Chelsea Handler to host new talk show on Netflix
Are you ready for Chelsea Anytime?
Netflix announced Thursday morning that Chelsea Handler has signed a “groundbreaking,” multi-tiered deal with the streaming service, which includes a standup special, four “docu-comedy specials”—and, most importantly, “the first-ever talk show for the global on-demand generation,” which is set to premiere in 2016.
Details about the new show—including its name—are scarce for now, though a release notes that it will feature an “updated format,” as well as at least one talk show staple (guest interviews).
“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,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement.
“If I was going to continue working in this industry, I knew I had to do something outside the box to keep myself interested,” added Handler in her own statement. “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. I’m more excited than I’ve been in awhile, and the team at Netflix is the most forward thinking, alert group I’ve sat down with in ages. No offense to the Shahs of Sunset.”
Handler is best known as the host of E!’s Chelsea Lately, which will end August 26 after a seven-year run. Since word of the show’s imminent finale broke, the comedian’s been at the center of all kinds of rumors about her future plans—including ones that she may be taking over for either David Letterman or Craig Ferguson, both of whom will leave CBS in 2015. Her first Netflix comedy special, based on her “Uganda Be Kidding Me” tour, will tape June 20 in Chicago and premiere on Netflix on Oct. 10; her four Netflix docu-comedy specials will debut in 2015.