Dave Chappelle will now be on Netflix with three stand-up comedy specials to air in 2017.
One original stand-up special will be produced by Chappelle and director Stan Lathan, the other two being never-before-seen specials that are fresh from Chappelle’s comedy repertoire. These specials, filmed at Austin City Limits Live in April 2015 and the Hollywood Palladium in March 2016, mark the comic’s first concert specials in 12 years.
This news come after Chappelle hosted SNL, bringing the show season high ratings, reported by mxdwn.
“Dave Chappelle is a legendary voice in comedy — searing, vital, and now more than ever, essential,” Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of original documentary and comedy, 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.”
After leaving his famous Chappelle’s Show in 2005, these specials mark his first major TV endeavor since. Chappelle spent several years out of the limelight but returned with the 10 sold-out shows he performed at Radio City Music Hall in 2014. He also had a small role in Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq last year. Chappelle has performed an impressive 500 shows in the past three years.
Netflix, which has added the stand-up specials of the likes of Dana Carvey, Patton Oswalt, and Louis C.K., has become a key player in the stand-up space against competitors Comedy Central, HBO, and other platforms.
“For us, it’s about having enough of a global audience and anticipated engagement that we can get behind all of these projects,” Nishimura told THR earlier this month when discussing Rock’s highly anticipated specials.