Netflix Sets First Live-streamed Event with Chris Rock Special

Chris Rock, already one of the world's biggest comics, drew headlines when he was slapped on stage by Will Smith at the Oscars Robyn Beck AFP/File
Chris Rock, already one of the world's biggest comics, drew headlines when he was slapped on stage by Will Smith at the Oscars Robyn Beck AFP/File
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Netflix Sets First Live-streamed Event with Chris Rock Special

Chris Rock, already one of the world's biggest comics, drew headlines when he was slapped on stage by Will Smith at the Oscars Robyn Beck AFP/File
Chris Rock, already one of the world's biggest comics, drew headlines when he was slapped on stage by Will Smith at the Oscars Robyn Beck AFP/File

Netflix will stream an event live for the first time next year, with comedian Chris Rock hosting a real-time special for the on-demand platform that has lured millions of viewers away from traditional broadcast television.

The comedy show, which will be Rock's second for Netflix after 2018's "Chris Rock: Tamborine," will be available to watch in early 2023, the company said, without providing further details.

"Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation," said Netflix comedy vice-president Robbie Praw, in a statement.

"We're thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history, AFP said.

"This will be an unforgettable moment and we're so honored that Chris is carrying this torch."

Netflix, which lost subscribers for the first time earlier this year before recently reporting a return to growth, has been experimenting with new models, including a cheaper subscription option subsidized by advertisements.

On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix was looking into offering live sports on its platform for the first time.

Rivals including Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video already offer live events including sports and musical events.

Netflix hosts a live comedy festival at more than 35 venues in Los Angeles, but those shows have not yet been available to stream live on its platform.

Rock, one of the world's biggest comics, drew headlines in March when he was slapped on stage by Will Smith at the Oscars.



Disney Brings the Grid, and the Light Bikes, with ‘Tron: Ares’ Footage at Comic-Con

 Atmosphere at the "Tron: Ares" panel in Hall H of the convention center during Comic Con International in San Diego, California on July 25, 2025. (AFP)
Atmosphere at the "Tron: Ares" panel in Hall H of the convention center during Comic Con International in San Diego, California on July 25, 2025. (AFP)
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Disney Brings the Grid, and the Light Bikes, with ‘Tron: Ares’ Footage at Comic-Con

 Atmosphere at the "Tron: Ares" panel in Hall H of the convention center during Comic Con International in San Diego, California on July 25, 2025. (AFP)
Atmosphere at the "Tron: Ares" panel in Hall H of the convention center during Comic Con International in San Diego, California on July 25, 2025. (AFP)

The Grid took over Comic-Con on Friday, bringing the stars of the new "Tron: Ares" films to unveil footage and reveal the story behind the franchise's third movie.

The film stars Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith as the story brings the virtual environment of the Grid, complete with light bikes, into the real world.

Disney showed off several minutes of footage, including a light bike chase scene in the real world and another in the red-hued Grid. Propelling the onscreen action is a propulsive Nine Inch Nails soundtrack.

"It’s fun to see it on the big screen for the first time," said director Joachim Rønning.

Disney turned the Hall H panel into a spectacle, with red lasers filling the room and characters in suits with red lights entering the massive hall.

Asked what excited her about joining the "Tron" franchise, Lee responded: "I just wanted to ride a light cycle."

Friday's panel ended with the premiere of the music video for "As Alive as You Need Me to Be," the first Nine Inch Nails song from the soundtrack.

"Tron" has never been in the top tier of sci-fi franchises. The original 1982 film starring Bridges as Kevin Flynn, a man sucked into a computer vortex known as the Grid, was admired for its ground-breaking concept and effects, and was a modest hit with moderately good reviews.

Perhaps more importantly, it won a cult following and has been maintained enough in cultural memory to remain a valuable property for Disney.

The 2010 film "Tron: Legacy," starring Bridges and Garrett Hedlund, made more than $400 million globally. A TV show that followed, "Tron: Uprising," lasted just one season.

Norwegian director Joachim Rønning has helmed other Disney franchise films: 2017’s "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" and 2019’s "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil."

Leto and Bridges are both Oscar winners, and Rønning is an Oscar nominee.