Comedy Central is a popular network that is no stranger to making hilarious shows, and during the 2000s, they struck gold when Chappelle's Show hit the air. The sketch comedy show was a sensation, and it turned Dave Chappelle into a household name.
In recent years, the show has been streaming on Netflix, and while fans were excited to rewatch their favorite sketches, a battle between Dave Chappelle and Comedy Central was slowly brewing. This story stole headlines, and the resolution that came from it was solid for one party.
Let's take a look at the famed sketch show and the feud that emerged between Dave Chappelle and Comedy Central.
What Happened Between Dave Chappelle And Comedy Central?
Unless you were around to see it, it's truly hard to grasp how big of a deal Chappelle's Show was on Comedy Central. It was a genuinely hilarious sketch comedy show, and the fans got to enjoy the brilliant comedic mind of Dave Chappelle each week.
Chappelle might have been the star of the show, but his supporting cast was outstanding, and they played a huge part in the success of the series. Performers like Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings were brilliant in each sketch, and the comedic chemistry they shared with Chappelle was nearly unmatched.
In just three seasons and 28 episodes, Chappelle's Show was able to establish a lasting legacy on television. Most shows need a lengthy run to accomplish what this show did, proving just how great it was in its short, but incredible run.
It's been years since the show ended, and while time is said to heal all wounds, things between Chappelle and Comedy Central grew quite strained.
The Rift Between Both Sides
So, what caused the rift between the two sides? Unfortunately, this all came down to compensation and principle.
Years back, Chappelle signed a deal with Viacom, the network's parent company, and the contract granted them "them rights to his show and likeness," per M Live. Chappelle's Show was being played on Netflix and racking up viewers, but Chappelle wasn't being compensated due to the nature of the contract he signed.
"They (ViacomCBS) didn’t have to pay me because I signed the contract. But is that right? I found out that these people were streaming my work and they never had to ask me or they never have to tell me. Perfectly legal ‘cause I signed the contract. But is that right? I didn’t think so either," Chappelle said in a video
In response to his lack of compensation, the comedian urged his fans to refrain from streaming the show while it was on Netflix.
“I’m coming to my real boss. I’m coming to you. If you ever liked me. If you ever think there was anything worthwhile about me, I’m begging you. Please don’t watch that show. I’m not asking you to boycott any network, Boycott me, boycott Chappelle show, do not watch it, unless they pay me,” he said.
This all unfolded back in 2020, and things have changed since.
Where They Stand Now?
These days, the fracture between the two sides is bandaged, at least for now.
Last year, Chappelle talked about how things played out, noting that the fans' lack of viewership ultimately got him his likeness back, as well as a huge paycheck.
"I asked you to stop watching the show and thank God almighty for you, you did. You made that show worthless because without your eyes it’s nothing. And when 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. Thank you very much," he said.
Now that he has everything that he should have had from the jump, the comedian is perfectly fine with the show being on Netflix. The show is back on the streaming platform, so fans can once again binge one of the funniest shows from the 2000s.
Chappelle had some departing words for the network, effectively getting the last laugh in the situation.
"And finally, after all these years, I can finally say to Comedy Central, It’s been a pleasure doing business with you," Chappelle said.
It was a rough little feud between Chappelle and Comedy Central, but at the end of the day, the comedian secured the bag, got his likeness back, and gave fans the chance to continue watching his classic show. For those that have never seen it, there's no better time to watch Chappelle's Show.
