Dave Chappelle renews contract with Comedy Central

Jet, August 23, 2004

Famed comedian Dave Chappelle and Comedy Central have reached an agreement for two more years of his popular sketch comedy show, "Chappelle's Show."

"The success of this show has been phenomenal and overwhelming," said Chappelle, who often ends his show with a line that includes the words, "I'm rich."

"And now I'm actually rich," he added. "The deal made it very hard to say no. I'm not sure, but I believe there is a clause that gives me reparations for slavery," he joked.

He reportedly signed a $35 million contract with Comedy Central, which also gives him a big part of DVD sales, a considerable factor considering that the first-season "Chappelle's Show" DVD has sold nearly 2 million copies.

The hit series will continue for a third and fourth season, with 10 episodes each. The new deal includes two "best of" shows and a musical special each year.

Spin-offs are also in the works. The new contract includes a pact for Chappelle to develop other new programming ideas for the cable channel. Already in development is a show focusing on comedian Paul Mooney, who's appeared on "Chappelle's Show."

Chappelle became an immediate hit with viewers with his impersonations of Rick James and Prince and such characters as the blind racist Clayton Bigsby and crack addict Tyrone Biggums.

The series was recently nominated for three Emmy Awards, including outstanding comedy series.