Two New Chris Rock Standup Specials Coming to Netflix
After largely being absent from the stand-up comedy scene for the past few years, comedian Chris Rock is prepping a huge comeback with Netflix. THR has the details, including the fact that Rock will be recording two new specials for the streaming service:
The first Rock show will tape in 2017 and follow a new world tour that is currently being planned. It's unclear when either that first show will air or when the second will tape and be rolled out.
More comedy from Rock is always a good thing. I re-watched one of his old specials on Comedy Central recently, and while a couple of the jokes (understandably) don't quite resonate the same way, most of the show still worked incredibly well. He's a dynamic, vibrant voice in the comedy scene, and the idea of hearing new takes from him about today's issues is exciting.
"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," said Lisa Nishimura, VP original documentary and comedy at Netflix. "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."
Aziz Ansari (whose excellent show Master of None also has a home on Netflix) shared a photo of himself, Rock, Dave Chappelle, and John Mayer (of all people) on stage together last week at the Comedy Cellar, so those of us in New York and L.A. might be well served to keep our eyes peeled for Rock workshopping some of his new material before that world tour begins.