Netflix Removes Chappelle Show After Request

Netflix has removed comedian Dave Chappelle’s old sketch comedy program “Chappelle’s Show,” upon his request. Chappelle reportedly asked the streaming service to take down his show after he found out its original rights holder, ViacomCBS, started licensing it without his permission.

Following the show’s removal, Netflix subscribers will be unable to access its three seasons that originally aired on Comedy Central. “Chappelle’s Show” was first added to Netflix November 1st, and as of Tuesday, is no longer available for streaming on the service.

Chappelle’s relationship with ViacomCBS-Comedy Central, the program his show first aired on in 2003, is controversial due to his decision to quit the show during the production of its third season. Although Chappelle doesn’t own the rights to the show, Netflix has a separate contract with Chappelle for comedy specials and other programs that’s worth tens of millions of dollars, which is why the service accepted his request for the removal. “Chappelle’s Show” is currently still available for streaming on CBS All Access and HBO Max.