French comedian Kev Adams returns to television screens on Thursday evening, August 27, as broadcast network TF1 airs the third edition of his comedy festival L'Humour à la plage.
The broadcast highlights a four-day festival held from June 24 to June 27 in the pine forest of Juan-les-Pins, expanding from its original two-day format after building strong audience numbers across its first two seasons.
The event drew 2.3 million television viewers for its debut in 2024 and rose to 2.7 million viewers the following year. Speaking at a press presentation for the show, Adams explained that the organizers attempt every year to create a major recurring event in the spirit of Marrakech du Rire, the international festival created by Jamel Debbouze in Morocco.
Adams noted that while comedy content has flooded social media networks and currently struggles to perform as well on television, his team is delighted with their ongoing collaboration with TF1 and their ability to maintain high ratings.
Festival lineup and guest hosts
Designed as a family-friendly gathering across generations, the latest edition features a lineup of prominent French comedians including Jarry, Élodie Poux, Inès Reg, Chantal Ladesou, Samuel Bambi, Nordine Ganso, Élie Semoun, Nash, and Thomas Marty. Comedians Nino Arial and Fabrice Éboué kicked off the four-day event in June by presenting two individual stand-up shows as appetizers.
Popular television presenter Jean-Luc Reichmann also joined the event, succeeding fellow TF1 hosts Denis Brogniart and Nikos Aliagas, who appeared in earlier editions. Adams said that key network presenters have dropped in to join the fun since the festival's first year.
Adams added that the festival aims to bring on top-tier comedy figures who are rarely seen on television. He recalled that Franck Dubosc headlined the inaugural edition and Gad Elmaleh appeared in the second, leading to Jamel Debbouze joining this year's lineup. Adams noted that he works hard every year to deliver a show worthy of such stars, describing the effort as a great opportunity and a massive responsibility to balance an eclectic lineup suitable for all ages.
Industry connections and international venture
Speaking about family entertainment, Adams acknowledged that his role as a judge on Mask Singer, the French adaptation of the mystery singing contest broadcast on TF1, helped enrich his festival casting. He explained that working on the program created a valuable ecosystem, adding that he had not known performers such as Chantal Ladesou or Jarry before joining Mask Singer. Real friendships formed through the show, he said, leading to immense pleasure in working together on stage.
Beyond his festival work in France, Adams took on a major personal challenge this year by appearing on America's Got Talent, the US counterpart to La France a un incroyable talent. His stand-up sketch in June created a splash on American television, earning praise from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Reflecting on his experience in the United States, Adams described the American adventure as fantastic, though he admitted it remained complex to talk about because show producers hold final authority over who moves forward in the competition. He said returning to the stage to win over an unfamiliar audience rekindled the excitement of his early career, calling the experience an ultimate joy.
