Netflix has found a unique niche for itself in the streaming world with its original stand-up comedy specials. Some of the biggest names in comedy along with some surprising new talent have teamed up with Netflix to release new stand-up comedy specials every week throughout 2017. Not to be outdone by itself, Netflix has made some serious waves in the comedy world this week by revealing a highly-anticipated and long overdue stand-up special starring one of the most high-profile stars in showbusiness: Ellen DeGeneres.
Before she was the beloved host of the popular syndicated talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, DeGeneres was known as one of the top stand-up comedians in the industry. Her last stand-up special, Here and Now, debuted on HBO in 2003 and received several Emmy Award nominations. This latest deal with Netflix seems to have begun over Twitter when Netflix’s official account reached out to the comedian and talk show host with an offer: “Looks like it’s been 15 years since you did a stand-up special, @TheEllenShow. How about one for Netflix?” It took DeGeneres only 13 minutes to come back with the reply “Let me think about it. Ok I’m in.”
DeGeneres then issued a statement to Variety describing her excitement over the news:
It has been 15 years since I did a stand-up special. 15 years. And I’m writing it now, I can’t wait. I’ll keep you posted when and where I’m gonna shoot my Netflix special. I’m excited to do it; I’m excited for you to see it.
Netflix has already released stand-up specials from some of the most high-profile comedians in the industry including Chris Rock, Louis C.K., and Dave Chappelle. With the Ellen DeGeneres announcement, Netflix is proving to be a serious contender for the go-to streaming service for top shelf stand-up comedy.
