| The Chris Rock Show | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Talk show Sketch comedy |
| Created by | Chris Rock |
| Written by | Louis C.K. Vernon Chatman Daniel Dratch |
| Presented by | Chris Rock |
| Starring | Chris Rock |
| Theme music composer | Grandmaster Flash |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 55[1] |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Chris Rock Michael Rotenberg Nancy Geller |
| Producers | Louis C.K. Wanda Sykes |
| Production location | New York City |
| Production companies | CR Enterprises, Inc. 3 Arts Entertainment HBO Downtown Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | HBO |
| Release | February 7, 1997 (1997-02-07) – November 25, 2000 (2000-11-25) |
The Chris Rock Show was a weekly, Friday night,late-night talk show andvariety show featured onHBO. It was created by comedian and namesakeChris Rock and featured various guests. The show won anEmmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program in 1999. It ran for five seasons from February 7, 1997, to November 25, 2000.
| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 5 | February 7, 1997 (1997-02-07) | March 7, 1997 (1997-03-07) | |
| 2 | 12 | September 12, 1997 (1997-09-12) | December 12, 1997 (1997-12-12) | |
| 3 | 13 | August 21, 1998 (1998-08-21) | November 6, 1998 (1998-11-06) | |
| 4 | 12 | September 17, 1999 (1999-09-17) | December 17, 1999 (1999-12-17) | |
| 5 | 13 | August 19, 2000 (2000-08-19) | November 25, 2000 (2000-11-25) | |
| No. overall | No. in season | Interview Guest | Musical (or other) Guest | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The Artist Formerly Known as Prince | February 7, 1997 (1997-02-07) | ||
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| 2 | 2 | D'Angelo | February 14, 1997 (1997-02-14) | ||
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| 3 | 3 | Cake | February 21, 1997 (1997-02-21) | ||
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| 4 | 4 | Maxwell | February 28, 1997 (1997-02-28) | ||
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| 5 | 5 | Erykah Badu | March 7, 1997 (1997-03-07) | ||
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| No. overall | No. in season | Interview Guest | Musical (or other) Guest | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Puff Daddy | September 12, 1997 (1997-09-12) | ||
Cold open:Greg Gumbel reports that Chris Rock is the latest casualty in the East Coast/West Coast comedy war, with soundbites fromRobert Townsend,Jimmy Walker,Nipsey Russell,Keenen Ivory Wayans,Janeane Garofalo,Andrew "Dice" Clay, and suspectCarrot Top. Chris performs a musical tribute to recently-deceasedMobutu Sese Seko. Chris and Arsenio talk about talk shows, then watch the "Puff Daddy Remix" of their interview. Chris interviews professor Thad Taylor (Mario Joyner), who shows hidden camera footage of himself getting thrown out of a restaurant and a cab because he's black (actually, because he's naked). Puff Daddy andMa$e perform "Been Around the World". | |||||
| 2 | 7 | Wyclef Jean | September 19, 1997 (1997-09-19) | ||
Cold open: Chris talks about auditioning forThe Chris Rock Show (with a soundbite fromDavid Alan Grier). In a documentary segment, Chris receives his G.E.D. Conan talks abouthis show, basketball, and his life in high school, and does some ebonic stand-up comedy. In an infomercial, self-made millionaire Malcolm Monroe (Chris) hawks his money-making system:lottery tickets. Wyclef Jean performs "Gone Till November" with the Urban Youth Symphony. | |||||
| 3 | 8 | K-Ci & JoJo | September 26, 1997 (1997-09-26) | ||
In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people inHarlem about whether they like golf, and plays a game himself. Chris and Whoopi plug each other's books and make small talk. Chris interviews his special guest,Pootie Tang (Lance Crouther), who brings a clip from his new movie,Sine Your Pity on the Runny Kine. K-Ci & JoJo perform "Last Night's Letter". | |||||
| 4 | 9 | Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott | October 3, 1997 (1997-10-03) | ||
