Chelsea Handler, whose talk show on E! ends in two months, is taking her act to the Internet in an unprecedented deal with Netflix.
The streaming TV service said Thursday that Handler has signed up to host a talk show that will premier in early 2016, and will stream in every region where Netflix has subscribers.
The deal is significant because it gives Netflix (NFLX, Tech30) -- currently best known for "Orange is the New Black" binges and a library of older shows and movies -- topical programming that will, at least in theory, keep people coming back for more.
And it gives Handler, who made no secret of her unhappiness at E!, a new outlet for her edgy comedy.
In a national late-night field dominated by men, Handler is the only woman with a daily talk show, named "Chelsea Lately." E! said last month that "Lately" would end on August 26. However, Handler's representatives were already talking to Netflix and TV networks about something new, even before that announcement.
In a statement, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said "the Internet has disrupted many of the conventions of traditional television and together with Chelsea Handler, Netflix is looking forward to reimagining the late night talk show for the on-demand generation, starting with the late night part..."
Very smart move. She also realizes the dying medium of cable television, and sees the popularity of online streaming services. It's the future of entertainment. She's going to a platform that is extremely viable for her and to her target audience!
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