Chappelle's Show Explained

Runtime:16–26 minutes
Creator:Dave Chappelle
Neal Brennan
Starring:Dave Chappelle
Charlie Murphy
Donnell Rawlings
Paul Mooney
Language:English
Executive Producer:Dave Chappelle
Neal Brennan
Michele Armour
Country:United States
Network:Comedy Central
Company:Pilot Boy Productions
Marobru Productions
Comedy Partners
Num Seasons:3
Num Episodes:28

Chappelle's Show is an American sketch comedy television series created by comedians Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan, with Chappelle hosting the show and starring in the majority of its sketches. Chappelle, Brennan, and Michele Armour were the show's executive producers. The series premiered on January 22, 2003, on the American cable television network Comedy Central. The show ran for two complete seasons. An abbreviated third season of three episodes aired in 2006, compiled of previously unreleased sketches.

After numerous delays, production of the third season of Chappelle's Show was abruptly ended when Chappelle left the series. Critically acclaimed throughout its run, the series often satirized and examined—through dark and racial humorrace, social stereotypes, masculinity, celebrity culture, and comedy itself. TV Guide included it on their list of "TV's Top 100 Shows" and it was placed 26th on Entertainment Weeklys "New TV Classics" ranking.[1]

Format

The show opened with Chappelle being introduced over the instrumental from the song "Hip-Hop", from the album Let's Get Free by Dead Prez. Chappelle would perform a short stand up in front of a live audience. The focus would then shift to a prerecorded sketch. The show was notorious for its handling of the topic of sexuality and Chappelle's casual usage of racial epithets. Chappelle performed sketches that premiered intricate cultural topics, such as prostitution, the entertainment industry, gun violence, numerous drug references (particularly marijuana, alcohol, PCP, crystal meth and crack cocaine) and music. The show often closed with a musical performance by a hip hop or soul artist.[2]

Cast

Frequent or notable guest stars

Many guest stars appeared on the show, including Half Baked co-stars Guillermo Díaz, Jim Breuer and Snoop Dogg (who was also a musical guest); RZA, GZA and Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan, Rick James, Damon Dash, Redman, Ice-T, Arsenio Hall, Wayne Brady (the only guest to appear on stage), Mos Def (who was also a musical guest), Eddie Griffin, Susan Sarandon, Q-Tip, Rashida Jones, Jamie Foxx, Carson Daly, Ron Jeremy, Bill Burr, Patrice O’Neal, Rich Vos, Spike Lee, Michael Rapaport and Joe Rogan.

Musical guests included De La Soul, Ludacris, Robert Petkoff, Talib Kweli, Fat Joe, Wyclef Jean, Killer Mike, Big Boi of OutKast, Anthony Hamilton, Kanye West, Common, DMX, Busta Rhymes, Slum Village, John Mayer, Questlove, Cee-Lo Green, Vida Guerra, Erykah Badu and Lil Jon.

Notable sketches

Rather than acting out sketches in front of a live studio audience, the sketches were prerecorded with the audience reaction usually used in lieu of a laugh track. According to Neal Brennan in the season-two DVD commentary, the production team never edited in prerecorded laughs, with the exception of the "Dude's Night Out" sketch due to the lack of reaction from the audience.[3]

Recurring characters

Episodes

In total, 28 episodes of Chappelle's Show produced between 2003 and 2006, in addition to a Music Jump-Off special and four compilation episodes.

Specials (2003–04)

Third-season delays

2004

During a June 2004 stand-up performance in Sacramento, California, Chappelle left the stage due to audience members interrupting the show by shouting, "I'm Rick James, bitch!," which became a catchphrase from the popular "Rick James" sketch. After a few minutes, Chappelle returned and continued by saying, "The show is ruining my life." He stated that he disliked working "20 hours a day" and that the popularity of the show was making it difficult for him to continue his stand-up career which was "the most important thing" to him. He also told the audience:

2005

The third season of Chappelle's Show was scheduled to premiere in February 2005. This date was pushed back to May 31, 2005, when production fell behind schedule in December 2004 because, according to Comedy Central, Chappelle had fallen ill with the flu (Chappelle later told Oprah Winfrey that this was untrue and that stress had caused him to leave).[15] On May 4, 2005, just weeks before the anticipated premiere, Comedy Central announced that Chappelle's Show would not be ready by the announced date and that production had been suspended "until further notice". No reason for the delay or suspension was given and no response was given by Chappelle.[16] One week later, it was reported (most notably by The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly) that Chappelle had flown to South Africa on April 28 to stay in an undisclosed psychiatric facility.

