Chris Rock Lands Record $40 Million Netflix Deal for Two Stand-Up Specials

Photo of Chris Rock by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Comedy Central

Chris Rock has secured a massive payday in a new deal with Netflix, which will result in two stand-up comedy specials at $20 million a piece.

As The Hollywood Reporter notes, the $40 million total is a much higher amount than has been nabbed by the likes of fellow A-list comedians Louis C.K., Amy Schumer and Jerry Seinfeld.

The first show is expected to be filmed sometime next year as part of a world tour which is currently in the works. Rock previously had a lengthy relationship with HBO, where he premiered five stand-up specials between 1994 and 2008.

As streaming platforms beef up their content, it is believed that multiple providers including Amazon, Hulu and even HBO made major bids for the new Rock shows, with Netflix ultimately winning.

“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty," Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement on Thursday. "There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent."

For his part, Rock said, "I’m very excited to be working with Ted and [Lisa Nishimura, Netflix’s VP of Original Documentary and Comedy] and all the good people at Netflix. I can’t wait to get back on stage."