NEW YORK – Dave Chappelle (search) is now truly a rich man. Comedy Central and the streetwise comedian have reached agreement for two more years of the sketch comedy "Chappelle's Show."
"The success of the show has been phenomenal and overwhelming," said Chappelle, who ends his show with a line that includes the words "I'm rich."
"And now I'm actually rich," he added with a rhyming, unprintable word that has become his virtual trademark.
The critically acclaimed series will continue for a third and fourth season, with 13 episodes each, Comedy Central announced Monday. Sources said the deal could be worth about $50 million.
"Re-signing Dave Chappelle was a top priority and I am just pleased that we were able to reach an agreement," said Lauren Corrao, Comedy Central's vice president of programming. Comedy Central also recently extended its contract with Jon Stewart (search) of "The Daily Show."
The deal also gives Chappelle part of the DVD sales, a considerable factor considering that the first-season "Chappelle's Show" DVD has sold nearly 2 million copies.
Spinoffs are also in the works. The agreement includes a pact for Chappelle to develop other new programming ideas for the cable channel. Already in development is a show focusing on Paul Mooney, who's appeared on "Chappelle's Show" predicting a racially themed future as the character Negrodamous.
"Chappelle's Show" was recently nominated for three Emmy Awards (search), including outstanding comedy series.
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