Streaming is already a popular way for consuming online content. The next step above that, would be livestreaming.
Netflix, the American subscription streaming service and production company based in California, has long been amongst the most popular destination for movie and serial film lovers. And this time, it's taking a dip into livestreaming, months after words emerged of its plans.
At the time, Netflix said it would focus on unscripted material like stand-up specials, competition shows, among others.
And here, the company has announced that Chris Rock is set to become its star at its first ever comedy special live on the service in 2023.
Rock as the American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker, is the "first artist" to receive the distinction, the company said.
Chris Rock is about to make history as the first artist to perform LIVE on Netflix!
The legendary comedian, writer, director, and actor’s newest comedy special will premiere live — globally — in early 2023 on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/U8ozz2BLV1— Netflix (@netflix) November 10, 2022
According to Robbie Praw, Netflix's Vice President of Stand-up and Comedy Formats:
"We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment, and we’re so honored that Chris is carrying this torch."
Netflix in choosing Rock might have been an easy choice, considering his fame in the entertainment industry.
This should be Rock's seventh stand-up special overall and his second Netflix special after Tamborine premiered in 2018. Rock also made an appearance at the 2022 Netflix is a Joke festival.
And not to mention, Rock has made spotlight when he was slapped by Will Smith during the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022.
The moment Rock was slapped by Smith, in front of millions of worldwide audience who tuned in to the event, has been written down as one of the most famous incidents in the history of Hollywood.
Netflix likely considered Rock, since many people would want to tune in into Rock's live comedy special to hear all the slap, especially since Rock has yet to talk about the incident with Smith.
The comedian once said during a show in London, "People expect me to talk about the bull****, I’m not going to talk about it right now. I’ll get to it eventually, on Netflix."
Read: Will Smith Tries To Return To Social Media Using Humor, Months After Slapping Chris Rock
In the world where Netflix is getting harsh competition from other platforms, and when the many technology providers are competing to gain all the attention and the eyeballs, on-demand business has become increasingly complex.
With livestreaming content, Netflix hopes that it can compete better with other live TV streaming services.
Disney+ for example, has debuted its first-ever live TV show with Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars.
After all, Netflix has never been shy about experimenting with different formats beyond its linear movies and TV shows.
In the past, it has offered trivia shows and other interactive programming, and it's also experimenting with mobile games.
By providing livestreams, Netflix hopes that it can further diversify its content and help it avoid a repeat of its major subscriber losses.
It's worth noting that the move comes after Netflix launched an advertisement-supported tier, which was a very unexpected move from the company.
