Earlier this month, Dave Chappelle made his long-awaited return to sketch comedy this month by hosting Saturday Night Live for the first time in his career. Now, there’s word that the comedian has signed a deal with Netflix that will see three of his stand-up performances added to the streaming service next year.
Two of those performances are set to be taken from Chappelle’s personal vault, and will debut concurrently some time in 2017. One set was recorded at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles in March of this year, while the other was shot at Austin City Limits Live in April 2015.
The third special will be an original production for Netflix, with Chappelle collaborating with director Stan Lathan, who also helmed his seminal HBO special and partnered with Russell Simmons to produce Def Comedy Jam. No premiere date is set for the third special, according to a report from Variety.
Netflix already boasts a broad selection of stand-up comedy, with sets from acclaimed comedians like Hannibal Buress, Jim Jefferies, Jen Kirkman, and Louis C.K. However, it’s clear that the streaming giant is eager to ramp up this section of its library, especially in terms of exclusive content.
In October, it was announced that Chris Rock will end an eight-year stand-up hiatus by filming two new specials for Netflix. The company will apparently pay $40 million for this content, which demonstrates just how much of a priority comedy is at this moment in time.
Of course, many of Chappelle’s fans will be hoping that his deal with Netflix will be a precursor to a more substantial return to sketch comedy. There’s been an unwavering demand for more Chappelle’s Show since the series came to a close in 2006, but it remains to be seen whether the comedian could be convinced to produce another show in the same vein.
