Comedy specials are tricky. Normally, the specials audiences watch on Netflix, HBO, Comedy Central, or wherever are the end result of a year or more of practice for a comedian, after touring clubs and refining the jokes for maximum laughter. And though they seem off the cuff and easy, that’s because a comedian has rehearsed it a million times and is putting on one hell of a performance. But all those rules were thrown out of the window with Dave Chappelle’s new comedy special, “8:46,” and for good reason. There’s no time to waste.
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Netflix and Chappelle surprised everyone with the release of “8:46” on YouTube. The 30-minute comedy special wasn’t on anyone’s radar, as the set wasn’t even recorded until June 6. Why the rush? Well, as you might have guessed from the title, Chappelle’s new special is about the brutal killing of George Floyd. Not the easiest thing to make jokes about, to be sure, but also something that clearly the comedian felt was necessary to speak out about.
No, this isn’t the type of special that will break the record for laughs per minute. There are long stretches where the comedian just shows his visible anger and hurt over the sensitive topic. Of course, you will laugh at moments, but the laughter is more of a catharsis. This is a different Dave Chappelle than the guy you’ve seen over the years joking about smoking weed and whatnot. This is a driven man that had to use his platform and influence to get his voice heard. And as he says in the special, Chappelle doesn’t feel the desire to go to the protests and take the power away from the protesters. Instead, he’s going to get Netflix to release it to millions and let them hear him talking about racism, police, protests, and the state of the country while doing the thing he does best—making a crowd of people laugh.
Don’t worry, even though there’s a crowd for the special, Chappelle is abiding by all the rules for COVID-19. The fans are spaced out, wearing masks, and seated outdoors. No small comedy club with people crammed like sardines.
You can watch the full “8:46” special below:
