Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian Hannah Gadsby has signed a multi-title deal with Netflix, including a new hour-long special for Gadsby, as well as a multi-comic special that will showcase gender-diverse performers produced and hosted by Gadsby.
Of the multi-comic special, Gadsby said: “In an effort to further open a door that I had to fight to get through myself, I will curate and host a line-up show on Netflix featuring six new, gender-diverse comedians.
“In a notoriously transphobic industry, I am looking to broaden the scope of opportunities for genderqueer performers from around the globe, as well as expand the diversity of offerings to audiences on one of comedy’s biggest platforms.”
The multi-comic special isn’t just about showcasing the talents of up-and-coming comedians, it also provides the performers with a mentorship program. This program will give career advice as well as social and cultural support for members of marginalised communities to continue to perfect their craft.
Gadsby said of the mentorship program: “Coupled with a mentorship initiative for these up-and-coming comics, the program aims to foster the professional development of a demographic that is still struggling to have their voices heard.”
Rocketing to international fame in what appeared to be an “overnight success” with their first Netflix special Nanette in 2018, the special went on to win a Peabody award and a Primetime Emmy award, cementing Gadsby as a leader in the global roster of comedy stars.
Nanette was supposed to be Gadsby’s farewell from comedy, as they stated in the special that this would be their final show. With such huge amounts of success, by popular demand, Gadsby then returned to Netflix with a second hour-long special Douglas in 2020, with the special taking home an AACTA Award.
Gadsby’s new set, Body of Work, will be recorded live at the Sydney Opera House, in collaboration with The Sydney Opera House Trust. The special will premiere on Netflix in 2023.