Jon Hayman gives a live report from Times Square for theRosh Hashannah ball dropping. Chris uses a photo montage to honor those noble Americans who performoral sex, then shows a preview of an upcomingHBO documentary,The Darkness Chasers. Chris makes Vivica laugh as they talk about her film roles inIndependence Day andBooty Call. Chris talks via satellite to Sophia James (Wanda Sykes), a stripper who is suing her customers forsexual harassment. Missy Elliott performs "Sock It 2 Me", after which the Rosh Hashannah ball drops. | |||||
| 5 | 10 | LL Cool J | October 10, 1997 (1997-10-10) | ||
Chris Rock's monologue has its own sponsor: God. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people about jobs for school dropouts (with a cameo byNipsey Russell). Chris and Bryant discuss race, controversy in journalism,sleep, and Bryant's charity work. An ad is shown for a new video:Dorf on Crack. Chris interviews Dr. Peter Johnson (Mario Joyner), who shows videos of hisassisted suicide cases, then chases a sneezing man with a chainsaw. LL Cool J performs "Phenomenon", and the chase continues during the credits. | |||||
| 6 | 11 | Busta Rhymes | October 17, 1997 (1997-10-17) | ||
Cold open: A trailer is shown for the latest film from Ignent Pictures, "Soundtrack: The Movie", and its soundtrack. Chris plays a preview of a newHBO reality show,No One Called 911. Chris and J.C. Watts discuss race in politics. Busta Rhymes performs "Dangerous". The public's reactions to "Soundtrack: The Movie" are shown during the credits. | |||||
| 7 | 12 | Bobby Brown | October 24, 1997 (1997-10-24) | ||
Chris plays a re-edited clip from theMillion Woman March in whichJada Pinkett Smith leads the crowd in a chant of "The Roof is On Fire". A political ad is shown advising to vote no on Proposition 238 and read its fine print, with endorsement fromAl Sharpton. Rock and Spencer talk about Spencer's former job onVibe. In a pre-taped segment, Chris visitsfuneral homes and interviews people about death. ForHalloween, Kiddie Kable News anchors Wanda Witch (Wanda Sykes) and Scoopo the Clown (Ali LeRoi) grin as they report gruesome news items. Bobby Brown performs "Feeling Inside". | |||||
| 8 | 13 | Rakim | November 7, 1997 (1997-11-07) | ||
Cold open: an ad is shown for The Church of Latter Day Gay Sex. Chris points out that the winner of theNew York City Marathon (Chris) is in the audience. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews representatives of different political parties (with a few soundbites fromMichael J. Fox). Chris and Jesse talk about the lack of motivation to keep the American dream alive. Rakim performs a medley including "Paid in Full", "I Ain't No Joke" and "Microphone Fiend". A voiceover gives instructions for obtaining a VHS copy of tonight's show: tape the rerun. | |||||
| 9 | 14 | Mary J. Blige | November 21, 1997 (1997-11-21) | ||
Chris presents a new segment, "Shame On You", where crimes against consumers are investigated. Chris and Al talk about what Al needs to do to become elected (mainly, change his hairdo). An ad is shown for LP Bob's Really Rare Records, where LP Bob (Lance Crouther) promotes controversial records that you can't have. Mary J. Blige performs "Seven Days". | |||||
| 10 | 15 | Usher | November 28, 1997 (1997-11-28) | ||
Cold open: Footage of theRodney King incident is shown in an edition of "Pop Pop Video". Chris shows some pictures of balloons in theMacy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people aboutThanksgiving, then invites them to a Thanksgiving dinner with a live turkey. Chris and George discuss TV censorship and George's past and present career. Chris talks via satellite to Dr. Leonard Laxalt (Mario Joyner) about his new treatment for depression: hard liquor. Usher performs "You Make Me Wanna". Note: The DVD release is edited to remove Maestro's "Table Dance" from the "hard liquor" segment. | |||||
| 11 | 16 | Salt-n-Pepa | December 5, 1997 (1997-12-05) | ||
Cold open: an ad is shown for the "Dataport 2000T," a non-electric data device. In a pre-taped segment, we see what people on the street are listening to on theirheadphones. In another pre-taped segment, Chris asks people about how they are preparing for Y2K. Chris asks Roy about what it's likeboxing. An ad is shown for the "Wavelink 2000". Chris talks via satellite to Dawn Wise (Wanda Sykes), who just gave birth to dec-octuplets (18 babies). Salt-n-Pepa perform "Gitty Up". | |||||
| 12 | 17 | LSG | December 12, 1997 (1997-12-12) | ||
