The hit sketch comedy seriesChappelle’s Showis now streaming on Netflix and HBO Max ahead ofDave Chappelle’s return to Saturday Night Livethis weekend. Airing on Comedy Central for three seasons between 2003 and 2006,Chappelle’s Showwas one of the most popular comedy shows of its time before it came to a sudden end. Now, fans can revisit the popular series by checking out classic episodes on bothNetflixand HBO Max as of Nov. 1.
“Featuring stand-up, sketch comedy and musical performances, Dave Chappelle takes on culture with a no-holds-barred attitude,” a press release from HBO Max reads. “And with themes like race and fame at the forefront of the series, nothing is off-limits onChappelle’s Show.”
The streaming rights toChappelle’s ShowforHBO Maxcome as part of a larger deal with Comedy Central, a Viacom-owned network. This means the streamer will also beginstreamingepisodes of other popular Comedy Central programs likeKey & Peele,Nathan For You,Reno 911!, andInside Amy Schumer.
Created by Chappelle and Neal Brennan,Chappelle’s Showpremiered on Comedy Central to immediate success in 2003. Some of the most memorable segments include a skit with Chappelle playing Clayton Bigsby, a blind white supremacist who doesn’t know he’s Black; aTraining Dayparody with Wayne Brady playing a sinister version of himself; A Moment in the Life of Lil Jon, with Chappelle imagining the famous rapper doing everyday tasks; and a spoof ofTrue Hollywood Storieswith Charlie Murphy regaling his bizarre encounters in the ’80s with Rick James.
Trouble behind the scenes led to Chappelle abruptly leaving during the production of season 3, taking an impromptu trip to South Africa. Because he opted not to return to work on the series, the final episodes were cohosted by regular performers Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings. Advertised as the “Lost Episodes,” the third season consists of only three episodes. In an interview withTimein 2007, Chappelle explained his reasoning for leaving the series, citing the stress along with keeping his ego in check.
“Coming here, I don’t have the distractions of fame,” Chappelle said, suggesting he wasn’t prepared for the immense fame that came along with the success of the series. “It quiets the ego down. I’m interested in the kind of person I’ve got to become. I want to be well-rounded and the industry is a place of extremes. I want to be well-balanced. I’ve got to check my intentions, man.”
It’s always fun to go back and check out Chappelle’s classic work onChappelle’s Show, but fans of the comedian will also be able to catch him live with new material this weekend. For the second time, Chappelle will be serving as the host ofSaturday Night Live. Proving he’s still got it years after leavingChappelle’s Show, Chappelle even won an Emmy for his last appearance onSNL. After hosting the show the week Donald Trump won the presidential election in 2016, Chappelle’s return will come days after the 2020 presidential election.