On May 14, Time announced that one of their reporters, Christopher John Farley, had interviewed Chappelle in South Africa, and that no psychiatric treatments were occurring or necessary. Chappelle returned shortly thereafter and quelled rumors of psychiatric or substance-abuse problems, and emphasized that his trip was a "spiritual retreat" intended to keep his sense of reality outside the bubble of intense pressure and fame and to keep his humor fresh.

On July 14, Comedy Central president Doug Herzog announced that Chappelle was welcome back any time, but that the comedian had said he was still not ready to return. Herzog put a positive spin on negotiations, but conceded that he did not expect Chappelle's Show to return in 2005. The New York Times also reported that Chappelle explained to Herzog, over dinner, that his success was getting to him and that "he wanted to be wrong again sometimes, instead of always being right."

In August, with Herzog and Chappelle having reportedly not spoken since their June 3 meeting, TV Guide featured an interview with Charlie Murphy, in which he stated, "Chappelle's Show is over, man. Done... It took me a long time to be able to say those words, but I can say it pretty easy now because it's the truth." Around the same time came confirmation from Comedy Central that co-creator Neal Brennan had left the show.

Nonetheless, on December 11, during Comedy Central's Last Laugh '05, a promotion for the third season of the show was aired.

2006

On January 24, 2006, the program premiered uncensored on the UK's FX, starting with the second season. The first episode featured the "Slow Motion" sketch, one of the most famous in the United Kingdom, popularized by the Internet. It was well received by critics, with outspoken TV critic Gary Naysmith declaring it, "The finest piece of television I've seen all year."

On February 3, 2006, Chappelle made his first television interview since production ceased on season three, on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He stated that burnout, losing his creative control, and a work environment that was uncomfortable, were some of the reasons he left the show. He also stated that he would be open to producing the remainder of season three (and perhaps a season four) only if his demands were met, one of which was to ensure that half of the proceeds of future Chappelle's Show DVD sales would go to charity. Chappelle claimed that if Comedy Central aired the unaired episodes, the show would be finished. After that announcement, Comedy Central stopped advertising the release of the third season for a period of time.

The "Lost Episodes"

In April, the network wrapped up production of the third season, taping the live studio audience segments for three episodes. In place of Chappelle, the last episodes were cohosted by regular cast members Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings. Advertised as the "lost episodes", they began airing on July 9, 2006. The third and final episode aired on July 23, 2006. The DVD collection of the lost episodes was released on July 25, 2006.

When asked if he felt guilty about carrying on with the lost episodes without Chappelle, Rawlings replied:

Release

Broadcast

Reruns have frequently aired on Comedy Central and VH1 in the US. The series also airs around the world, with episodes airing on MTV in Germany, Comedy Central in Brazil, The Comedy Network and MuchMusic in Canada, SBS,[17] NITV[18] (sister channel to SBS), The Comedy Channel and 7mate in Australia, and FX in the United Kingdom.The series was also shown on WGN America and was syndicated to various television stations across the US, including MyNetworkTV.

Streaming

The series is available to be streamed on the Comedy Central app and website. The series is also available to stream on Paramount+, Netflix, and HBO Max.[19] [20] [21] [22] It is free to digitally rent with select public libraries in the United States through Hoopla.[23]

On November 1, 2020, the series became available to stream on Netflix and HBO Max. However, less than two months later, the series was removed from both services following Chappelle's commentary concerning his lack of royalties from the show during his appearance on Saturday Night Live.[24] [25] On February 11, 2021, Chappelle announced that he had renegotiated his deal with ViacomCBS, and the show returned to the services the following day.[26] [27] Despite the renegotiated deal, Season 3 (the "lost episodes") were not reposted to Netflix, and has also been withdrawn from other platforms where it was available previously like Crave in Canada.[28] [29]

Home media

The DVD sets for seasons one and two of Chappelle's Show have sold extremely well since their release. As of 2005, the first-season DVD was the best-selling TV series set of all time,[30] beating out other popular shows such as The Simpsons (the first season of which held the record beforehand), American Dad!, Family Guy, Friends, and Seinfeld. According to a 10/17/10 USA Today article, Season 1 has sold over two million copies.[31]

Although the DVDs are "uncensored", some of the music performances were removed due to licensing issues. Also the episode "Music Jump-Off" which featured Chappelle visiting his old high school, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, intercut with previously unaired sketches and musical performances, did not make either DVD set.

