Netflix has been producing more live programming in recent years, and it seems that trend will continue with its upcoming Chris Rock comedy special. The streaming giant has announced that it will be featuring pre- and post-shows for the special that will include appearances by other famous comedians.
The show, titled “Chris Rock: Total Blackout, The Tamborine Extended Cut,” was originally released on Netflix in 2022 and was a hit with viewers. The new version will feature additional footage from Rock’s stand-up performances and will be available to stream on Netflix starting March 14th.
The pre-show for the special will be hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and will feature appearances by other comedians, including Tiffany Haddish, Dave Chappelle, and Ali Wong. The post-show will be hosted by W. Kamau Bell and will feature a discussion of Rock’s performance and interviews with the comedian and other guests.
Netflix has been experimenting with live programming for several years, with shows like “The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale” and “Chelsea” featuring live segments. The streaming giant has also produced live events, such as the “Strong Black Lead” panel at the Essence Festival in 2019 and the “Netflix Is A Joke Fest” comedy festival in 2020.
The addition of pre- and post-shows to its comedy specials is a new twist for Netflix, and it remains to be seen whether the strategy will be successful. However, with the star power of the comedians involved, the live shows are sure to generate buzz and draw in viewers. This move also highlights Netflix’s commitment to producing original content that stands out in a crowded streaming landscape.
