Chelsea Handler signs with Netflix

US talk show queen Chelsea Handler has signed with Netflix, following her imminent departure with E!, for comedy specials ahead of a talk show in 2016.

“If I was going to continue working in this industry, I knew I had to do something outside the box to keep myself interested,” Handler said in a statement. “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.

“I’m more excited than I’ve been in a while, and the team at Netflix is the most forward-thinking, alert group I’ve sat down with in ages,” Handler said. “No offense to the Shahs Of Sunset.”

In October, Netflix will premiere a one-hour stand-up set based on Handler’s Uganda Be Kidding Me tour. She is also creating four “docu-comedy” specials on Nascar, politics, Silicon Valley and the NBA draft.

Her 2016 talk show will have “an updated format that still encompasses Chelsea’s unfiltered opinions on topical entertainment and cultural issues, as well as her signature guest interviews.”

“The Internet has disrupted many of the conventions of traditional television and together with Chelsea Handler, Netflix is looking forward to re-imagining the late night talk show for the on-demand generation, starting with the late night part,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

Handler is ending her seven-year run as host of E’s Chelsea, Lately in August.

Source: Guardian