Druski Lands Multiyear Netflix Deal After Funding His Own Show

Druski has landed a multiyear Netflix deal that brings his online comedy catalog to the streaming service and sets up new projects through his 4Lifers production company.

The agreement was announced November 2. Netflix will license “Coulda Been Love,” “Coulda Been Daddy” and “Coulda Been Records Auditions,” along with skits. Those projects have drawn more than a billion views combined on YouTube. The pact also covers exclusive original content.

“I’ve built my platform by creating characters and comedy that resonate with people,” Druski said in a statement.

The first series under the agreement, “Collect & Praise,” arrives December 1. Druski plays a pastor with an appetite for money in the semi-scripted comedy. Veteran comedian Mike Epps plays a deacon.

Druski paid for the show himself before Netflix acquired it, Deadline reported. The outlet also reported that the deal covers a fixed number of projects. It is not a traditional overall or first-look agreement.

The new business announcement follows the show’s September tease. On “The Diary Of A CEO,” Druski described Netflix passing on multiple projects before returning with interest in the work he had made.

“Now they want to purchase these shows that we’ve made and do more in the future.”

That interview captured an earlier stage of the talks. The November agreement now includes both a slate of new work and licenses for the shows his audience already knows.

Netflix has also made deals with YouTube creators Mark Rober, Ms. Rachel and Good Mythical Morning, The Verge noted. Druski’s agreement adds his character-based comedy to that push for creators who have built their own online followings.

He has been making deals outside television, too. In October, Druski took an equity stake in Gopuff through a separate multiyear partnership. Its terms include product development, merchandise and distribution for Coulda Been Records and 4Lifers. The value of his stake was not disclosed.

“Gopuff has always been my go-to platform, so partnering together felt like a natural next fit,” he said.

Before his Netflix series arrives, Druski is scheduled to host “Saturday Night Live” on November 7, with The Strokes as the musical guest.