The Meanest Tradition in Entertainment
Celebrity roasts have shifted from celebratory tributes to events characterized by harsh humor and cruelty. The evolution of this tradition is highlighted by the contrast between past roasts and recent ones, such as Netflix's The Roast of Kevin Hart. Critics argue that the format has become a platform for humiliation rather than genuine comedic expression.
- ▪The first celebrity roasts were private toasts at the New York Friars Club in the early 1900s.
- ▪Televised roasts began in 1968 and gained popularity through Dean Martin's variety show.
- ▪Recent roasts, like Kevin Hart's, have been criticized for their harshness and lack of genuine camaraderie.
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| Original publisher | The Atlantic |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/05/comedy-roasts-kevin-hart/687268/?utm_source=feed |
| Publication time | 2026-05-23T08:00:00-04:00 |
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CultureThe Meanest Tradition in EntertainmentCelebrity roasts have become crueler in their style of comedy, and almost unwatchable.By Vikram MurthiIllustration by Paul Spella / The Atlantic. Source: Getty.May 23, 2026, 8 AM ET ShareSave In 1997, Garry Shandling’s meta-sitcom, The Larry Sanders Show, aired an episode chronicling the behind-the-scenes preparations for a roast of the eponymous fictional late-night host. Though the event promises to celebrate Larry, it ends up being a disaster. Jerry Seinfeld drops out at the last minute. Bill Maher mainly performs jokes from his own act. Dana Carvey and Bruno Kirby use the stage to bicker with each other.
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