Media juggernaut Netflix has released two stand-up specials from Dave Chappelle, “The Age of Spin” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

These specials mark his return to stand-up comedy and have strummed up controversy. The supposedly crude nature of Chappelle’s humor has turned some viewers away.

The jokes are not crude. They’re just bad.

There are many different proponents as to what makes comedy “good.” Two examples are timeliness and delivery. Both of Chappelle’s stand-up specials lack these two essential qualities.

Some jokes are unable to resonate with a viewer in 2017. For instance, Chappelle jokes about the “epidemic” of Ebola. In 2015, this joke could benefited from timeliness.

There are other moments when Dave makes joke that can be interpreted as bigoted. I personally believe that no topic is off limits if the joke is smart and/or funny. Dark humor only seems in poor taste if the jokes are nothing more than “laugh grabs” — and that’s exactly what Chappelle’s are. 

Some of his best jokes come from him simply orating stories. The highlight of “The Age of Spin” is Chappelle’s recounting of four different times he met O. J. Simpson. Another great moment is Chappelle’s description of his jealousy of Kevin Hart’s comedic career.

The first two specials were not very good, but hopefully the next installments will be better. The political climate of today is quite different from that of 2015. I also think it is one that could suit Dave Chappelle’s humor.

Only watch if you’re a die-hard fan of Chappelle.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars