Comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler, who's been publically unhappy with E!, where her show Chelsea Lately airs, has signed an exclusive deal with Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) to host a talk show that will stream on the SVOD (subscription video on demand) service starting next year.
Handler will also star in a stand-up special that will premiere on Netflix on Oct. 10, and four "docu-comedy" specials slated to run in 2015. Her talk show will launch in 2016 in all of Netflix's territories.
"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," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos in a statement.
Handler--the only female to break into the male-dominated late-night talk arena--sees Netflix as a way to break out of the box and extend her success in the industry.
"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 said, referring to the Bravo channel reality show.
How the talk show will be set up isn't known. Netflix does not stream live events, and notably releases its series, like House of Cards, Lillyhammer and Orange Is The New Black, in complete seasons.
Chelsea Lately is scheduled to end its run on E! on Aug. 26.
For more:
- see the press release
- CNN Money has this story
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