BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Netflix has tapped comedian Chelsea Handler for its first ever talk show, scheduled to begin in early 2016.
Netflix said in the press release that the new talk show, which will debut simultaneously in all of its territories, will feature an “updated format” encompassing Chelsea's unfiltered opinions on topical entertainment and cultural issues, as well as her signature guest interviews.
To give viewers a taste of Handler prior to the talk show’s debut, Netflix will premiere her first one hour stand-up comedy performance in October, based on her sold-out tour ‘Uganda Be Kidding Me’ Live, which taped last week in Chicago at the Harris Theater.
In 2015, Handler (pictured) will also create four new docu-comedy specials exclusively for Netflix featuring her efforts to gain a better understanding on subjects ranging from NASCAR to politics and from Silicon Valley to the NBA draft. She will produce the stand-up special, docu-comedy specials and new talk show along with her partners in Borderline Amazing, Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack.
As the host of E!'s Chelsea Lately, Handler remains the only female to break into the otherwise male-dominated late night arena. Chelsea Lately, one of the highest rated shows on E!, will wrap up on August 26, 2014.
"The Internet has disrupted many of the conventions of traditional television and together with Chelsea Handler, Netflix is looking forward to reimagining the late night talk show for the on-demand generation, starting with the late night part…." said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, in the release. “Chelsea has built a huge following on tour, on nightly TV and through her best-selling books, and we can't wait to introduce her breathtakingly honest and irreverent voice to our global membership."
