Final ‘Chappelle’s Show’ Episodes Get Airdate

Comedy Central has finally set an airdate for the final episodes of “Chappelle’s Show,” which will feature sketches Dave Chappelle completed before walking away from the series.

The network will unveil what it’s calling “Chappelle’s Show: The Lost Episodes” on Sunday, July 9. For those keeping score at home, that’s more than two years since the last original installment of the show first aired and 15-plus months since Comedy Central’s last scheduled premiere date for season three.

Soon after Comedy Central made that announcement, Chappelle quit the show, raising rumors that he’d suffered a breakdown and sought treatment in Africa. The comedian did indeed visit Africa but has repeatedly denied rumors that anything was wrong with him.

He has since said in interviews that his widely publicized fat contract -- which was reportedly worth as much as $50 million -- and stories about him having writer’s block caused undue stress. He also says he became uncomfortable with the direction the show was taking: “I was doing sketches that were funny but socially irresponsible,” he told Oprah Winfrey in February.”

“Chappelle’s Show” regulars Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings will introduce the sketches, as Chappelle hadn’t filmed any introductions before his departure.

In addition to “The Lost Episodes,” Comedy Central will also unveil new seasons of “Reno 911!” and “Mind of Mencia” on July 9.