We already figured that Netflix packing half of its streaming library with original content was going to be difficult (though a bit less difficult than you’d think), but apparently it’s also going to be very expensive. That’s based off of the latest deal Netflix has made, which is getting the streaming service two exclusive comedy specials from Chris Rock for $40 million—a number The Hollywood Reporter considers “a king’s ransom.” That $40 million is also reportedly more than Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld, and Amy Schumer have received for their own recent comedy specials, suggesting that Netflix is very serious about expanding its comedy lineup after its big Emmy win for Patton Oswalt’s Talking For Clapping.
These two Chris Rock specials will be his first since 2009’s Kill The Messenger, and a press release says the first one will be recorded in 2017 after a world tour. The second special is probably a lot further out, even though it would fit Netflix’s “binge-worthy” ethos to drop both of them at once.