Chris Rock will make his return to stand-up with two new comedy specials for Netflix.
The two specials will be the comedian’s first in eight years and were reportedly secured by the streaming service for $40m after a bidding war with television networks including HBO and rival platforms Amazon and Hulu, Deadline reports.
Rock has previously recorded five stand-up specials for HBO including 1994’s Big Ass Jokes to the 2008’s Kill the Messenger.
Press“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.
In the past year, Rock has hosted the 88th Annual Academy Awards, directed HBO’s comedy special Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, guest-starred on the hit Fox series Empire and made an appearance in the Netflix holiday special A Very Murray Christmas, starring Bill Murray.
The first of Rock’s specials will debut in 2017.
