Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny
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| Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Shannon Hartman |
| Written by | Kevin Hart |
| Produced by | Kevin Hart |
| Starring | Kevin Hart |
Production company | Codeblack Enterprises |
| Distributed by | AMC Theatres (theatrical) Lionsgate Home Entertainment (DVD) Comedy Central (TV) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 67 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Seriously Funny is a stand-up comedy film special by American comedian Kevin Hart. It was released on July 20, 2010, by Codeblack Enterprises and Comedy Central Records, and directed by Shannon Hartman.[1][2] The special was recorded live before a sold-out audience at the Allen Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. It marked Hart's second solo stand-up concert film, following his 2009 special I'm a Grown Little Man. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes and is presented in English.[3]
Background and production
[edit]Kevin Hart had gained significant recognition with his 2009 comedy album and special I'm a Grown Little Man. Building on that success, he embarked on a nationwide tour in 2010 under the banner "Seriously Funny". The Allen Theatre, a historic performance venue in downtown Cleveland, was sold out for the taping, reflecting Hart’s rising popularity. The special was co-produced by Hart and Michelle Caputo, with Codeblack Enterprises serving as the production company.[2][4]
The film was directed by Shannon Hartman, who had previously directed I'm a Grown Little Man.[5]
Content
[edit]In Seriously Funny, Hart covers a range of topics including his family life, relationships, fatherhood, experiences with profanity, and personal fears. He uses his trademark high-energy delivery, rapid pacing, and self-deprecating humour to engage the crowd. The special features segments on:
- Family and Parenting: Anecdotes about raising children and the challenges of balancing career and family life.
- Adult Responsibilities: Jokes about marriage, domestic life, and the pressures of being a working parent.
- Personal Insecurities: Instances of Hart reflecting on his own shortcomings, including past mistakes and anxieties.
Several celebrity cameos appear in brief backstage sequences, though the main focus remains on Hart's live routine.[6][failed verification]
Release and distribution
[edit]Seriously Funny premiered in the United States on July 20, 2010. It was initially released as a theatrical event through AMC Theatres, where it ran in select cities for a limited engagement. Comedy Central later aired an edited version of the special on television, making it one of the highest-rated comedy broadcasts of 2010. A CD recording of the audio was simultaneously released by Comedy Central Records in 2010,[7] as part of their CCR0102 catalogue.
Following its theatrical and television runs, Seriously Funny was made available on DVD through Lionsgate Home Entertainment and on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, beginning late 2010.[3]
Reception
[edit]Critically, Seriously Funny received generally positive reviews. Audiences praised Hart’s high energy and candid observations on parenthood. The special reinforced his reputation as one of the fastest-rising stand-up comedians of the late 2000s.[8] While comprehensive box office figures for the initial theatrical release are not publicly disclosed, the DVD and digital sales contributed significantly to Hart's emerging comedy brand.[9]
Budget and box office
[edit]Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny was produced on a modest budget estimated at $150,000, primarily covering live event production, post-production editing, and promotional distribution through AMC Theatres and Codeblack Enterprises.
Although information regarding its budget is unavailable, through its DVD sales, and digital rentals by the end of 2011, the special is certified triple platinum.[10] By comparison, its successor Laugh at My Pain (2011) achieved greater box office figures due to a broader theatrical release and increased publicity,[11] but Seriously Funny helped lay the commercial groundwork for that expansion.
Home media
[edit]- DVD release: Lionsgate Home Entertainment released Seriously Funny on DVD in late 2010, including bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with Hart, and deleted bits.
- Audio album: The audio album titled Seriously Funny was released by Comedy Central Records on July 20, 2010 (CCR0102), featuring the complete live performance.
References
[edit]- ^ "Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2025-06-06.
- ^ a b Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny (2010). MUBI. Retrieved 2025-06-06 – via mubi.com.
- ^ a b Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny. Apple TV. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ^ Brown, Carolyn M. (2014-04-11). "Funnyman Kevin Hart Takes His Business Seriously". Black Enterprise. Retrieved 2025-06-06.
- ^ Soni, Aastha (2023-12-13). "Kevin Hart: I'm a Grown Little Man Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved 2025-06-06.
- ^ "Roku". Roku. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ^ "Comedy Central Records downloads". The Serious Comedy Site. Retrieved 2025-06-06.
- ^ Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny (TV Special 2010). IMDb. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ^ "Hart's Comedy Concerts". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ^ "Kevin Hart". HCCA. Retrieved 2025-06-06.
- ^ "Kevin Hart concert film passes $7 million at box office". Reuters. 2011-10-17. Retrieved 2025-06-06.