• by Wayne Friedman , June 19, 2014

Continuing to move more in the direction of a broad-based TV channel, Netflix will start up a talk show with former E! personality Chelsea Handler.

Netflix, calling itself “the world’s leading Internet TV Network,” says the show will begin in early 2016, airing “simultaneously in all Netflix territories.”

Before the launch of the talk show, Handler will create four new docu-comedy specials exclusively for Netflix next year on a variety of subjects, ranging from NASCAR to politics, Silicon Valley to the NBA draft.

Handler has been host of E!'s “Chelsea Lately” since 2007. She will end her run for the show on August 26, 2014. Netflix broke new ground over the last year with original scripted program efforts, including “House of Cards,” “Arrested Development” and “Orange is the New Black.”

Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos stated: "The Internet has disrupted many of the conventions of traditional television and together with Chelsea Handler, Netflix is looking forward to reimagining the late night talk show for the on-demand generation, starting with the late night part.”

Adds Handler: “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.”

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