In a rare collision of late-night royalty, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, and Jon Stewart traded their monologues for musical instruments at the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The trio took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl for a high-energy performance that blended comedy with a surprising amount of musical ambition, all in support of a vital cause.
The Very White Stripes Take the Hollywood Bowl
Performing under the aptly named moniker “The Very White Stripes,” the three hosts teamed up for a cover of The White Stripes’ hit “Seven Nation Army.” The performance featured Jimmy Kimmel on the bass clarinet, adding a unique sonic layer to the rock anthem. The group was joined on stage by Abbey Romeo, a star from the series Love on the Spectrum.
The musical collaboration didn’t stop there. Conan O’Brien and Jon Stewart also performed “We’re Going to Be Friends,” further cementing the evening’s theme of camaraderie and unexpected talent.
The Bass Clarinet Blunder
While some viewers on social media mistook Kimmel’s instrument for a saxophone, the host was actually playing the bass clarinet—an instrument he began playing due to a childhood misunderstanding. Kimmel previously shared with Rolling Stone that he originally signed up for clarinet class thinking it was the trombone.
“I went home and my mom had bought me a clarinet, and my parents never bought anything. And I didn’t know you could return things,” Kimmel recalled. Driven by guilt over the purchase, he decided to stick with the clarinet rather than change his schedule, a decision that eventually led him to the Hollywood Bowl stage.
Night of Too Many Stars: Comedy for a Cause
The performance was part of the “Night of Too Many Stars,” an event hosted by Jon Stewart that benefits nationwide autism programs. The May 7 event featured a massive lineup of comedic talent, including:
- Adam Sandler and Steve Carell
- John Mulaney and Bill Burr
- Ali Wong and Sarah Silverman
- Tiffany Haddish and Nikki Glaser
- Bob Odenkirk and Kevin Nealon
- Leanne Morgan, Ron Funches, and Noah Wyle
Spotlight on Abbey Romeo
A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Abbey Romeo. A mainstay of Love on the Spectrum, Romeo has expanded her reach into original music and the business world with her own hat company. Her journey to the stage has been one of persistence; Romeo attended an autism school from age 8 and previously struggled with focus and attention.
According to a post on her Instagram, musical and performance arts were instrumental in helping Romeo build the confidence necessary to perform. Her family noted that seeing her on stage represents a significant victory over the challenges she faced in her youth.
About Netflix Is a Joke Fest
The 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Fest is a massive undertaking in the comedy world, running from May 4 through May 10. The festival’s scale is immense, featuring:
- 475+ total shows.
- 45+ different venues.
- Hundreds of individual performers.
Key Takeaways: Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026
- Musical Act: Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, and Jon Stewart formed “The Very White Stripes.”
- Featured Song: The group performed “Seven Nation Army” with Abbey Romeo.
- Philanthropy: The “Night of Too Many Stars” event raised funds for nationwide autism programs.
- Scale: The overall festival includes over 475 shows across 45+ venues.
As the festival continues through May 10, it remains a testament to the current state of the comedy industry—blending traditional stand-up with high-concept variety performances and philanthropic efforts.