The free-spending streamer has transformed the live comedy concert from a lucrative lifetime achievement to a mid-career break that pays off in touring, and most comedians are just fine with that.
On Mother's Day 2016, Netflix premiered a stand-up special from a then little-known San Francisco-born comic named Ali Wong, whose obscenity-laden routine riffed on sex, motherhood and her Asian American identity.
Since then, comics including Hannah Gadsby and Hasan Minhaj also have seen career-changing levels of visibility and tour ticket sales thanks to a Netflix-special bump. "There are now 200 comedians who can sell out a show at the Wilbur Theatre because of the Netflix specials they've done," says manager Barry Katz, who has produced 40 stand-up specials for such comics as Jay Mohr, Bill Bellamy and Whitney Cummings, and hosts the podcast.
As Netflix has flooded the comedy world with dollars, other companies that had been major players, including HBO and Comedy Central, have begun to back off. "Netflix paid big to get into the space," says one agent who represents top comics. "I don't think the other people wanted to step up to the table."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Kate Middleton's family had a very special weekendKate Middleton and her family celebrated something very special this weekend. Find out why here...
Read more »
Lauren Conrad Is Officially Missing From The Cast Of 'The Hills: New Beginnings'I need more Speidi/L.C. drama.
Read more »
Must Read: Karlie Kloss Has a Second Wedding; Roberto Cavalli May Be Close to Securing a BuyerPlus, critics are underwhelmed by the Paris Men's shows and why Carine Roitfeld doesn't take selfies.
Read more »
This is why everyone's talking about negronisWondering why this is all your friends order now?
Read more »
“Late Night Feelings”, Mark Ronson’s new album, is a delightWhy could it not have been released when more people were talking about it?
Read more »
What Dorie Greenspan Cooks for Dinner After Baking Cookies All DayWhat doriegreenspan cooks for dinner after baking cookies all day.
Read more »