Netflix Yanks ‘Chappelle’s Show’ After Dave Chappelle Asked Them To Do So Because He Wasn’t Paid
Netflix has pulled Dave Chappelle's sketch comedy series 'Chappelle's Show' after being asked to do so by the comedian.
Chappelle posted an 18-minute video to his Instagram that revealed the news but also detailed how he "never got paid" after leaving his ViacomCBS-owned show at the height of its popularity.
The Instagram post that Chappelle shared (titled 'Unforgiven') featured footage from a recent stand-up gig where Chappelle also talked about different moments in his career that provided him life lessons that have now come full circle.
One of the things he highlighted throughout the piece was "the contract" he signed for Chappelle's Show.
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. That's why I like working for Netflix. I like working for Netflix because when all those bad things happened to me, that company didn't even exist. And when I found out they were streaming 'Chappelle's Show,' I was furious. How could they not — how could they not know? So you know what I did? I called them and I told them that this makes me feel bad. And you want to know what they did? They agreed that they would take it off their platform just so I could feel better.
Netflix never made an official comment on the matter, but clearly, their actions speak louder than any words could when it comes to their relationship with Chappelle who has multiple exclusive specials on their platform.
You can still stream 'Chappelle's Show' on other platforms and brands including its original home at Comedy Central where it ran for three seasons between 2003 and 2006.
Feedback so far has seemed to lean in favor of Chappelle's wish for people to "boycott" him by not watching his show. The question is: Will it lead to productive conversations to get Chappelle paid fairly or maybe even a reboot of his sketch comedy series?
Only time will tell, but based on what the legendary comedian communicated in his short stand-up clip, if they don't work with him, he may just "take it."