Chris Rock's Return As Oscars Host: Why It Will Work

The comedian returns to the job 11 years after his first outing

For those who remember when Chris Rock first hosted the Oscars in 2011, today's announcement that he'll be back on the job next year came as a bit of a surprise.

His debut back in 2005—the year that Million Dollar Baby won Best Picture—left critics divided. He was panned for pushing the envelope too much by poking fun at the talents of several actors, most notably Jude Law. Others praised his no-holds-barred approach as refreshing and providing a jolt for a show that some could argue takes itself too seriously.

I will admit that I never expected to see the Academy wooing Rock again. Why reach back a decade to find a new host? Why sign a comedian that offended so many during his first go-round? Why not beg and plead and threaten to cancel the Oscars if Ellen DeGeneres didn't come back because she was such a home run?

From what I've been told DeGeneres has made it clear that she doesn't want the job again because she's hesitant to risk failing and erasing her legacy as one of the Oscars' best hosts ever.

Rock, on the other hand, has a chance at redemption. The Madagascar star is going to do whatever it takes to salvage his reputation. He wants us to forget 2011 and will work overtime and beyond to earn his place alongside the likes of DeGeneres, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.

Even so, don't expect Rock to temper himself to avoid another Jude Law situation. He will take shots at some of Hollywood's biggest names, but that's OK because a lot has changed in 11 years. Social media has forced celebrities to grow much thicker skins.

Rock has the potential to be a ratings bonanza for the Oscars. Those who remember 2011 will tune in to see if anything has changed. The younger demo will tune in to see a funny and smart man of color commanding the stage, the same Chris Rock who they know as the director of Amy Schumer's recent HBO special.

And everyone knows Rock isn't afraid to take on politics and race relations—perfect for an Oscars taking place during a presidential election year.

Best case scenario is Rock nails it. Worst case scenario, he doesn't and the Academy goes back to the drawing board.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Last year's host Neil Patrick Harris tweeted this morning, "Chris Rock is hosting the #Oscars. Brilliant choice. He'll be awesome."

Fingers-crossed.