Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) currently doesn’t offer any live programming along the lines of a talk show. But it is considering such a programming. Sources familiar with the talks told The New York Post that the Internet streaming company is close to signing a deal with Chelsea Handler. She is the host of the E! talk show “Chelsea Lately.” Sources said that she has a deal with Netflix, but the format hasn’t been decided yet.
Chelsea hints she might head to Netflix
Chelsea Handler raised eyebrows a few weeks ago when she criticized her current employer NBCUniversal’s E! cable network on Howard Stern’s radio show. The 39-year old presenter said that she will leave E! when her current contract ends in nine months time. Handler also told Stern that she thinks Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) would be a great place to land a new job. She described her current employer as a “sad, sad, place to live.” Handler said the cable network doesn’t know what it’s doing.
Recently, there were reports that Chelsea Handler had a meeting with CBS executives to discuss the possibility of hosting a syndicated daytime show, just like Katie Couric, Kris Jenner, and Anderson Cooper. Chelsea’s manager Irving Azoff has reiterated that his client is flooded with offers of work. Azoff said Chelsea plans to leave E! when her current contract expires, and she hired him to figure out what job she would take after E!. Azoff said Chelsea now has more than seven offers. She makes about $9 million per year from the “Chelsea Lately” show.
Netflix expanding its international reach
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has made its mark with original programming such as Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. Last week, the Los Gatos-based company announced that it will expand its Spanish-language programming. Netflix also plans to foray into Germany this September. It is reportedly in talks with Vodafone Group Plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:VOD) to bring streaming video to Vodafone subscribers.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) shares skidded 4.70% to $306.94 at 11:47 AM EDT on Monday.
