Netflix announced in a press release this morning that Chelsea Handler—who detailed her split with the E! network in March—will be teaming with them to produce multi-tiered content that includes a standup special, four docu-comedy specials, and a first-of-its-kind on-demand talk show.
Rumors of a potential union between the two had persisted for a while, but now we have confirmation that this unique arrangement will indeed be happening. According to the release, “The new talk show will feature an updated format that still encompasses Chelsea’s unfiltered opinions on topical entertainment and cultural issues, as well as her signature guest interviews.”
Handler’s first order of business for the network will be a taping of her standup special Uganda Be Kidding Me, which will be filmed in Chicago tomorrow night and premiere on Netflix October 10. She’ll then begin work on the “docu-comedy specials,” which will follow Handler as she seeks to educate herself on topics ranging from NASCAR to politics.
Handler had the following to say about her upcoming transition:
“If I was going to continue working in this industry, I knew I had to do something outside the box to keep myself interested. I wanted to sit with the cool kids at lunch so I approached Netflix to make sure they were as cool as I thought they were, and when I confirmed my suspicions, like with any other future lover, I made my move.
Netflix is quite excited about the move as well. Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said:
“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. 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.”
No word yet on the fate of Chuy Bravo, but we sincerely hope he’ll be making the jump with Chelsea too. They belong together.
