Chelsea Handler inks TV development deal with NBC just five months after ending Netflix series

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Chelsea Handler inks major TV deal

Top Talkers: According to the Hollywood Reporter, Handler has a multi-year development deal with NBC Universal.

Just five months after comedian Chelsea Handler ended her Netflix talk show to focus on activism, she’s returning to show business at NBC.

The network has reportedly given the star a first-look deal that will allow her to create and develop both scripted and unscripted programming for NBC Universal Television. The contract will last for multiple years, giving her time to develop new content in addition to the slew of new shows that she’s already hard at work on.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Handler i s currently acting as an executive producer for the comedy/drama “Unspeakable” for Hulu. In addition, she’s developing “I Hate the Internet” for TNT and also maintains her relationship with Netflix, reportedly working on an upcoming docuseries exploring the notion of white privilege.

As previously reported, Handler’s Netflix talk show ended a rocky run in 2017 after just two seasons. At the time, the star said that she was stepping away from the project in an effort to commit herself to focusing on activism. However, it seems that only lasted about five months.

“Chelsea's singular voice has long stood out among a crowded TV landscape, and we're excited that she is bringing her unbridled creativity and energy to our studio," Universal Television president Pearlena Igbokwe said in a press statement. "We look forward to the many projects to come with Chelsea's signature flair."

“Chelsea has the rare ability of making you truly think while making you laugh,” added Meredith Ahr, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. “She is bursting with ideas, and we can’t wait to tap into the unscripted side of Chelsea’s imagination.”

Handler’s deal with NBC marks her return to the company after more than four years away. Prior to her run at Netflix, the star ran an incredibly successful E! series, “Chelsea Lately.”

“I’ve spent most of my life telling personal stories about myself. Whether it’s been through comedy or books, everything has been about my life,” Handler said in a statement. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to work with NBCUniversal and put my focus and energy into telling other people’s stories and developing entertaining content all around.”