Credit: Comic Strip Stand Up
Netflix’s First Live-Streaming Show: Chris Rock’s Stand-Up Special
Are you secretly wishing for another Chris Rock and Will Smith encounter? While that might be a stretch, Netflix has got you covered if you’re looking to catch the comedian live. Although the news broke in May, an official date has now been set for Chris Rock’s live stand-up special, which will air on March 4. Broadcasting from Baltimore, Maryland, the stream will go live at 10 pm ET/7 pm ET. Chris Rock: Selective Outrage marks Netflix’s first foray into live streaming technology.
As we all know, Chris Rock’s year began on a tumultuous note with the infamous slap heard around the world. The comedian handled the situation with grace and professionalism, earning the respect of many viewers. Since then, Rock’s stand-up shows have seen a significant boost, and the 57-year-old has managed to move on from the entire Oscar debacle. This is likely why he declined to host the Oscars 2023 show, as he didn’t want to relive that moment.
Credit: Amsterdam
Will Chris Rock Address the Will Smith Incident in His Special?
A few days after the incident, Rock shared his thoughts on the shocking moment during a sold-out show at the Wilbur in Boston. “I don’t have a bunch of shit about what happened, so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend, and I’m still kind of processing what happened,” he said. “So, at some point, I’ll talk about that shit. And it’ll be serious, and it’ll be funny.”
Given the title of the upcoming special, it’s possible that Chris Rock will delve deeper into the incident. While this is purely speculative, he did promise to discuss his Oscar experience further on Netflix during his Ego Death tour. It will be interesting to see what aspects he chooses to explore. We all witnessed the slap, so there’s no need to dwell on that. However, he could provide insight into his thoughts during or after the incident.
Regardless, it’s sure to be an entertaining night of comedy. Rock has been keeping busy, recently appearing in David O. Russel’s Amsterdam. His upcoming collaboration with Netflix will be his second stand-up special with the streaming service, following 2018’s Tamborine. He also made a guest appearance at the Netflix is a Joke festival alongside Dave Chapelle in 2022.
Credit: Oscars 2022
Netflix Explores New Avenues in 2023
It’s no surprise that Netflix is looking to up its game in 2023, as it now faces stiff competition from other streaming services. Disney Plus, for example, has been dabbling in live streaming, with notable events such as a live Elton John concert and Dancing With The Stars. If Chris Rock’s show proves successful, it’s likely that Netflix will continue to explore live streaming, although they haven’t confirmed this yet. As of now, Rock’s special is the only confirmed show for 2023, with Netflix yet to release its full slate of films, series, and specials for the year.
Meanwhile, Will Smith’s Oscar experience continues to cast a shadow over his career. The Oscar winner recently released Emancipation, but the film has failed to generate much buzz. Given the timing, it seems like another attempt to garner Oscar attention, but lackluster reviews have likely dashed those hopes. Furthermore, fans have not fully forgiven Will Smith for his actions. It remains to be seen when the incident will finally fade from public memory, but it’s clear that it won’t be anytime soon.
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