Chris Rock announces two new Netflix stand-up specials
LOS ANGELES -- Chris Rock is reportedly scoring a big paycheck for his return to stand-up comedy.
Netflix announced Thursday that after an eight-year absence from doing stand-up, Rock will tape two new specials that will debut on Netflix worldwide.
The streaming giant outbid HBO by dishing out a whopping $40 million to the comedian for the two specials, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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Netflix and a representative for Rock did not immediately respond to Mashable's request for comment.
The first show will tape in 2017, following a new world tour being planned now.
"Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty," Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer, said in a statement. "There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent."
Netflix, like HBO, has been home to a wide variety of comedy specials including 2016 Emmy-nominated shows from John Mulaney and Patton Oswalt.
The platform also streams specials from Cedric the Entertainer, Iliza Shlesinger, Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, Russell Peters, Ali Wong, Mike Epps, Aziz Ansari, Anjelah Johnson, Bill Burr, Chris Tucker, Demetri Martin, Chelsea Handler, Bo Burnham, Jim Jefferies, David Cross and upcoming specials from Joe Rogan, Dana Carvey, Michael Che, Gabriel Iglesias, Reggie Watts and Colin Quinn (directed by Jerry Seinfeld).
“Increasingly, Netflix is becoming the preeminent destination for stand-up comedy, partnering with top-tier talent across a wide variety of styles and humor, enabling them to bring their fresh, distinctive and hilarious voices to our members in 190 countries around the world," Lisa Nishimura, VP of Original Documentary and Comedy, said in a statement.
Though Rock, who recently hosted the Oscars, has taken a break from doing stand-up, he's remained a prominent entertainment figure.
This year, he directed HBO’s comedy special Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, guest-starred on Empire, and made an appearance in the Netflix holiday special A Very Murray Christmas, starring Bill Murray.
The Saturday Night Live alum has won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards and is a New York Times best-selling author.
“I'm very excited to be working with Ted and Lisa and all the good people at Netflix," Rock said in a statement. "I can't wait to get back on stage."
Topics Netflix
Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
