Netflix's Chelsea Handler Deal Is About Much More Than Chelsea Handler

Something about Chelsea Handler's deal for a Netflix show doesn't add up.

Either she's going to be severely hobbled by the streaming service's technological limitations — it simply can't upload content fast enough to deliver subscribers a topical, same-day "late night" show — or else Netflix has a seriously scary-disruptive trick up its sleeve. Here's to betting it's the latter.

Netflix's Chelsea Handler announcement on Thursday said nothing of the format; whether it would be released daily, weekly or be binge-watchable; or whether it would be topical or timeless. Even Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos was coy: “The Internet has disrupted many of the conventions of traditional television ... Netflix is looking forward to reimagining the late night talk show for the on-demand generation, starting with the 'late night' part." Read more...