This is not going to be our traditional review. I’ll probably end up mentioning a few highlights and a few challenges in the show, but since I haven’t seen all the episodes yet, consider this to be an early impression. I plan to work on a detailed breakdown later, maybe early next year. Imagine that—2024 is almost over.
The Hot Seat
One thing I regret about the latter half of 2024 is not attending the live recordings of The Hot Seat and other stand-up events. Thankfully, the show is on Showmax, and I’ve watched a few episodes.
The basic idea
For those who have never heard of a roast, it's basically a famous personalities (guest of honour) allowing a number of comedians to make jokes/smart insults at their expense as a honorary gesture.
So, in the The Hot Seat, the jokes hit hard, and the humour is unapologetically sharp. I gasped as much as I laughed. It’s a free-for-all, where everyone gets roasted, except, ironically in one episode, Eugene Mbugua—the man holding the cheque.
The sharper jokes and bigger swings are thanks to the seasoned stand-up comedians featured in the episodes I’ve seen. I’ll revisit their performances once I’ve watched the entire season.
Visually, this season stands out. The production has improved, with a new venue that adds a sense of polish. The stage is brighter, the lighting is flashier, and the overall aesthetic feels more refined. While the sound isn’t perfect, it’s serviceable—you can hear the jokes, though there are distorted proximity audio effect issues when performers pull the mic too close.
Challenges
While the opening shots are visually impressive, with smooth camera movements and stylish framing, the b-rolls during the roasts are less polished. Some transitions feel choppy, with occasional shaky shots.
The sound could be improved. The large venue creates challenges in translating the live audio to the screen. Sometimes, it feels like the comedians are speaking through a filter, a common issue with recorded concerts. There are also moments where the audio balance between the performers and the audience reactions is uneven. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable.
Occasionally, the roasts feel repetitive when comedians focus too heavily on a single aspect of the subject. Ironically, they often get roasted for doing this, which helps balance things out. In one episode, it seemed like little attention was paid to the wardrobe, but again, the guilty comedians got roasted for it.
I’ll expand on these and more in my full review of the season.
Conclusion
Despite these minor issues, The Hot Seat is brutal—in the best way. It’s more like a slaughterhouse where egos go to die. The fact that the show is homegrown makes it even better.
Watching Kenyan stand-up comedians roast Kenyan personalities is as funny as it is cringe-inducing (in a good way). I can’t imagine how some of these celebrities recover from such ruthless takedowns, but that’s part of the charm.
The Hot Seat is sharp, unfiltered, and unapologetically Kenyan. Just don’t watch it with your children.
Other events this December
If you’re into stand-up comedy, Rapcha the Sayantist has released his stand-up special Raw N Unkut 3 on YouTube. He’ll also present Raw N Unkut 4 live on December 21st. Having seen his previous special, I’m confident he’ll deliver. Tickets are still available.
On a different note, Eric Wainaina will release his new project, The First Draft, from December 18 to 22 at the Braeburn Theatre. Described as “a night of anecdotes and music,” the event also features cocktails and barbecue on location. Check KenyaBuzz for tickets.
