Netflix hopes to craft a can’t-miss event for its live Chris Rock special

The Future. Chris Rock’s new stand-up special, Selective Outrage, will be Netflix’s first foray into live programming… so the streamer is pulling all the stops to ensure it’s both a buzzy night and an easy experience for users. If successful, Netflix could attempt to further experiment with livestreaming as a way to eventize big film releases or create watercooler moments around the finales of unscripted shows.

Appointment streaming
Details on how Netflix’s live Chris Rock stand-up special will actually work are finally starting to roll out, per Variety.

• At 6:20 pm PT on March 4, a “Watch Live” button will appear on the platform.

• Users will be able to jump in live at any time during the broadcast or select “Play from the Beginning.”

• At any point, viewers can pause or rewind.

And don’t be surprised if there’s a giant spike in views once Rock finally addresses last year’s Oscars slap.

Red-carpet watchlist
In addition to the comedy special, Netflix is also programming a before and after show to drum up the hype that will be exclusive to the live broadcast.

• Hosted by Ronnie Chieng, “The Show Before the Show” will start at 6:30 pm and feature appearances from celebrities like Leslie Jones, Deon Cole, Amy Schumer, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Paul McCartney, and Wanda Sykes.

• After Rock’s 7 pm show, “The Show After the Show” will air with appearances from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, J.B. Smoove, and Arsenio Hall.

Unlike Selective Outrage, these pre-and-post-shows will only be available during the live broadcast.