Reportedly, Dave Chappelle had planned to take some time off following the release of The Closer, his latest special for Netflix. This announcement seemed understandable to many viewers, and even welcome to some — the comedian’s jokes about trans people didn’t sit well with many of his fans, and led to protests within Netflix itself. All of which makes this week’s announcement that Chappelle is reteaming with Netflix for four new specials to feel somewhat whiplash-inducing.
Exactly what Chappelle is doing next, though, seems less controversial. According to The Hollywood Reporter, these four forthcoming specials will feature Chappelle as producer and host, but will focus on other comedians.
The specials will be dubbed Chappelle’s Home Team, and will feature the likes of Earthquake and Donnell Rawlings. The former’s special, Earthquake: Legendary, will debut on February 28. In practice, it doesn’t sound too far removed from a bonus feature on Patton Oswalt’s 2020 special I Love Everything, in which Oswalt introduced a set by comedian Bob Rubin.
Both Oswalt and Chappelle seem to be using their platform as a way to introduce their fans to comedians who have been influential to them. “Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue,” Chappelle said. “I am proud to be a part of this moment.”
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