Chelsea Handler teams up with Netflix for new talk show, comedy special

LOS ANGELES -- Chelsea Handler is heading over to Netflix.

It was announced on Thursday that the 39-year-old comedian has joined forces with Netflix for a new talk show, comedy stand-up special and a series of docu-comedy shows set to air in 2015 and 2016.

Handler's new talk show will begin airing in early 2016 and will debut simultaneously in all Netflix territories. The show, which does not have a title yet, will feature an updated format that will still include Handler giving her take on entertainment headlines and guest interviews.

The comedian also has a one hour stand-up comedy special set to debut on Oct. 10. The performance will be based on her tour "Uganda Be Kidding Me" and taping will take place Friday at the Harris Theater in Chicago.

"If I was going to continue working in this industry, I knew I had to do something outside the box to keep myself interested," Handler said in a statement. "I wanted to sit with the cool kids at lunch so I approached Netflix to make sure they were as cool as I thought they were and when I confirmed my suspicions, like with any other future lover, I made my move."

"I'm more excited than I've been in awhile, and the team at Netflix is the most forward thinking, alert group I've sat down with in ages. No offense to the 'Shahs Of Sunset,'" Handler added.

In addition to the talk show and comedy special, Handler will also create four new docu-comedy specials for Netflix in 2015. The specials will feature Handler's attempts to get a better understanding on subjects like NASCAR, politics, Silicon Valley and the NBA draft.

The comedian announced in March that she will end her E! network talk show "Chelsea Lately" after eight years on air on Aug. 26. In addition to being a comedian and a talk show host, Handler is also a bestselling author and she released her fifth book, "Uganda Be Kidding Me," in March. It debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List.