It’s not as if Dave Chappelle dropped off the face of the Earth after walking away from Comedy Central’s $50 million offer for two more seasons of Chappelle’s Show, but it sure seemed that way. He went nearly a decade between film roles — from 2006’s Dave Chappelle’s Block Party to 2015’s Chi-Raq — and rarely performed standup. But Chappelle’s back in a big way.
He hosted the best SNL of the season, made some eyebrow-raising comments about Donald Trump, got grossed out by David Blaine alongside Drake and Steph Curry, and he’ll release three all-new standup specials through Neflix.
Chappelle and director Stan Lathan will produce an original stand-up comedy special exclusively for Netflix, with its premiere date to be announced. Two additional never-before-seen specials come directly from Chappelle’s personal comedy vault. Directed by Lathan and filmed at Austin City Limits and The Hollywood Palladium, these represent Chappelle’s first concert specials in 12 years.
“Dave Chappelle is a legendary voice in comedy — searing, vital, and now more than ever, essential,” Netflix’s VP of Original Documentary and Comedy Lisa Nishimuras said. “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.” You know what pairs well with all that Chappelle? His SNL scene partner Chris Rock’s two specials.
Chappelle’s return to stand-up will release simultaneously sometime in 2017.
