Chris Rock is stepping up to the stand-up mic for the first time in eight years.
Netflix announced Thursday it has partnered with Rock to produce two stand-up comedy specials for the streaming service, the first of which is set to premiere in 2017, on the heels of Rock’s upcoming world tour.
“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty,” Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “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.”
“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,” Rock said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get back on stage.”
The 51-year-old Rock has kept busy while off stage. He hosted February’s Oscars and directed Amy Schumer’s stand-up special, Live at the Apollo. Rock also directed and starred in Top Five in 2014 and had a brief guest star run on Fox’s Empire in season 2.