Chelsea Handler Seeks to Revolutionize Talk Show with Netflix

Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) said Thursday it is teaming up with Chelsea Handler to create a new talk show for the Internet TV network.

The show is set to launch in early 2016 and will feature an updated format that envelops the comedian’s unfiltered-opinion style featuring topics on entertainment and cultural issues.

"If I was going to continue working in this industry, I knew I had to do something outside the box to keep myself interested. 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 said in a statement Thursday.

Ahead of the show’s launch, on October 10 this year, Netflix will premiere a one-hour stand-up comedy performance based on Handler’s sold-out tour called “Uganda Be Kidding Me Live.” Meanwhile, next year, Handler will create four docu-comedy specials for Netflix exclusively  on topics ranging from NASCAR to politics and Silicon Valley. Handler will produce the special content along with partners in Borderline Amazing, Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack.

Shares of Netflix were little changed in recent trade.