Netflix shines stand-up spotlight on up-and-coming comics
David Farnor | On 24, Jan 2018
Netflix is shining a spotlight on up-and-comics this year, with a series of short specials.
The streaming giant has increasingly sought to dominate the stand-up space, with an array of specials recorded by an ever-widening pool of international talent. Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan are among the Brits to have recorded specials for the site, but comedians come from all over, be it France or Australia.
Now, Netflix is looking to emphasis less well-known names, with a new series dedicated to 15-minute sets by new talent – not unlike Live at the Apollo, but with a global reach. Names on list include Aisling Bea, Michelle Buteau, Tim Dillon, JR De Guzman, Sabrina Jalees, Janelle James, Sam Jay, Josh Johnson, Ian Karmel, Jak Knight, Matteo Lane, Max Silvestri, Taylor Tomlinson, Phil Wang, Emma Willmann, and Kate Willett.
Each will record their short specials next month at Atlanta’s Terminal West. The show follows a similar move by Netflix last year with The Standups, a series of half-hour programmes from new stand-up talent.