Host Trevor Noah welcomes the contenders, 10 of South Africa's most beloved comedians. From the get-go, alliances and strategies take centre stage as the comedians in the room plot to crack each other up.

As the game progresses, the yellow cards start to rain down. The comedians become aware of the ruthlessness of the competition and hatch devious plots to make each other laugh quickly.

As the first red card of the season is called out, people start to take the game more seriously. While some are eager to try out their gags before being eliminated, others take a more casual approach.

The buzzers and red cards intensify as the performances get bigger and bigger. Participants welcome a kung fu master, a dubious director and a do-it-yourself specialist who is sure to provide laughs.

While Trevor Noah's antics create chaos, a surprise guest offers the contestants a puppet show. The line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred as the fifth hour approaches.

With not many people left, a merciless Trevor strikes some hard blows, and fatigue gives way to delirium. As the clock ticks, an announcement forces the bravest to pull out all the stops and strike hard.