Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, is bringing its members two brand new comedy specials from the one and only Chris Rock. Marking the multiple Emmy Award-winning comedian’s return to stand-up after an eight-year absence, Rock will tape two all-new specials that will debut on Netflix around the world. The first show will tape in 2017, following a new world tour being planned now.
Rock is getting a reported $20 million per special, or a whopping $40 million total, which is significant for a stand-up comic.
“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty. 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,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer.
“I’m very excited to be working with Ted and Lisa and all the good people at Netflix. I can’t wait to get back on stage,” said Rock.
“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. Our members discover every day that we truly offer something for every comedy fan, and the comedians we partner with understand the power of having a direct line to our ever-growing global audience. Coming on the heels of our first Emmy win in the category (“Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping”), now is the perfect time to take things to the next level with Chris Rock,” said Lisa Nishimura, VP of Original Documentary and Comedy.
Beyond Emmy-winning original scripted series, Oscar and Emmy-nominated documentaries and films, Netflix has rapidly become the home of top original stand-up comedy specials, including recent 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).
Rock returned in 2016 to host the 88th Annual Academy Awards. In the past year, he has directed HBO’s comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” guest-starred on the hit series “Empire” and made an appearance in the Netflix holiday special “A Very Murray Christmas,” starring Bill Murray.
