Netflix is bringing its members two brand new comedy specials from one of the funniest and most influential comedians of all time: 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.
“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 the 2016 Emmy-nominated shows from John Mulaney and Patton Oswalt, and 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).
Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. As an actor, director, producer and writer he has created many memorable moments.
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.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. In 2014 he led the ensemble cast of Top Five, a critically-acclaimed comedy feature that he also wrote and directed. In 2009, Rock ventured into the documentary world as a writer and producer of Good Hair, and in 2014 he executive produced Eat Drink Laugh: The Story of the Comic Strip, a documentary recounting the history of one of New York’s most famous comedy venues.
His feature acting credits include the Grown Ups and Madagascar franchises, Head of State, Nurse Betty, CB4, Death at a Funeral, I Think I Love My Wife, 2 Days in New York, Dogma and New Jack City.
His television work includes hosting, writing and executive producing The Chris Rock Show. He served as executive producer, writer and narrator for the series Everybody Hates Chris, which ran from 2005 to 2009, and as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1989-1993.
Rock has won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. In addition, he received two nominations for the 2016 Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Director for a Variety Special for “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” and Outstanding Special Class Program for the 88 th Annual Academy Awards.