Cold open: Chris stars in aPSA aboutrickets. Chris shows some (fictitious) clips from previous episodes featuring different video backdrops. A trailer is shown for a new HBO special:When Animals Attack in High Speed Chases II. Chris and Jada talk about movie roles, theMillion Woman March, and getting politically involved. Jada wins a bottle of wine for doing an interview without mentioningher husband's name. An animated short is shown: "Bad Phone Sex" (with audio from Chris's albumRoll with the New). Chris's special guest,Pootie Tang, stops by to talk about his latest activity, and play an excerpt from his latest music video,Tippy Tye on my Cappatown. LSG performs "My Body". | |||||
| No. overall | No. in season | Interview Guest | Musical (or other) Guest | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | Tricky | August 21, 1998 (1998-08-21) | ||
Cold open: A trailer is shown for "TheChris Mullin Show", airing after The Chris Rock Show – "ain't nothin' but net!". An ad is shown for attorney Kurtis Kopeland (Chris), who can prove that your baby was fathered by anNBA all-star athlete. Chris talks to Johnnie about theMonica Lewinsky scandal, then talks via satellite to White House mail room supervisor Sonia Brinson (Wanda Sykes) about the role that race plays in the scandal. Another trailer for The Chris Mullin Show is shown. Tricky performs "Carriage for Two". | |||||
| 2 | 19 | Lenny Kravitz | August 28, 1998 (1998-08-28) | ||
Cold open: APSA promotes apologizing after you've committed a crime. In a pre-taped segment, Chris goes door-to-door inBensonhurst to raise money for "The Al Sharpton Slander Defense Fund". Chris and Kweisi talk about theNAACP. Chris talks via satellite to Ruth Uzzelle (Wanda Sykes), who's suingPfizer because of the effectViagara has had on her horndog husband. Lenny Kravitz performs "Fly Away". | |||||
| 3 | 20 | Melanie Comarcho | September 4, 1998 (1998-09-04) | ||
Chris presents a clip from a press conference withBill Clinton's new secretary,Mike Tyson. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews the people ofHarlem about their reactions to the death ofPrincess Diana. Chris and Jayson talk about a basketball player's salary. Chris's special guest,Pootie Tang, stops by to talk about his recent press conference. A trailer is shown for a new summer blockbuster,Explosions! Melanie Comarcho performs stand-up comedy. | |||||
| 4 | 21 | DMX | September 11, 1998 (1998-09-11) | ||
Chris shows a controversial clip from the Million Youth March, withKhalid Muhammad glorifying his bald head. Chris introduces Jerry Springer, who rushes out and starts brawling with Chris, until bodyguards separate them. An ad is shown for "The Gum", which cures cravings for masturbation. Chris re-introduces Jerry Springer, who sits down for a chat abouthis show and his former position as Mayor of Cincinnati. Chris interviews marriage counselor Dr. Marlon Lucius King Jr. (Mario Joyner), who talks about marriage issues. DMX performs "Fuckin' wit D" and "Ruff Ryders Anthem". | |||||
| 5 | 22 | Esthero | September 18, 1998 (1998-09-18) | ||
Cold open: An ad is shown for "Thousand Dollar Beer", the official beer ofMaster P. Chris points out that Neptuna Williams (Chris), Venus and Serena's sister, is in the audience tonight, then plays an audio excerpt from aMonica Lewinsky phone interview. Chris and Rosie talk about the current Latin craze. Chris interviews NYPD officer Nick Bratini (Nick DiPaolo) about the NYPD's new programs to minimize police brutality against African-Americans. Esthero performs "Heaven Sent". | |||||
| 6 | 23 | Biz Markie | October 2, 1998 (1998-10-02) | ||
Chris shows some title cards from recently-haltedUPN sitcoms, then an infomercial for "The New You System", which will replace you with your thinnerdoppelganger. Chris and Wynton talk about his (Wynton's) recent gig at theWhite House, jazz musicians, and maturity. Chris moderates a discussion between A Black Guy (Ali LeRoi), a Sista (Wanda Sykes) and a White Dude (Tom Agna) about The Starr Report. Biz Markie performs "Bennie and the Jets". | |||||
| 7 | 24 | Outkast | October 9, 1998 (1998-10-09) | ||
