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Netflix signs Chelsea Handler for its first original talk show

Netflix signs Chelsea Handler for its first original talk show

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'Reimagining' the talk show, beginning 2016

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Netflix is about to get a talk show, and it's bringing on longtime E! network star Chelsea Handler as its host. The show will debut in early 2016 and will cover topical subjects in entertainment and culture as well as guest interviews. Netflix hasn't said how often the show will air or what its format will look like, but it hints that — as usual — it has something a bit different in mind from what we're used to. "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…." Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos says in a statement.

"The team at Netflix is the most forward thinking, alert group I’ve sat down with in ages."

Handler will also create a standup special for Netflix, premiering October 10th, as well as four of what Netflix is calling "docu-comedy specials" in 2015, which will have Handler investigating subjects like NASCAR, Silicon Valley, politics, and the NBA draft. "I wanted to sit with the cool kids at lunch so I approached Netflix to make sure they were as cool as I thought they were, and when I confirmed my suspicions, like with any other future lover, I made my move," Handler says in a statement. "I’m more excited than I’ve been in awhile, and the team at Netflix is the most forward thinking, alert group I’ve sat down with in ages." It was announced earlier this spring that Handler would be ending Chelsea Lately in August.

This will be Netflix's first talk show, and it marks a big departure from the drama series and comedies that it's become known for. While Netflix hasn't said if Handler's show will be daily, as talk shows usually are, this would make a for a notable change from the prepared, all-at-once release style that Netflix usually does with series. It could also start giving Netflix subscribers a reason to sign on day after day — and Handler's high profile could quickly kick that off. During recent late night shakeups, Handler's name has been among those tossed around as a potential replacement. It looks like she's finally found an interesting new home.