Chris Rock will make history by being the first comedian to perform live on the massive Netflix streaming service. The 57-year-old performer will make history when he performs in a yet-to-be-titled comedy special in 2023, according to Robbie Praw, vice president of stand-up and comedic formats at Netflix.
Praw said, “Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation. We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment and we’re so honoured that Chris is carrying this torch.”
Rock and Netflix previously worked together on the 2018 comedy special Tamborine. He had additionally performed earlier in 2022 at the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival hosted by the streamer. Currently on his Ego Death globe tour, the comedian has dates scheduled in California, Texas, and Washington.Rock was greeted earlier this year at the comedy club where he made his first public appearance since Will Smith hit him during the 2022 Oscars ceremony with cheers and two standing ovations.
Netflix hopes that Rock’s special will endure, but unlike most live shows, the audience for dramas like The Crown will be spread out over a much longer period of time. This will be Rock’s seventh stand-up performance overall. His previous five HBO specials, including “Bigger & Blacker” and “Bring the Pain,” were all released. According to Variety, Rock is currently on his Ego Death world tour and has concerts scheduled in California, Texas, and Washington for the rest of the year. On some of those occasions, he will share the lead role with Chappelle.