Chris Rock: Selective Outrage Announced as Netflix's First Live Global Event

By Spencer Perry

Previously announced back in November, Netflix has given the world a surprise Christmas gift with the title and release date for Chris Rock's upcoming live comedy special. Officially titled Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, the stand-up special is being billed as Netflix's first ever "Live Global Event," the special will premiere on the streaming service on Saturday, March 4, starting at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. Considering hte timing of the special, arriving just under a year after the infamous Oscar slap, it seems very likely that the subject will be broached. You can watch the new Netflix teaser for Chris Rock's 2023 comedy special below.

Selective Outrage marks the second Netflix comedy special that Rock has recorded, and his first in five years. Previously the comedian released Tamborine back in 2018s, which would go on to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, Rock's fourth nod. Netflix's release about the announcement reads: "Chris Rock is about to make history as the first artist to perform LIVE on Netflix! The legendary comedian, writer, director, and actor's newest comedy special will premiere live — globally — in early 2023 on Netflix!"  

It was reported earlier this year by Deadline that Netflix was considering branching into live performances on its streaming services. Back in May the trade noted that the streamer would be using it at first to focus on comedy specials and big episodes for reality shows. Rock's upcoming special marks the first time they've officially announced live programming plans.

When did Will Smith slap Chris Rock?

As you may recall, the biggest thing to happen in Chris Rock's career in the past year was when he got slapped in the face by Will Smith. The action took place at the 94th Academy Awards, occurring on March 27, 2022. It all started when Rock appeared to present the winner for Best Documentary Feature, making a joke at the expense of Jada Pinkett-Smith, likening her appearance to to Demi Moore's shaved head in G.I. Jane, jesting that she's prepping for a sequel.

Though Smith laughed at the joke, he soon left his seat and walked on stage, slapping Rock across the face and changing the mood of the entire evening and even his standing in Hollywood. Smith would go on to exchange some verbal barbs with Rock, which were censored in the broadcast. The rest of the night was left with an aura of confusion as many wondered if it would be addressed at all on stage or during the event. In the end nothing was done during the ceremony, with Smith going on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. Smith would later resigned his membership from The Academy, who would go on to ban him from Oscar ceremonies for the next ten years.

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