Entertainment

Why Netflix Suddenly Pulled 'Chappelle's Show' From the Streaming Service

"When I found out they were streaming 'Chappelle's Show,' I was furious."

Lester Cohen/Netflix
Lester Cohen/Netflix
Lester Cohen/Netflix

At the beginning of the month, Chappelle’s Show, the classic Comedy Central sketch series starring stand-up Dave Chappelle that aired in the ’00s, appeared on Netflix and quickly shot towards the top of the streaming service’s Top 10. During his recent hosting gig on SNL, the comedian mentioned that he wasn’t too happy about the new streaming arrangement, noting that ViacomCBS, the company that owns Comedy Central, was licensing the series without his permission, and today he took action: The three seasons of the show are no longer available to stream on Netflix. 

In an 18-minute clip posted to Instagram with the title “Unforgiven,” Chappelle explained his reason for being frustrated with ViacomCBS, the company that controls the streaming rights to his show. At the moment, the series is still available to stream on CBS All Access and HBO Max, but Netflix, which has produced and released several new Chappelle stand-up specials, made the show unavailable at the comedian’s request. You can check out the video below.”People think I made a lot of money from Chappelle’s Show,” says Chappelle in the video. “When I left that show, I never got paid. They didn’t have to pay me because I signed the contract. But is that right? I found out that these people were streaming my work and they never had to ask me or they never have to tell me. Perfectly legal because I signed the contract. But is that right? I didn’t think so either.”

In the video, Chappelle goes on to urge his fans to not watch the show. “I think if you are fucking streaming that show you’re fencing stolen goods,” he says at one point. “They stole that from me.”

Will the other streaming platforms follow Netflix’s lead and remove the show? It’s unclear, but the other companies don’t exactly have the same relationship with Chappelle, who has a multi-million dollar deal with Netflix. “That’s why I fuck with Netflix,” says Chappelle in the video. They obviously want to keep things positive. If you want to enjoy old episode of Chappelle’s Show and not piss off the guy who made it, you might want to go dust off your old DVD copies. Need help finding something to watch? Sign up here for our weekly Streamail newsletter to get streaming recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.

Dan Jackson is a senior staff writer at Thrillist Entertainment. He’s on Twitter @danielvjackson.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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