried chicken, short ribs and Southern-style comfort dishes. Sports fans regularly gather at Three Weavers Brewing Company for local craft beer and relaxed nightlife. Travelers seeking upscale dining can explore restaurants in nearby Marina del Rey or Culver City. Taco stands and late-night burger spots also fill the area around the entertainment district.
Where to Stay: Travelers visiting Inglewood will find hotels ranging from luxury properties to budget-friendly stays. The Anthem Los Angeles Stadium District remains a convenient option near the entertainment district and Los Angeles International Airport. Guests seeking modern luxury often choose The Westin Los Angeles Airport for stylish rooms and airport convenience. Budget-conscious visitors frequently stay at Hampton Inn Los Angeles Int’l Airport/Hawthorne. Many hotels offer shuttle access to LAX and nearby venues. Booking early becomes important during major concerts, football weekends and comedy festivals because rooms around the Kia Forum sell quickly.
Is Kevin Hart Going On Tour In 2026?
As of May 2026, Kevin Hart has not officially announced a massive, traditional international comedy tour for later this year. However, the indefatigable comedian and media mogul remains incredibly active across the entertainment landscape, filling his schedule with exclusive live performances, major streaming productions and high-profile festival appearances.
Rather than sticking to a standard touring blueprint, Hart’s latest efforts have centered heavily on blockbuster television events and media partnerships. A prime example of this is “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” which sparked massive cultural discourse. Additionally, he has dedicated significant energy to his talent search series, “Funny AF with Kevin Hart,” which aims to scout and elevate the next generation of comedic voices.
These current ventures seamlessly build upon a career defined by groundbreaking stand-up milestones, including his widely celebrated specials “I’m a Grown Little Man” (2009) on Comedy Central, “Laugh at My Pain” (2011), “Let Me Explain” (2013), the massive stadium-selling “What Now?” (2016), and his recent hit “Reality Check” on Peacock (2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Kevin Hart?
Kevin Hart is approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall. His height often comes up in his stand-up comedy and celebrity roast jokes.
What is Kevin Hart’s net worth?
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Kevin Hart’s net worth at about $300 million. His earnings come from stand-up tours, Netflix deals, movies, endorsements, production projects and business ventures.
