Netflix’s aim to be the Internet’s HBO is the real deal. The streaming service has announced four new comedy specials to premiere exclusively on its service this year, one-hour programs from Bill Cosby, Jim Jefferies, Bill Blurr and Chelsea Peretti. “Bill Cosby 77” was recorded at the San Francisco Jazz Center on his 77th birthday and will be available on November 28th. Jim Jefferie’s show, “BARE” will be available August 29th, and “Brooklyn 99” star Chelsea Peretti’s “One of the Greats” will premiere on November 14. Bill Burr’s special, “I’m Sorry You Feel that Way,” will debut on December 5.
Netflix plans to follow a similar path to HBO, in that they’d like to feature edgy series, documentaries and comedy specials in addition to movies. Time Warner’s HBO, in addition to Viacom’s Comedy Central, are in a small but exclusive class of providers that offer exclusive comedy specials in the United States. Netflix claimed it would broaden its strategy to include documentaries and specials, as both genres have wide fan bases.
Earlier this month, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings pointed out that Netflix beat HBO in terms of subscriber revenue in the previous quarter on his Facebook page. Nonetheless, HBO still tops Netflix in regards to profits. Netflix had previously announced a wide variety of comedy specials that are slated for fall release. Comedian Aziz Ansari, of “Park and Recreation” fame, will release his latest special on November 1. Russell Peters’ special “Notorious” will be released on October 14. Chelsea Handler will debut a one-hour special called “Uganda Be Kidding Me” on October 10.
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