Despite Dave Chappelle ending his previous comedy special deal with Netflix on a controversial note, the streaming service has announced a new four-special series featuring comedians handpicked by Chappelle.
The series, dubbed Chappelle’s Home Team, will premiere Feb. 28th with an episode spotlighting the stand-up comic known as Earthquake. In addition to serving as executive producer, Chappelle will play host on “Earthquake: Legendary” before handing off the mic to the renowned comedian.
Following Earthquake’s episode, Donnell Rawlings is the next member of “Chappelle’s Home Team” to get their own special, with a release date later this year.
“I’ve been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Chappelle said in a statement. “Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”
Chappelle and Netflix previously drew criticism for the comedian’s jokes aimed at LGBTQ+ community in his 2021 special The Closer, with employees of the streaming service staging a walkout over both the special and Netflix’s tepid response to the controversy.
While The Closer was touted as the final special in Chappelle’s massive exclusive deal with the streamer, Netflix has remained tethered to the comedian despite him being “cancelled,” first recruiting him to headline their upcoming Netflix Is a Joke festival and now with his Home Team.
Rolling Stone
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