Sources: Chris Rock Making $40M Return to TV

Chris Rock has been missing from the small screen for eight years, but the comedian's fans will be pleased to hear that not everybody hates Chris: He's cut a comeback deal for two stand-up comedy specials on Netflix for what sources tell the Hollywood Reporter is a record-smashing $40 million. Per Variety, others who were champing at the bit for Rock's comedy were Amazon, Hulu, and former Chris Rock Show parent HBO.

"Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty," says Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, adding Netflix offers the "global platform and creative freedom" worthy of someone of his comedic caliber. The first show is set to film sometime next year; it hasn't been said yet when it will air, nor when the second show will tape and air. (This year's Oscars were said to be "revolutionary" with Rock as the host.)