After biding adieu to cable in August, Chelsea Handler is making a landmark jump to Netflix for a deal intended to “revolutionize the talk show.”
The Internet-based TV network announced the Chelsea Lately host will create an all-new show “that still encompasses Chelsea’s unfiltered opinions on topical entertainment and cultural issues, as well as her signature guest interviews.” The difference is the shows will be available to watch whenever, just as with any other Netflix hit.
“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,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “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.”
Chelsea, who recently called her current network, E!, “a sad, sad place to live,” said in a statement she’s newly invigorated by the Netflix jump.
“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,” she said. “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.”
The talk show will launch in early 2016. Before then, Netflix will feature a one-hour performance of Chelsea’s “Uganda Be Kidding Me” (filming live on June 20) and four upcoming docu-comedy specials. Chelsea has producing credits on all of the projects.
