Earlier this morning the Internet sounded-off with rumors that Dave Chappelle is in talks with Netflix, Crackle, and Hulu in an effort to negotiate the rights to develop a brand new TV show that would only air on the Web –which would technically make it a Web show, fyi.
Assuming Chappelle is ready to waltz back into the limelight, he’d be stupid not to develop a Web series, especially if it’s subscription-only, as is speculated. He’d likely have more control over his content, and there’s so much demand for his return that I’d be shocked if fans didn’t immediately subscribe to whatever online streaming service he signs with. I mean, I’d want him to do it just to see the stats that follow (and the show, obviously). What an awesome testament it could be for the future of Web programming.
The buzz surrounding the comic’s (denied, but possible!) return to the entertainment industry’s got everyone running in circles screaming, “omg, he’s coming to the Web! He’s coming to the Web!” And you know what I have to say to that? “Hey, DUDES! He’s already here!” –Because it’s true, he is. It may not be recent, but it could be new to you:
Multiple seasons of Chappelle’s Show are available on Netflix Instant Watch. And dozens Chappelle’s Show‘s clips and “lost sketches” are available for free online, too.
| Chappelles Show | |
| Dave Has $55 Million | |
You can rent Block Party online, and get immediate access. Or, you can watch clips from the Comedy Central Special for free.
| Jokes.com | |
| Dave Chappelle – Race and Comedy | |
You can watch animated Dave Chappelle take on animated Carlos Mencia in Celebrity Deathmatch.
Or, you can watch the Dave Chappelle puppet on Crank Yankers.
You could get to know a different side of Dave by purchasing the Biography episode on Chappelle for just $1.99 from Amazon or iTunes. (It’s recent! Aired on February 23, 2011)
iTunes also offers the 45-minute Sundance Channel special, Iconoclasts, which features the comic alongside poet Maya Angelou. The two spend a day together discussing how poetry and comedy can create bonds between generational and gender gaps. (In my opinion, this one is definitely worth the $1.99 on iTunes, but also free if you have a Comcast Xfinity subscription).
More free stuff? Sure! There are a few of clips from Chappelle’s appearance on Inside the Actor’s Studio.
Throwbacks? Hells yeah. Remember Chappelle in Robin Hood: Men In Tights? Refresh your memory, because it’s on Netflix. So is Undercover Brother. And Half Baked? You can rent that online, too. And if you’re a real diehard, you’ll dish out a couple bucks for You’ve Got Mail, Con Air, and The Nutty Professor, because -yep- he’s in those, too.
 |
 |
 |
So, see? Chappelle is already ALL OVER the Internet. While I’m not going to argue that news of a brand new show is worth crossing your fingers over, there’s plenty to tide you over until we know for sure.
