After Netflix’s historic launch of an ad-supported tier, a very unexpected move from the streamer, Netflix will make history again with its first-ever livestreaming event starring comedian Chris Rock. The company announced on Thursday that Rock’s live comedy special is set to stream in early 2023, with more details to be announced later.
\n\u201cChris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation,\u201d Robbie Praw, Netflix vice president of Stand-up and Comedy Formats, said in a statement. \u201cWe’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 honored that Chris is carrying this torch.\u201d
\nNetflix confirmed in May that it would roll out a livestreaming capability. The company said it would focus on unscripted content, competition shows, reality reunion specials, live comedy shows and a future \u201cNetflix is a Joke\u201d festival.
\nRock is an easy choice for the streamer as he will likely draw in thousands, if not millions, of viewers. This will be his seventh stand-up special overall and his second Netflix special after \u201cTamborine\u201d premiered in 2018. He also made an appearance at the 2022 \u201cNetflix is a Joke\u201d festival.
\nPlus, many people will want to tune into Rock’s live comedy special to hear all the Will Smith-related gossip. Rock has yet to talk about the Oscars slap incident with Smith. During a show in London, the comedian told the audience, \u201cPeople expect me to talk about the bull****, I’m not going to talk about it right now. I’ll get to it eventually, on Netflix,\u201d Deadline reported.<\/p>\n
Netflix subscribers may be getting a livestreaming option for unscripted shows and stand-up specials<\/p>\n
However, livestreaming tech is complex and typically more unreliable than video-on-demand. A few months ago, many live TV apps crashed across the sports streaming space. If Netflix’s first test with Chris Rock goes well, it will potentially clear the way for dozens of Netflix titles to get the live treatment.
\nNetflix will also get to compete head-to-head with other live TV streaming services. Most recently, Disney+ had its first-ever live TV show when it debuted Season 31 of \u201cDancing with the Stars.\u201d While Disney+ didn’t experience any major crashes, there were still reports of the app crashing as well as minor delays and lags.
\nNow that Netflix has ads and eventually livestreaming, it’s a no-brainer that Netflix should invest in live sports next. Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the streaming giant is \u201cwarming up to the idea\u201d of live sports coming to the platform.<\/p>\n
Netflix is not yet considering live sports \u2014 but here’s why it should<\/p>\n