Chappelle’s Show Pulled Off Netflix & HBO Max At Dave Chappelle's Request

It hasn't even been a month since Netflix removed the Chappelle’s Show off of their platform. This was after Dave Chapelle himself requested it, and now another streaming network is accepting the comedians demand. HBO Max has decided to remove Chappelle’s Show from their service before 2020 ends.

“We had a conversation with Dave. I won’t get into it, but it’s very clear that it’s a very unique and specific and emotional issue he’s got,” said Casey Bloys, chief content officer of HBO and HBO Max. “At the end of this year, December 31, we’ll honor his request and take the show down.” He also said that it's “clearly an emotional issue” for Dave Chappelle. Bloys added that if the network “can do something that makes him feel better about it, then I’d like to do that.”

Dave Chappelle posted a Instagram video on November 24, elaborating more on the situation. He said he had prompted Netflix to remove the TV show after being upset with the contract he originally signed for the series, which reportedly does not include any royalty payments for himself, as ViacomCBS licensed the Chappelle's show to different streaming networks. “They did something just because they thought that I might think that they were wrong. And I do,” he said, regarding Netflix’s decision to remove the show. “I think that if you are f***ing streaming that show, you’re fencing stolen goods.”

In this same Instagram post, Chappelle said that ViacomCBS and HBO were continuing to make the series available for streaming, pointing out HBO specially for passing on Chappelle’s Show before it was finally green-lit by Comedy Central. “They went too far. They said, literally, ‘What do we need you for?’ That’s what they told me as they kicked me out of the office: ‘What do we need you for?’” Chappelle said, reflecting on HBO pitch meeting for the Chappelle’s Show. “And here we are, all these years later, and they’re streaming the very show that I was pitching to them. So I’m asking them: What do you need me for?”

Chappelle’s Show at this time, is available for streaming on CBS All Access platform. Chappelle advised his fan base to not support his show on streaming services. “I’m begging you: If you ever liked me, if you ever think there was anything worthwhile about me, I’m begging you, please don’t watch that show,” he said. “I’m not asking you to boycott any network — boycott me. Boycott Chappelle’s Show. Do not watch it unless they pay me.”

Chappelle's Show is an American sketch comedy television series created together by comedians Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan. Chappelle hosts the show and starred in most of the skits that were made. Chappelle, Brennan, and Michele Armour were the show's executive producers. The first premiere was on Comedy Central on January 22, 2003. There was two finished seasons, and a shortened third season that only had three episodes, which aired in 2006, compiled of unreleased sketches.

Chappelle performed skits that introduced complex cultural themes such as prostitution, entertainment, gun violence, several drug references (primarily marijuana, alcohol, PCP, crystal meth and crack cocaine) and music in an extremely comedic and fun format. The show occasionally ended with a musical performance by a hip hop or soul musician.

Chappelle unexpectedly walked out on the series in 2005 before completing the third season, which could've been a staggering $50 million deal. He was the series creator, executive producer, and main star of the show. Comedy Central aired the final three episodes which was already recorded through the season.