Chappelle's Show is returning to Netflix after Dave Chappelle resolves issues with Comedy Central. The comedian's classic Comedy Central sketch series ran for three critically acclaimed seasons before ending in 2006. Considered one of the greatest comedy shows of all time, Chappelle Show was notable for tackling controversial topics and hilarious celebrity impressions, like R. Kelly, Prince, and Rick James. Following the show's abrupt ending, Chappelle disappeared from the spotlight for several years before returning to television to host the post-election episode of SNL in 2016. Thirteen years after his last comedy special, he officially returned from his hiatus with two new Netflix stand-up specials to take on controversial subjects and cultural shifts. His comeback continued into 2020 thanks to his $20 million-per-release comedy-special with Netflix, releasing multiple specials under the deal.
Much to fans' excitement, Chappelle's Show was added to Netflix back in November as part of a non-exclusive streaming deal. But after three weeks, the streamer removed the show at Chappelle's request over a contract dispute with Comedy Central owner ViacomCBS. Chappelle claimed Viacom CBS, who owned the rights to Chappelle's Show, licensed the series without his approval and did not allow him to receive the royalties after leaving the show. Chappelle revealed that he asked Netflix to remove the show because it made him "feel bad," which they agreed to, and he urged his fans not to watch the series on any streamer until he gets paid for it. HBO Max also removed the show from their lineup at the end of 2020 at Chappelle's request. Chappelle made it clear during the controversy that he still had a good relationship with Netflix, praising the streamer for agreeing to remove his show to make him feel better.
Now Chappelle's Show is returning to Netflix on February 12. The comedian made the big announcement at the end of a routine at Stubb's Waller Creek venue in Austin that he posted in a 10-minute video titled "Redemption Song" on Instagram Thursday. He also revealed that the issues with Comedy Central had been resolved and praised his fans for honoring his request not to watch the show while it was on the streamer. "I asked you to stop watching the show and thank God almighty for you, you did," said Chappelle. "You made that show worthless because without your eyes, it’s nothing. And you stopped watching it. They called me and I got my name back and I got my license back and I got my show back and they paid me millions of dollars.”
Chappelle also thanked co-chief executive of Netflix Ted Sarandos for sticking by him the whole time. "I want to thank Ted Sarandos at Netflix, a CEO with the courage to take my show off its platform [at] financial detriment to his company, just because I asked him," said Chappelle. Chappelle continued by also thanking Chris McCarthy of ViacomCBS for "making the past right." "Finally, after all these years, I can finally say that Comedy Central, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you,” said Chappelle.
Remarkably, pressure from the public made ViacomCBS stop and listen to Chappelle, leading to them settling their disagreement. Chappelle's passion for his work and his fans comes through, and it's nice to see him address his fans for their role in the resolution. While Chappelle Show may have been over far too soon, it will at least have a home where it can be watched and remembered for its greatness.
Source: Dave Chappelle