Chris Rock to break eight-year stand-up comedy hiatus for $40 million deal

By Stephanie Topacio Long October 13, 2016

chris rock netflix standup specials onstage — Chris Rock/Facebook

Netflix’s stand-up comedy selection will get a high-profile addition. Chris Rock has agreed to a $40 million deal with Netflix for two specials, reports Variety. The comedian is set to finally end an eight-year hiatus.

The price tag on the specials was unusually high, but Netflix is clearly confident the comedian is worth it. Rock has had a high-profile career, from his Saturday Night Live days to his Oscar-hosting gig earlier in 2016, not to mention the Emmy and Grammy Award wins in between. His credentials had multiple contenders bidding for the specials, including Amazon, Hulu, and HBO.

“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, in a statement. “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.”

Netflix has worked with Rock in the past, so they know what a talent it is getting. He was one of the many celebrities who joined Bill Murray in the Netflix holiday special A Very Murray Christmas, along with Miley Cyrus, Amy Poehler, George Clooney, Rashida Jones, and Michael Cera, among others. His upcoming specials will put his work in Netflix’s growing comedy catalog, alongside shows from fellow stand-up stars Aziz Ansari, Chelsea Handler, Cedric the Entertainer, and more.

“I’m very excited to be working with Ted and [Netflix VP of original documentary and comedy] Lisa [Nishimura] and all the good people at Netflix,” Rock said. “I can’t wait to get back on stage.”

Rock’s fans can’t wait to see him either, whenever the stand-up specials premiere. The first will tape in 2017, after a world tour that is being planned, so prepare yourself for a wait.

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Stephanie Topacio Long

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Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…

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