Netflix Lands Jerry Seinfeld

Netflix has landed another major exclusive for its streaming video platform, announcing a deal to bring legendary comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld to the subscription service.

Seinfeld will film two stand-up comedy specials that will be available exclusively on Netflix, according to a press release from the company. He will also produce 24 episodes of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" - his popular show that he had produced for the web - to air on the service.

The comedian's eponymous television series will be coming to the platform as part of the deal, too.

“Jerry is known the world over as both a great TV innovator and beloved comic voice,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, said in the press release. “We are incredibly proud to welcome him to the Netflix comedy family.”

Seinfeld's first stand-up special will hit Netflix "later this year," the release said. No timetable was given for the second.

"Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" is exactly what it sounds like. Seinfeld and a friend — usually a fellow actor, comedian or other celebrity — drive around in a classic car, swapping stories and telling jokes. Guests have included Steve Martin, Will Ferrell, and President Obama.

New episodes will be rolled out in installments starting this year. Previous episodes will also be made available on Netflix, according to the release.

"When I first started thinking about 'Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,' the entire Netflix business model consisted of mailing out DVDs in envelopes," Seinfeld said in the release. "I love that we are now joining together, both at very different points."

Netflix has become a major player in the stand-up comedy space, outbidding Comedy Central and HBO for other big names such as Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, and Aziz Ansari.

Image via David Shankbone, used under Creative Commons