5 Great Sketch Comedies: Chappelle's Show

As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Chappelle's Show (OK, so we're like a week late), Popculturology is here to give its own look back on the iconic show. While it didn't last long on TV, every episode gave us something to talk about ... or rather mimic constantly. (C'mon, people, we can't be Rick James ... bitch.) As we honor Chappelle's Show, we'll take a look back at other legendary comedy shows. In addition to Chappelle's Show, this series will focus on Upright Citizens Brigade, SCTV, Saturday Night Live and Monty Python's Flying Circus. Sit back and enjoy.

If there is one thing to take away from Chappelle's Show, it’s that it was different and wasn't ashamed of being so. Dave Chappelle has made a career of always questioning the status quo and always thinking outside of the box. Just take a look at any of his stand-up specials and you can see the genuine article that is Chappelle.

When he teamed up with head writer Neal Brennan, they took that style and gave the world an unforgiving look at what America had become. The program constantly challenged stereotypes established after The Cosby Show or Fat Albert. Chappelle didn’t scare away from using racial slurs and horrible stereotypes to show the insecurities of the American people. While he did come off as being political, he was able to ride the gray area to unite comedy lovers.

As much as people remember Chappelle’s unexpected departure from the show, we will always remember him coloring outside the line of comedy. He expressed race and humor in the same respect Mel Brooks delivers it in his films. For that we thank him.

Notable sketches



Clayton Bigsby
It’s pretty ballsy to have your debut episode focus on a blind, black member of the Klu Klux Klan. This sketch just showed the world that Chappelle has no beef addressing the n-word and its derogatory use.



The Racial Draft
This sketch pokes fun at how we finally address the "halfsies" of the world. Too bad they won’t be able to address the Kim Kardashian/Kanye West spawn. I mean, will it be Armenian or black?



Black Bush
As much as Chappelle drives home his black version of George W. Bush, the real scene stopper is Mos Def as a CIA agent. Don’t worry; he’s got it in this special CIA napkin.



Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Story
Who better a source than Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s brother/bodyguard, to recount his legendary experiences with Rick James? This sketch single-handedly caused America to break Chappelle (see his Washington, D.C., stand-up). Please note that Comedy Central re-aired this episode the week James died, establishing it as their network’s obit.

Seth’s Personal Favorite



Knee High Park
Chappelle and the gang give the ghetto take on Sesame Street. The key bits are hearing Snoop Dogg Lion complain about having an STD and hearing a song that has the refrain of "F--- it!"