Netflix has announced today that Emmy Award-winning comedian Chris Rock is returning to stand-up for the first time in eight years with two brand new comedy specials. He will tape his first show in 2017 following a new world tour that is currently being planned. Both of the original comedy specials will debut exclusively on the Netflix service across the world.

"Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty. 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,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a press release from the network.

“I'm very excited to be working with Ted and Lisa and all the good people at Netflix. I can't wait to get back on stage,” said Rock.

chris-rock-oscars
Image via ABC

Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy Lisa Nishimura sees now as the perfect time to "take things to the next level" with Chris Rock. “Increasingly, Netflix is becoming the preeminent destination for stand-up comedy, partnering with top-tier talent across a wide variety of styles and humor, enabling them to bring their fresh, distinctive and hilarious voices to our members in 190 countries around the world. Our members discover every day that we truly offer something for every comedy fan, and the comedians we partner with understand the power of having a direct line to our ever-growing global audience," she said.

This announcement comes soon after Netflix's Emmy win for Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping. Netflix has been establishing themselves as a destination for original stand-up comedy specials, with recent shows including John Mulaney, 2016 Emmy-nominated shows from John Mulaney and Patton Oswalt, and recent specials from Cedric the Entertainer, Iliza Shlesinger, Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, Russell Peters, Ali Wong, Mike Epps, Aziz Ansari, Anjelah Johnson, Bill Burr, Chris Tucker, Demetri Martin, Chelsea Handler, Bo Burnham, Jim Jefferies, David Cross and upcoming specials from Joe Rogan, Dana Carvey, Michael Che, Gabriel Iglesias, Reggie Watts and Colin Quinn (directed by Jerry Seinfeld). Chris Rock is the latest to be added to their roster, and considering his popularity as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer, it's a big "get" for the service.