On October 11, 2005, the first half of the first season was released on UMD.

On May 23, 2006, the first uncensored season was made available for purchase on the iTunes Music Store, and on June 20, the second uncensored season was also made available on iTunes.

On June 5, 2007, Comedy Central released a compilation DVD titled The Best of Chappelle's Show which highlights 25 of the most popular sketches in all seasons.

On November 20, 2007, Comedy Central released a boxset with season one, season two, and "the Lost Episodes" titled Chappelle's Show – The Series Collection.

All box sets were released by Paramount Home Entertainment (under the Comedy Central banner).

DVD releases

DVD Name Release Date
  1. of Eps
Additional Information
Season 1 Uncensored February 24, 2004 12 This 2 disc box set includes 12 episodes from Season 1. Bonus features include Deleted scene/Gag reel, 20 Minute Featurette Ask A Black Dude with Paul Mooney, Audio commentary on 5 Episodes and on the Deleted scenes/Gag reel.
Season 2 Uncensored May 24, 2005 13 This 3 disc box set includes 13 episodes from Season 2. Bonus features include New Stand Up Material From Chappelle, Uncut Rick James interview, Gag reel and Deleted scenes.
The Lost Episodes Uncensored July 25, 2006 3 This single disc box set includes the 3 episodes from the unfinished third season. Bonus features include unaired sketches, Fabulous Making of Chappelle's Show Documentary, Audio commentary by Charlie Murphy, Donnell Rawlings and Neal Brennan, Blooper reel and Deleted scenes.
The Best of Chappelle's Show Uncensored June 5, 2007Compilation This compilation highlights 25 of the most popular sketches in all seasons in an uncensored format.
The Series Collection November 20, 2007[32] 28 All episodes from Season One, Season Two, and "The Lost Episodes".

