The first ever live Netflix comedy special is in the works and stand up comedian Chris Rock will be the first featured.
The upcoming special is expected to air live on the streaming platform in early 2023, according to a Variety report published Thursday.
“Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation,” said Robbie Praw, Netflix’s vice president of stand-up and comedy formats, according to Variety. “We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment and we’re so honored that Chris is carrying this torch.”
Chris Rock is about to make history as the first artist to perform LIVE on Netflix!
The legendary comedian, writer, director, and actor’s newest comedy special will premiere live — globally — in early 2023 on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/U8ozz2BLV1
— Netflix (@netflix) November 10, 2022
Rock is no stranger to Netflix productions, having appeared in “Tamborine” in 2018. He also joined “Netflix is a Joke: The Festival” with Dave Chappelle in 2022.
Rock is on his tour, “Ego Death.” AV Club reported that Rock allegedly promised to discuss the Will Smith slapping incident at the Oscars on his Netflix special.
The Netflix building on Sunset Boulevard is pictured where a rally in support of the Netflix transgender walkout was due to begin but eventually moved to a different location on October 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California . – Netflix bosses braced for an employee walkout and rally in Los Angeles on October 20, 2021 as anger swelled over a new Dave Chappelle comedy special that activists say is harmful to the transgender community. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
“People expect me to talk about the bullshit, I’m not going to talk about it right now, I’ll get to it eventually, on Netflix,” he reportedly said.
Netflix was considering live performances in May when they reported that the streaming service is preparing to roll out the capability to use live voting for competition series, as well as talent contests, like the upcoming “Dance 100,” according to Deadline.