Dave Chappelle Is Back and Scores Big [Video]

Dave Chappelle is back and scores big with Netflix. The comedian is doing what he loves best and that is making people laugh. More than a decade after walking away from Comedy Central, Chappelle inked a $60 million deal with Netflix to release a trio of specials. His first two Netflix specials premiered on March 21 and proved the comic is just as funny as ever and has not lost his comedic timing.

The self-titled “Chappelle’s Show” aired on Comedy Central from 2003-2005 and was a huge success. The fans love him and his courage to tackle all subject matters. Nothing was off limits to the comedian and his jokes scored big. To the surprise of the fans as well as the network, the comedian disappeared after signing a $50 million contract that was designed to secure two more seasons of the series. Many rumors and conspiracy theories surfaced speculating the actor’s reason for departure but he denied them all.

His television series was not just a show, but also a social phenomenon. His singular point of view was unleashed through a combination of street-smart sketches and stand-up snippets. “Chappelle’s Show” is hailed for the funk and the noise and was notably some of the funniest comedy on television.

Chappelle had his reasons for walking away from the limelight. He explained during a recent interview that the monetary offer he received threatened to change his life even more than the money he already earned from the entertainment industry. At that time, the “Half Baked” actor was questioning everyone in his circle and this caused him to doubt whether he was taking his career in the right direction. Whatever reason Chappelle chose to spend the last decade in obscurity, he is back and scores big. Netflix vice president, Lisa Nishimura, said:

Dave Chappelle is a legendary voice in comedy — searing, vital, and now more than ever, essential. Dave’s three new specials promise to be some of the most anticipated events in comedy, and we are honored he will mark his global return on Netflix.

The news of  Chappelle’s return came fresh after a hugely successful night hosting “Saturday Night Live” in November 2016. Marking a major comeback, the legendary comic scores big with his large fanbase. He has more control of his career doing standup and has no current plans to return to the “Chappelle’s Show” for another episode. The comedian said leaving the show that boosted his career into the stratosphere was like going through a bad break up. He loved it but knew he had to leave.

The actor has not been off the grid totally. In 2014, he performed 10 sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall and last year made an appearance in Spike Lee’s film “Chi-Raq.” Additionally, over the past three years, the “Blue Streak” actor performed more than 500 stand-up shows across the country.

During a recent interview on “CBS This Morning” with co-anchor Gayle King, Chappelle discussed leaving Comedy Central and explained how it worked in his favor. The comedian said:

It was not easy, and I do not recommend it,” he says. “But it worked for me. I took the Dave Chappelle detour. But it was a scenic route. … It was a long, long, long detour.

Twelve years later, the “Joe’s Apartment” actor is back and scores big. With two new standup specials “The Age of spin” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” streaming on Netflix, the comedian feels comfortable in his element. Critics and fans have given him mostly positive reviews and expressed excitement for the third special scheduled to air this year. Criticized for some of his questionable material relative to the LGBTQ community, the “Con Air” actor said he meant no ill will. It is simply the world of comedy.

WARNING:  VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

By Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Sources:

Hollywood Reporter: Dave Chappelle Headed to Netflix With 3 Stand-Up Specials
Washington Post: Dave Chappelle’s unapologetic return to the spotlight — and to a very different world
Comedy Central: Chappelle’s Show

Photo Credits:

Top Image Courtesy of Rondo Estrello – Flickr License
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