On a Saturday night, Katt Williams took the stage for a live comedy special at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. With everyone expecting him to let loose with his darkest secrets and opinions about Hollywood, thanks to his recent headline-grabbing podcast appearances, the anticipation was high. Titled Woke Foke, it seemed like a promise of controversy. But come Monday morning, it was like nothing happened. While Woke Foke came and went without much fanfare, another Netflix event stole the spotlight: the Kevin Hart–hosted roast of Tom Brady.
At the roast, there was plenty of drama. From Kim Kardashian getting booed to Nikki Glaser's razor-sharp roasting, it was all about the reactions. The unfiltered responses and Brady's crew nervously laughing added to the excitement. It was live, raw, and unpredictable, making it a hit.
Netflix has been investing heavily in live programming, aiming to recreate the communal viewing experience of the past. However, as seen with Williams's special, liveness doesn't always guarantee success. Despite being well-produced, Woke Foke lacked the edge and spontaneity expected from a live performance. It was controlled and scripted, missing the mark in delivering the thrill of immediacy.
Editing and post-production might have salvaged Woke Foke to some extent, but it couldn't save it from being forgettable. In contrast, the Brady roast thrived on its live and unfiltered nature, instantly becoming a digital sensation. The element of surprise and shock inherent in a roast was amplified by the live setting, making it a memorable event.
The weekend's events offer valuable lessons for Netflix's future live programming. While artfulness is important, shock value and novelty are what truly captivate audiences. Live comedy turns into news, with jokes becoming hits or misses, and reactions revealing more than words ever could. In this arena, Williams fell short, failing to make a lasting impact with his performance.
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