Xbox Original Series Network Launch and Details: Microsoft Aims to Compete with Netflix and Hulu With Sarah Silverman Comedy Show
On Monday, Xbox Entertainment Studios announced that it would begin developing a variety of Xbox original series similar to the business strategy Netflix and Amazon have capitalized on.
According to the Los Angeles Times, comedian Sarah Silverman will host her on variety comedy show as one of Xbox's first shows.
Xbox Originals is set to launch in June and will enable Xbox users, who already have access to streaming content providers such as Netflix and Hulu, to view new original and exclusive programming.
Jordan Levin, executive vice president of Xbox Entertainment, said it makes sense from a business standpoint to develop original content outside of the gaming industry, which Xbox has dominated in the last decade and a half.
"Microsoft has a long and rich legacy in the content business," Levin said. "Games have been part of our DNA for at least the last 15 years, and creating original TV content is a logical next step in our evolution."
Silverman's online comedy network JASH, which she co-founded alongside Michael Cera, Tim and Eric, and Reggie Watts, is partnering with Xbox to create the variety show.
"Each week, a different comedian will host-curate a show featuring new and unsung talent, in various video formats," according to Xbox.
Silverman is expected to host the pilot while the show goes begins production in June, the Times reported.
The announcement of Silverman's new show comes amid the rumors that Chelsea Handler will be getting a new late night show as a Netflix original series.
Two "Halo"-based series are also in the works as Xbox Originals, with one of them being executively produced by filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The other series will be a digital feature brought by director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan.
Xbox Originals will also stream live events, starting with the simulcast of the 13th Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on June 13.