Netflix just made comedian Chris Rock an offer he couldn’t refuse. With the promise of $40 million for two brand new comedy specials (yes, that’s $20 million a pop), Rock has made history and become the highest paid stand-up comic. This is also the first time in eight years Rock has agreed to a gig like this. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the first show will be taped in 2017, following a new world tour that is reportedly in the works.
“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand up makes him comic royalty,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent.”
Netflix has made a push for original comedy specials, winning an Emmy for the Patton Oswalt: Talking For Clapping special.
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Rock has come a long way since begging for one rib in 1988’s I’m Gonna Git YouSucka or playing lovable crack head Pookie in 1991’s classic film New Jack City.
The two specials mark a triumphant return to the stage for Rock, who most recently hosted the 88th Annual Academy Awards, directed the Amy Schumer special, guest-starred on Fox’s Empire, and performed alongside John Mayer, Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle after the Roots Picnic in New York City, which was held October 1 and 2.
In the past, Netflix has also hosted stand-up performances by notable acts such as Cedric the Entertainer, Iliza Shlesinger, Ali Wong, Mike Epps, Aziz Ansari, Anjelah Johnson, Chris Tucker, Chelsea Handler, and David Cross, among others. Joe Rogan, Dana Carvey, Michael Che, Gabriel Iglesias, Reggie Watts, and Colin Quinn are on the schedule, as well.
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Check out some of Rock’s standup below.
