Thread by @latimes

The biggest names in comedy are about to descend upon L.A. for the massive Netflix Is a Joke festival, a citywide celebration featuring more than 250 shows over 12 nights at 30-plus locations. If that sounds overwhelming, we’ve got just the thing for you: lat.ms/3L8lJkG

This day-by-day guide includes interviews with top talent, appreciations of our favorite acts, and vital information to keep your comedy festival running on all cylinders.

Here are 31 performers to look out for, as chosen by The Times. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

If Pete Davidson isn’t the most discussed comedian of 2022, he’s certainly in the top three. As one of the biggest draws on the festival’s first full day, the #SNL star will appear at two “Pete Davidson and Best Friends” shows at the Fonda Theatre. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

Also performing at the fest is Sarah Cooper (@sarahcpr), the comedian whose TikTok videos impersonating President Trump launched her to viral fame: “That sort of persona was really fun to play, especially as a woman, especially as a Black woman.” lat.ms/3L8lJkG

.@Sethrogen will give crowds at the Orpheum Theatre an intimate treat with “Table Reads,” in which he and a group of well-known Netflix actor friends and fellow comedians read in real time from various scripts of their favorite movies or TV sitcoms. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

You're in luck if you’ve got a ticket to see “Abbott Elementary” breakout star Janelle James (@janellejcomedy). The Hollywood Improv shows sold out almost as soon as they were posted. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

“I tell stories, I don’t tell jokes,” says Luenell. The original Bad Girl of Comedy is performing on Tuesday, May 3. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

Has Colin Quinn (@iamcolinquinn) noticed any changes in audiences since comedy has “been back”?

“No changes except I appreciate it more,” he says. “Thankfully, maskless shows have been happening in New York for a while, so there’s no muffled laughter.” lat.ms/3L8lJkG

Do you recognize yourself in any of these? Cartoonist @gemmacorrell has pinpointed nine types of comedy club laughers. lat.ms/3Mw8RVN

Magic acts don’t often make audiences gasp, laugh and cry, but over three seasons, “Magic for Humans” has delivered equal parts bewildering sleight of hand and genuine emotion. Now @Justin_Willman is bringing his street magic to the Theatre at Ace Hotel. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

.@margaretcho, the fearless, trailblazing comedian has been on the front lines of comedy and social activism for decades. Now Cho is bringing her award-winning comedy to the Wiltern. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

Mitra Jouhari takes the stage on May 7. “I remember the first solo set I ever did,” she says. “I was too scared to talk so I did kind of a dance piece. And I spilled pad Thai all over the stage, and I had to clean it up after. But it went well.” lat.ms/3L8lJkG

.@SamJayComic is a master of tweaking societal norms, a skill that has rarely been more valuable. She cracks wise with a straight face, creating the illusion that she doesn’t even know what’s so funny about it all. You can catch her at the Peppermint Club. lat.ms/3L8lJkG

“I try not to shy away from anything I want to talk about just because it might make an audience uncomfortable,” says Joel Kim Booster (@ihatejoelkim). “Discomfort is a huge part of comedy sometimes.” lat.ms/3L8lJkG

Headlining the festival is Gabriel Iglesias (@fluffyguy), who will make history as the first comedian to perform at Dodger Stadium when he takes the stage at his sold-out shows.

“It’s still not real,” he says. lat.ms/37B4kCT

Still overwhelmed by all the comedy options on offer? Comic Christina P. has you covered. lat.ms/3Mtgc8A