Late night talk shows are back on top; with people like James Corden and Jimmy Fallon dominating the industry with celebrity guests, memorable skits, and comedy that the whole family can enjoy. Now, I don’t know about you, but somewhere down the road I decided I wanted someone who would tell it like it is, who was funny – but wasn’t always trying (and acknowledged those awkward scripted moments that every host has had to endure). Someone who is willing to try things, fail (in some cases, miserably), and laugh it off. Someone who wasn’t afraid to lay it all on the line, and try to teach us something in the process – I found that in Chelsea Handler’s new show ‘Chelsea’ on Netflix. I understand that a lot of people have issues with Chelsea (Chelsea even has some issues with Chelsea, if we’re being honest), but her new show is not your average talk show. For starters, Netflix has never attempted something like this – and bringing Chelsea on board only solidified the companies effort in providing innovative and ambitious content that is sure to leave you asking questions, and clicking on the next episode. This show is more than the blunt humor we have come to expect from Handler, she has real people in the studio that have the potential to teach us a little bit about everything. She invites everyone to take a seat, and in her way, provides comic relief while reminding us of the issues that matter most. From learning how to sing with Christina Aguilera, to discussing the election with senators, speechwriters, and authors – there really is something for everyone.
Chelsea first made her Netflix debut in a show titled ‘Chelsea Does…’, this miniseries centered on Marriage, Drugs, Silicon Valley, and Racism. Within these episodes, she tackles really difficult topics like nobody else. For instance, she decides to helm the creation of an app, in an effort to show the average consumer the inner workings of the technology world (and to try to understand some of it herself). This is why I believe Chelsea is a stand out; she is genuinely interested enough to invest her own time, money, and resources to give every curious onlooker a deeper perspective into whatever topic she thinks needs tackling. Now, make no mistake, I am not trying to convince you that Chelsea has made some divine transformation; she is very much the same cursing, drinking, brutally honest woman that we have all come to know. She just decided to do something different, and took these multiple opportunities with Netflix to explore her talents and grow as comedian, activist, and citizen. As a result, she has attracted a surplus of high profile guests and personal friends to sit beside her, and to talk about much more than what they wore on the red carpet last week.
Overall, I think what attracts me most is how relatable she is in her most unrestricted and genuinely ‘Chelsea’ moments. There’s never really a time when I worry that she didn’t mean what she said (which has put her in hot water in the past) – but for someone in her position, I respect her confidence as well as her ability to blend the world of comedy with her interest in politics, travel, and people. With that, I urge you to give Chelsea a chance the next time you’re browsing aimlessly, or your just looking to laugh. If you’re a dog lover, you’re sure to find some relief in Chunk, Chelsea’s more-than-just-a-pet companion that roams around the studio surprising everyone from Barbara Boxer to Jennifer Aniston.
“Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea” - Chelsea Handler
