Netflix Announces 4 New Dave Chappelle Specials Following ‘The Closer’ Backlash, Line Up For Seconds Trans Community

If there was ever any doubt about the relationship status of Dave Chappelle, it’s crystal clear now: Netflix is sticking with The Kid. Just four months after Netflix employees staged a walkout in protest of The Closer (and the ensuing memo from CEO Ted Sarandos defending it), the streaming giant is quadrupling down on the legendary black comedian.

Starting February 28, Netflix will be releasing four episodes of Chappelle’s Home Team, a collection of specials featuring a different comedian every episode. And from the looks of it, the new content is designed to bring attention to lesser-known comics in Dave’s Rolodex starting with fellow D.C. native Earthquake.

So how will these new specials play into the ongoing controversy surrounding Chappelle’s beef with the trans community? Will the gloves be staying on?

Considering The Closer ended with Chappelle saying he was done making fun of trans issues, folks are wondering if he’s indeed retired the transphobic quips. Unfortunately, Chappelle’s Home Team won’t do much to shed light on that mystery, as the titular host will be handing the mic off to comics with very different punchlines.

Certainly, anyone who’s still mad at Chappelle will be irked by this turn of events. And that’s understandable. But is it any great wonder that Netflix is sticking with their fave funnyman after paying him a cool $24 million for The Closer? They know controversy is good for numbers. And with a $17 billion spending budget facing off against a new subscriptions drought, Netflix is looking for all the help they can get.

Cover Photo: Kristy Sparow (Getty Images)

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