Dave Chappelle to Air New Netflix Special Two Years After 'The Closer'

Dave Chappelle preforming a comedy set. (Evan Agostini, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

By: Joshua Martin

One of the most brilliant comedic minds of this generation, Dave Chappelle, will release a brand new stand up comedy special on New Year’s Eve to continue a string of a strong run of specials for the streaming service. The news was announced on “X”, formerly known as Twitter, with the streaming giant’s official “Netflix Is A Joke” account posting a short teaser clip with the caption: “Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special will launch globally on Netflix, December 31st.” 

Dave Chappelle's latest comedy special will launch globally on Netflix, December 31st pic.twitter.com/zucnnpKPVV

— Netflix Is A Joke (@NetflixIsAJoke) December 6, 2023

The teaser video shows his iconic “C” logo lit up with neon lighting, with Dave Chappelle’s voice thanking a roaring crowd in the background. The video is capped off with famed actor Morgan Freeman stating proudly, “He’s back, folks!” The phrase “Dave Is Back” appears followed by the release date.

Dave Chappelle preforming a set on Netflix. (MATHIEU BITTON/NETFLIX)

Though untitled, this latest special will be Dave’s seventh with Netflix. A successful run that began in 2017 when he released four specials that year. The Age of Spin, Deep in the Heart of Texas, Equanimity and The Bird Revelation were then followed by Sticks and Stones in 2019 and The Closer in 2021. The latter special gained Chappelle a Grammy for Best Comedy Album earlier this year.  

The Closer also landed the hot-button funny man in a bit of a controversy with members of the LGBTQ+ community and the many claiming that the comedian's jokes were transphobic. Netflix continued to stand behind Dave claiming that the special was never meant to cause harm. 

“With ‘The Closer,’ we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real world harm. Last year, we heard similar concerns about 365 Days and violence against women. While some employees disagree, we have a strong belief that content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm.”

— Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO

It remains to be seen when and where the special was shot. Dave has most recently been touring the country as a part of this fall’s Dave Chappelle Live comedy tour.  

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