Chelsea Handler has been out of the late-night scene for over a decade, but she hasn’t lost her touch when it comes to pop culture commentary. If her show, Chelsea Lately, were still airing, the comedian knows precisely what would dominate the headlines: the ongoing legal disputes between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni regarding their film adaptation of It Ends With Us. Handler expressed her disbelief about the saga during a recent interview with Yahoo Entertainment while promoting her new Netflix special, The Feeling.
“Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni would probably be front and center. I mean, that story just will not go away,” Handler remarked, adding, “it’s unbelievable” that these legal issues are still unresolved. “I just can’t believe it. I’ve already lost interest, actually, and it takes a lot to get me to lose interest,” she joked, showcasing her signature blend of humor and candidness.
Handler is not just reminiscing about her past; she is also considering a return to late-night television. She mentioned that she would be open to the idea if “the right opportunity presented” itself. However, her vision for a potential new show has evolved. She imagines a format that is “more political” and “a lot less about pop culture.” Yet, she emphasizes that it would still be a hybrid, incorporating some levity. “I don't want to only talk about politics. That’s not fun, either. So there has to be some levity, and it has to be about some of the ridiculous stories,” she explained.
One significant change Handler would make if she returned to late-night television is her approach to celebrity culture. “I wouldn’t go after young stars ever again. I would go after people who know better and are too old to be still screwing up,” she said. This new perspective aligns with a personal transformation she has experienced over the past few years.
Having recently turned 50, Handler is embracing a phase of her life characterized by optimism, positivity, laughter, and joyfulness in her comedy. If she could impart one piece of wisdom to her 30-year-old self, it would be, “it just keeps getting better.” She elaborated, “Like everything. It sounds corny and it sounds cliché, but clichés are clichés because they’re true. You get more confident, you get more secure, and you give less f***s. Those are all true things.”
Handler believes that maturity brings a greater ability to be present. “When you start caring less about the future and less about the past, you are able to be present,” she noted. “And being in the present moment, [those times] are the best providers of unadulterated bliss. Those are the best moments when you are really in them.” She emphasized that she is now more engaged in her moments than she was in her 20s and 30s.
For Handler, being present can mean simple actions like putting her phone away or opting to spend time with a smaller circle of loved ones. “Are you walking down the street on your phone? Because if you are, you’re doing two things badly,” she advised. “I didn't realize the benefit of that until I was in my 40s. But it is a practice. And it is something that I hold myself to a higher standard to now because I understand what that means.”
Handler’s new Netflix special, The Feeling, showcases this evolved perspective, and it is now available for streaming. In this special, she reflects on her life experiences, including her famous exes and former collaborators. Her candid storytelling and sharp wit have already garnered attention, with many fans eagerly tuning in.
In addition to Handler's special, the entertainment world is buzzing with other notable releases. Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd star in Death of a Unicorn, which hits theaters on March 28, 2025. This film follows a father and daughter who stumble upon a unicorn's healing properties during a weekend retreat.
Ariana Grande is also making waves with her new album, Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, which drops on the same day, featuring six new songs. Meanwhile, Will Smith is back in the music scene with his fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, also releasing on March 28, 2025, with 14 new tracks he refers to as “episodes.”
For those looking for a laugh, the first two episodes of The Studio, a new series led by Seth Rogen that parodies the film industry’s pressures, are now streaming on Apple TV+. This series promises to deliver the kind of humor that fans of 30 Rock will appreciate.
As Chelsea Handler continues to navigate her career, she remains a significant voice in the entertainment industry. Her ability to blend humor with personal growth resonates with many, making her a beloved figure in pop culture. With her new special and potential future projects on the horizon, Handler is poised to remain relevant and impactful.
Handler’s journey exemplifies how personal evolution can influence creative expression. By prioritizing authenticity and positivity, she is not only entertaining audiences but also inspiring them to embrace their own journeys. As she puts it, “I’m in my moments a lot more than I was in my 20s and 30s.”
