Netflix sets first live stream with Chris Rock special
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The comedy show, which will be Chris Rock’s second for Netflix, will be available to watch in early 2023.
PHOTO: AFP
LOS ANGELES – Netflix will stream an event live for the first time in 2023, with comedian Chris Rock hosting a real-time special for the on-demand platform that has lured millions of viewers away from traditional broadcast television.
The comedy show, which will be Rock’s second for Netflix after 2018‘s Chris Rock: Tamborine, will be available to watch in early 2023, the company said, without providing further details.
“Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation,” said Netflix comedy vice-president Robbie Praw in a statement.
“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.”
The streaming platform also posted the news on Twitter with a photo of Rock and a goat, seemingly referring to his status as the Greatest Of All Time.
Netflix, which lost subscribers for the first time earlier in 2022 before recently reporting a return to growth, has been experimenting with new models, including a cheaper subscription option subsidised by advertisements.
On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix was looking into offering live sports on its platform for the first time.
Its rivals, including Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, already offer live events, including sports and musical events.
Netflix hosts a live comedy festival at more than 35 venues in Los Angeles, but those shows have not yet been available for streaming live on its platform.
Rock, one of the world’s biggest comics, drew headlines in March when he was slapped on stage by Will Smith at the Oscars. AFP