Netflix is planning to try out live programming in early 2023 with a new stand-up comedy special from comedian Chris Rock.
The 57-year-old actor/comedian will be the first star to stream live on the site, The Hollywood Reporter reported in a piece published Friday.
“Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation,” Robbie Praw, Netflix’s vice president for stand-up and comedy formats, shared in a statement.
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
“We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history,” he added. “This will be an unforgettable moment and we’re so honored that Chris is carrying this torch.”
The “Grown Ups” star’s last special, “Chris Rock: Tamborine,” appeared on Netflix in 2018, the outlet noted.
Amazon Prime Video recently dived into live programming when it landed an 11-year, multibillion dollar deal with the NFL to cover “Thursday Night Football” games, TechCrunch.com noted.
Sound on 🔊 The new Theme for Thursday Night Football is HERE!
Full song ➡️ https://t.co/T4C31Vbokg@AmazonMusic | @NFL#TNFonPrime | Only on @PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/lUgSDJrE7D
— NFL On Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) August 19, 2022
“These new media deals will provide our fans even greater access to the games they love,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at the time.
“We’re proud to grow our partnerships with the most innovative media companies in the market,” he added. “Along with our recently completed labor agreement with the NFLPA, these distribution agreements bring an unprecedented era of stability to the League and will permit us to continue to grow and improve our game.”
Apple TV + recently signed a 10-year deal to cover Major League Soccer games, the outlet noted.
Rock’s last appearance before a large audience was when he took the stage at the 94th Academy Awards. During the show, he was slapped in the face by actor Will Smith after he cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, as The Daily Wire previously reported.
In July, Smith released a video on social media issuing another apology to Rock. Smith said he has reached out to Rock, but the message came back that the comedian was not ready to speak to him yet.
Later, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a 10-year ban against Smith.
Related: ‘Motherf***er Hit Me Over A Bulls*** Joke’: Chris Rock Unleashes On Will Smith Over Oscars Slap