Celebs

Dave Chappelle To Host And Produce Four New Comedy Specials On Netlfix

It looks like Netflix is continuing to stand behind Dave Chappelle! The streaming giant recently announced a more extensive partnership with the comedian. This comes more than four months since Netflix combated internal and external backlash for streaming Dave’s ‘The Closer.’

Back At It Again

Dave will reportedly host and produce four, new comedy specials as part of his ‘Chappelle’s Home Team’ series with Netflix, per NBC News. And this time, he got to handpick a few familiar faces to entertain the masses. Apparently, the first special highlighting comic Earthquake will go live on February 28. Fans will also see one of Dave’s longtime comedic collaborators Donnell Rawlings as a host in the second special.

“Ive been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Dave 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.

Netflix Sticks By Dave

As you may remember, Dave and Netflix found themselves at the center of a media firestorm in the last quarter of 2021. There were internal and external calls for Dave’s special ‘The Closer’ to be removed from the platform due to transphobic comments. At one point, queer Netflix employees staged a walkout. But still, the company’s CEO Ted Sarados stood beside Dave and his comedy in two company memos.

“We know that a number of you have been left angry, disappointed and hurt by our decision to put Dave Chappelles latest special on NetflixAdults can watch violence, assault and abuse or enjoy shocking stand-up comedy without it causing them to harm others,” CEO Ted said in the second memo.

In the show, Dave labeled himself a TERF, meaning “trans-exclusionary radical feminist.” He also expressed support for J.K. Rowlings’ comments about trans women posing a threat to people assigned female at birth. And despite stating he has no issues with the trans community, he went on to comment on the anatomy of trans women, calling their genitals ” beyond pu**y or impossible pu**y.” In late October, Dave responded to the growing controversy.

“To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me, ” Dave said. “I am not bending to anybodys demands.

He also thanked Ted and the company for sticking beside him saying, “Thank God for Ted Sarandos and Netflix, hes the only one that didnt cancel me yet.”

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Cassandra Santiago

Cassandra Santiago is a multimedia journalist, editor, and editorial strategist with over a decade of experience shaping conversations across arts, entertainment, culture, and global news. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she has built a cross-platform career spanning newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media. She joined The Shade Room five years ago and currently serves as a Senior Editor, where she leads editorial direction, oversees exclusive coverage, and trains and edits a team of writers. Cassandra has played a key role in developing high-impact content and editorial strategies for an audience of more than 30 million, contributing to platform growth, engagement, and monetization across multiple channels. In addition to her leadership role, she remains a daily contributor, with her articles generating more than 41 million views since 2023. Beyond The Shade Room, Cassandra offers freelance social media strategy services, speaks on the influence and impact of Black media at public panels, and owns Did It For You, an event design company in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. She is Poynter Institute–certified and was named to the DMV’s 35 Under 35 list in 2024.

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