Notes and References

  1. Web site: December 20 . EW Staff Updated . EST . 2019 at 09:35 AM . The New Classics: TV . 2022-11-20 . EW.com . en.
  2. Book: Wisniewski, K.A.. The Comedy of Dave Chappelle:Critical Essays. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 2009. 9780786454273. Jefferson, North Carolina. 15.
  3. Dave Chappelle. January 22, 2003. Chappelle's Show. television production. Comedy Partners. New York City, NY. 2009-04-27. January 10, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070110145440/http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/chappelles_show/index.jhtml. dead.
  4. Web site: Dave Chappelle: The Reason Grandmas Know Who Lil Jon Is . https://web.archive.org/web/20040622191853/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1488068/20040601/index.jhtml?headlines=true . dead . June 22, 2004 . MTV . January 6, 2004 . 2014-08-13.
  5. Geier, Thom; Jensen, Jeff; Jordan, Tina; Lyons, Margaret; Markovitz, Adam; Nashawaty, Chris; Pastorek, Whitney; Rice, Lynette; Rottenberg, Josh; Schwartz, Missy; Slezak, Michael; Snierson, Dan; Stack, Tim; Stroup, Kate; Tucker, Ken; Vary, Adam B.; Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Ward, Kate (December 11, 2009), "THE 100 Greatest MOVIES, TV SHOWS, ALBUMS, BOOKS, CHARACTERS, SCENES, EPISODES, SONGS, DRESSES, MUSIC VIDEOS, AND TRENDS THAT ENTERTAINED US OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS". Entertainment Weekly. (1079/1080):74-84
  6. Web site: Snierson. Dan. December 27, 2004. EW's Great Performances of 2004: Dave Chappelle. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150312181412/http://www.ew.com:80/article/2004/12/27/ews-great-performances-2004-4 . March 12, 2015 . 2014-08-13. EW.com.
  7. Web site: Candidate blames theft on 'Chappelle' skit – today > entertainment – today > entertainment > tv - TODAY.com . Today.com . April 13, 2005 . 2014-08-13.
  8. Web site: Rick James Has A Bitch of a Time Running For City Council . https://web.archive.org/web/20071014144911/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500130/04132005/id_0.jhtml?headlines=true . dead . October 14, 2007 . MTV . April 13, 2005 . 2014-08-13.
  9. Book: K.A. Wisniewski. The Comedy of Dave Chappelle: Critical Essays. July 2, 2009. McFarland. 978-0-7864-5427-3. 99.
  10. News: The hilariously dangerous world of Dave Chappelle . Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . January 27, 2004.
  11. Web site: May 26, 2006. Paul Mooney on Pryor, Chappelle and the state of black America. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140413151351/http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060526%2FFEATURES%2F605260651%2F-1%2FFEATURES21. April 13, 2014. 2014-08-13. HeraldTribune.com.
  12. Web site: Charlie Sheen Blames Dave Chappelle, Testosterone Cream For 2010 Meltdown On 'Conan' (VIDEO). April 12, 2013. Huff Post.
  13. News: Chappelle: Laughing all the way to the bank . USA Today . Gary . Levin . August 3, 2004 . April 28, 2010.
  14. Web site: Reid. Cynthia. February 2, 2012. Wayne Brady Talks Staying Relevant, The Paul Mooney Joke That Offended Him and The Chappelle Show Sketch He Can't Seem To Shake. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180530124448/http://www.indiewire.com/2012/02/wayne-brady-talks-staying-relevant-the-paul-mooney-joke-that-offended-him-and-the-chappelle-show-sketch-he-cant-seem-to-shake-147953/. May 30, 2018. IndieWire.
  15. http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2006/02/03/chappelle-oprah-return.html
  16. News: Martin. Denise. May 4, 2005. Variety.com – 'Chappelle' yuks yanked for now. Variety.
  17. Web site: Chappelle's Show. December 29, 2003. The Sydney Morning Herald.
  18. Web site: Chappelle's Show S1 Ep1. NITV. January 22, 2016.
  19. Web site: Todd Spangler. July 29, 2020. CBS All Access Adds 70 Shows From ViacomCBS's Networks Ahead of 2021 Rebranding. July 31, 2020. Variety.
  20. Web site: Chappelle's Show. November 20, 2020. CBS All Access. January 21, 2003 .
  21. Web site: Chappelle's Show. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201116224851/https://www.netflix.com/title/70142413. November 16, 2020. 2020-11-20. Netflix. en.
  22. Web site: Chappelle's Show. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20201125090504/https://www.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GX4SJngi5ACeIlgEAAAAS. November 25, 2020. November 20, 2020. HBO Max.
  23. Web site: Chappelle's Show - Watch Episodes on Netflix, CBS All Access, Hoopla, Comedy Central, Comedy Central, Comedy Central Now, and Streaming Online | Reelgood. reelgood.com.
  24. Web site: Thorne. Will. 2020-11-24. 'Chappelle's Show' Removed From Netflix at Dave Chappelle's Request. 2020-11-24. Variety. en-US.
  25. Web site: Otterson. Joe. 2020-12-15. 'Chappelle's Show' to Be Pulled Off HBO Max at Dave Chappelle's Request, Casey Bloys Says. 2020-12-17. Variety. en-US.
  26. Web site: Chappelle's Show returns to Netflix now that Dave got paid . Thomas . Ricker . February 12, 2021 . February 12, 2021 . .
  27. Web site: Jacobs . Julia . 2021-02-12 . 'Chappelle's Show' Returns to Netflix After Dave Chappelle Gets Paid . 2021-02-13 . The New York Times . en-US . As a result of that public pressure, Chappelle, in a video posted early Friday on his Instagram, said he was paid “millions of dollars.” And “Chappelle’s Show” is now returning to Netflix and HBO Max..
  28. Web site: 'Chappelle's Show' Returns to Netflix on Comedian's Own Terms. Jordan. Ogihara. MXDWN. February 12, 2021. February 26, 2021.
  29. Web site: Chappelle's Show: Uncensored. Crave.ca. February 26, 2021.
  30. Web site: Chappelle's Show DVD news: S1 DVD Passes The Simpsons As #1 All-Time TV-DVD; Celebrates by Announcing Season 2! . TVShowsOnDVD.com . 2014-08-13 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070815181100/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=2338 . August 15, 2007 . mdy-all .
  31. Web site: Snider . Mike . October 2004 . Old TV shows never die... .
  32. Web site: Chappelle's Show DVD news: Announcement for Chappelle's Show – The Series Collection . https://archive.today/20130205093649/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7801 . dead . February 5, 2013 . TVShowsOnDVD.com . July 8, 2007 . 2014-08-13 .