Netflix kicked off its first night of Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival, a celebration featuring comedy and music at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Controversial comedian Dave Chappelle was present where he performed to the sold out crowd in attendance, serving as the night's headliner following several successful Netflix specials. A video clip of Chappelle introducing Erykah Badu has also been released with the comic seen wishing her well on her way to the stage.
Jeff Ross, who is well known for his roast comedy, served as the host of the evening. The event also included appearances from Luenell, Pete Davidson, and Donnell Rawlings. There were also musical guests including Anderson Paak aka DJ Pee Wee as well as Badu.
The comedy festival also hosted an Opening Night Party at the W Hotel with more special guests. Attendees included Chappelle, Bill Burr, London Hughes, Jay Pharaoh, Nico Carney, Kenice Mobley, Irene Tu, and more. Other highlights for the night include Sabrina Jalees & Friends at The Lab at The Hollywood Improv. They were joined by Joel Kim Booster, Naomi Ekperigin, Patti Harrison, Natasha Leggero, Brendan Scannell, and Sydnee Washington.
Night one of the fest also included Duncan Trussell Family Hour, Leimert Park Comedy Night Every Thursday, Crack 'em Up, Aida & Friends, Tonight At The Improv Featuring Brian Monarch, Podcast But Outside With Cole Hersch And Andrew Michaan, Lovett Or Leave It With Jon Lovett, and Zainab Johnson In The Round.
Dave Chappelle Is Producing New Specials for Netflix
While Dave Chappelle said he'd be taking a break from making more of his own comedy specials for Netflix following the controversy related to The Closer, he still has been working closely with the streamer. In February, it was announced that he would be producing at least four specials for Netflix featuring other professional comedians. The first of these specials is Earthquake: Legendary with Earthquake taking the stage. That special premiered on Netflix on Feb. 28, and Donnell Rawlings has been announced for the second special.
"I've been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career," Chappelle said in a statement at the time. "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.”
Chappelle had previously drawn some backlash for jokes made about the LGBTQ+ community in his specials, but Netflix has stood by the comedian. There had been a lot of calls for Chappelle's specials to be removed, but in a note sent to staffers by CEO Ted Sarandos, the company made it clear that they continued to work with the comic. Continuing their working relationship also required for Chappelle to maintain his creative freedom, which sometimes may result in offensive material.
"Chappelle is one of the most popular stand-up comedians today, and we have a long-standing deal with him," Sarandos said. "His last special Sticks & Stones, also controversial, is our most-watched, stickiest, and most award-winning stand-up special to date. As with our other talent, we work hard to support their creative freedom - even though this means there will always be content on Netflix some people believe is harmful."