Chappelle’s Show is a sketch-comedy series built around stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle, who hosts the show and offers bits of stand-up in between sketches. Chappelle’s Show sketches are noted for their blunt and sometimes controversial takes on race, class and sexuality. The show also features frequent musical guests.
Aired:
January 22, 2003-July 23, 2006 (three seasons, 28 episodes) on Comedy Central
See It:
All three seasons as well as a best-of compilation are available on DVD.
History:
Chappelle’s Show debuted in 2003 and quickly became one of the most popular shows on Comedy Central, spawning catch phrases and gaining attention for its controversial sketches dealing with racial issues. Dave Chappelle became increasingly frustrated with the fame and attention, and in late 2004 delayed production on the third season of Chappelle’s Show because he was suffering from burnout and a perceived loss of creative control. Eventually Comedy Central collected the completed third-season sketches and aired them as three “lost episodes” in 2006. The show never returned.
Cast:
Dave Chappelle
Charlie Murphy
Donnell Rawlings
Neal Brennan
Charlie Murphy
Donnell Rawlings
Neal Brennan
Creators:
Chappelle’s Show was created by Dave Chappelle and fellow comedian and co-star Neal Brennan. Chappelle, Brennan and Michele Armour served as executive producers.
