Netflix Taps Chelsea Handler for First Original Talk Show in 2016
The late-night landscape seems to have largely settled since Stephen Colbert signed on to replace Dave Letterman as host of 'The Late Show,' but those wondering if CBS might recruit Chelsea Handler to follow Craig Ferguson on the 'Late Late Show' can give it a rest. Netflix officially scooped up Handler for its first entry into the late-night talk-show arena, signing the comedienne for a multi-year deal that includes a new comedy special and several documentaries.
Debuting in 2016, Handler's 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." Meanwhile, Handler will film her first hourlong stand-up comedy special to air on October 10, 2014, later filming the 2015 debut of four new docu-comedy specials for the streaming service. The pieces will follow Handler's efforts to "gain a better understanding on a variety of subjects ranging from NASCAR to politics and from Silicon Valley to the NBA draft."
Says Handler of the announcement:
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. 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.
Adds Netflix:
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.
Well, what do you think? There isn't any word on how exactly Netflix will structure its first original talk show, but would you have preferred Handler to end up on one of the major networks? Tell us what you think of the latest late-night shocker in the comments!