Some people are crying over the fact that “Chappelle’s Show” is likely over after two seasons on the air.
For me, however, that’s some of the best news I’ve heard from the TV world in some time.
Why?
Simple: Chappelle’s program was high-quality from beginning to end: no filler, just great comedy. Ending now will close the series on a high note, something few programs have ever done. The only ones that come immediately to mind are all British: “Fawlty Towers”, “As Time Goes By”, “The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin” and “Good Neighbours.” All of these shows enjoyed consistent writing and direction, often with the same writing and directing team helming the show for the duration of its production. All had season runs that were short: 10 to 12 shows per season. All had casts who were quality performers from top to bottom.
More often than not, U.S. TV productions outlive their welcome – “jumping the shark,” to use the popular term. Even high-quality standards like “M*A*S*H” and “The Cosby Show” lasted beyond their prime, suffering in their later years as writers changed and casts grew tired of playing the same characters year after year.
So a tip of the hat to “Chappelle’s Show,” and for all the quality TV it created in its two seasons.
sprite
4 August 2005 — 00:03
I agree with you (as you know). I think after a while that fans just sort of coast along with a show, wanting to know how things wrap up, but no longer actually enjoying the episodes.
I feel that way about The West Wing now. I just want Josh and Donna and Charlie and Zoe to get together already and for it to end happily. My desire for a happy ending keeps me watching, but it’s definitely gotten less compulsive than it was back in the first few seasons.