Chris Rock Returns To Stand-Up Comedy With 2 Netflix Specials Worth $40M

Chris Rock is set to return to his home in the stand-up comedy arena after landing an impressive $40 million deal to do two Netflix specials.

The deal, which was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, made Rock one of the highest-paid comedians for a stand-up special of all time, bringing him in league with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K., and Amy Schumer.

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The Netflix deal entails two stand-up specials worth $20 million each starring the Emmy award-winning actor-comedian.

According to Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, the company chose Rock for the multimillion-dollar deal because of his raw talent, adding that the shows aim to serve as a “perfect home” for a comedian of his caliber.

“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty. 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.”

THR sources confirmed that Rock will begin filming in 2017 and that Rock will be included in a new world tour. Other details about when the first show will be aired or when the second one will be taped have yet to be revealed.

According to the outlet, the Netflix specials will serve as his return to stand-up comedy after eight years of venturing into the movie industry, as well as hosting gigs like the recent Oscars where he earned a lot of attention.

Meanwhile, the deal reunites Rock with Netflix after his appearance in the A Very Murray Christmas, a Netflix special featuring Bill Murray.

Netflix, on the other hand, is stepping up efforts become a pillar of stand-up comedy or at least prosper in making that particular entertainment arena a worthwhile investment. This much is true based on Netflix Vice-President for Original Documentary and Comedy Lisa Nishimura’s statement.

“Increasingly, Netflix is becoming the preeminent destination for stand-up comedy, partnering with top-tier talent across a wide variety of styles and humor, enabling them to bring their fresh, distinctive and hilarious voices to our members in 190 countries around the world.”

Emphasizing that goal, Nishimura listed Rock as one of those partners who “understand the power of having a direct line to our ever-growing global audience.”

In response, the Emmy-winning comedian said that he was thrilled to work with Netflix in a bigger project and is even more excited to return to his original calling: stand-up comedy.

“I’m very excited to be working with Ted and Lisa and all the good people at Netflix. I can’t wait to get back on stage.”

Chris Rock’s resume is filled with massive blockbuster hits and shows, as well as great comedy specials like Bring the Pain.

While he had been doing plenty of stand-up comedies in the past, Rock encountered his biggest break when he was included in the stellar comedy ensemble cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990.

Like his cast mates Chris Farley, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, and David Spade, Rock made it big in stand-up comedy and later became a Hollywood star.

During his time in Hollywood, he started off with supporting roles in Beverly Hills Ninja, Dogma, Lethal Weapon 4, and Nurse Betty. From there, he went on to star in box office hits like Bad Company, The Longest Yard, and Down to Earth.

Aside from his screen jobs, he also worked behind the camera as a television producer which began in 2005 with a UPN comedy series titled Everybody Hates Chris, which was based on his childhood.

The most recent addition to his colorful resume is last year’s hosting gig at the 88th Academy Awards where he made a mark after highlighting the lack of diversity in the AMPAS, and closed with the racial issue Black Lives Matter.

[Featured Image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]