Cold open: Attorney Kurtis Kopeland (Chris) will help you win in a wet paint lawsuit. Chris reads an article aboutThe Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer from an issue ofJet Magazine, displays someCrayola crayons with offensive names (including "Chris Rock's ass"), then shows footage ofDarryl Strawberry's recent surgery. A video aimed at kids is shown: two clowns explain grown-up words. Chris and D.L. Hughley cover such topics as the difference betweenBET andABC, and theMonica Lewinsky scandal. Outkast perform "Rosa Parks". | |||||
| 8 | 25 | Jay-Z | October 16, 1998 (1998-10-16) | ||
Chris engages in a debate with Larry about theMonica Lewinsky scandal. Jay-Z performs "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)". | |||||
| 9 | 26 | Faith Evans | October 27, 1998 (1998-10-27) | ||
Cold open: A political ad is shown for congressional candidate Roger Sykes (Chris), who will get you all the pornography you need. Chris presents poems byMaya Angelou (voice ofAli LeRoi) aboutMarion Barry andthe ODB. A political ad is shown for congressional candidatePootie Tang, who will "work hard to wapatau to the bammies". A reality show, "Damn Fool", is hosted by Dex Connell (Ali LeRoi), who belittles acts of stupidity in the face of danger. Adam and Chris talk about racism,condoms andoral sex. A political ad for congressional candidate Changa Tamp slanders Pootie Tang. Faith Evans performs "Love Like This". | |||||
| 10 | 27 | Don "D.C." Curry | November 6, 1998 (1998-11-06) | ||
Chris reads from the first draft of theDeclaration of Independence, and presentsJesse Ventura's opinion on abortion. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people onFifth Avenue to see who's "buying black". Chris and Ward discussaffirmative action andracial equality. Don "D.C." Curry performs stand-up comedy. | |||||
| 11 | 28 | Method Man | November 13, 1998 (1998-11-13) | ||
Cold open: A PSA is shown which begs for the basketball season to start, otherwise we'll have crackheads playing with balls of garbage. In a pre-taped segment, Chris raises money for the basketball players affected by the NBA strike. Magic Johnson talks to Chris about his involvement with things other than HIV. Chris interviews Mannie Trumble (Mario Joyner), president of Proud Black Man Industries, makers of malt liquor. Method Man performs "Tical 2000: Judgment Day". | |||||
| 12 | 29 | Chaka Khan | November 20, 1998 (1998-11-20) | ||
Cold open: A commercial is shown for the "Watermelon Disguiser", which helps dignified African Americans enjoy watermelon in public. Chris displays some drawings by children with ideas for how to execute prisoners. Chris goes undercover with a spoof of "Taxicab Confessions". Chris and Ed talk about journalism, and Ed's experiences in theVietnam War. More "Taxi Driver Confessions" are shown. Chaka Khan performs "Spoon". | |||||
| 13 | 30 | Beastie Boys | November 27, 1998 (1998-11-27) | ||
Cold open: HBO Sports presentsExtreme Musical Chairs. Staff writerChuck Sklar recalls an hilarious (to him) anecdote about a joke he made at a restaurant, and Chris challenges his sense of humor by going live via satellite to "there", whereAli LeRoi interviews people about whether Chuck's joke was funny. A pre-taped segment follows a day in the life of Chris Rock. Chris plays a clip from VH1'sBehind the Music, profiling racist country singer Lionel X (Chris). Lisa shows the audience that her hair is not fake, then she and Chris cover such topics as dating, sex, and what women want. Chris plays a clip of his favorite comedian, Controversy LaRue (Chris), then introduces a new sponsor, Fly Sperling Hair Restoration Center. Beastie Boys perform "Body Movin'". | |||||
| No. overall | No. in season | Interview Guest | Musical (or other) Guest | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31 | D'Angelo | September 17, 1999 (1999-09-17) | ||
Cold open: CRTV news anchorsFarai Chideya andAli LeRoi give a report on a recent smacking-upside-the-head rampage. Chris shows some footage of people in New York City getting sprayed with mosquito repellent. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people inSouth Carolina about whether theConfederate flag should stay up. Chris and Spike Lee talk about African-American films. Chris talks via satellite to Sonia Brinson (Wanda Sykes) aboutHillary Clinton's candidacy. D'Angelo performs "Chicken Grease". After the credits, Farai Chideya reports that the smacking-upside-the-head rampage has ended. | |||||
| 2 | 32 | Red Hot Chili Peppers | September 24, 1999 (1999-09-24) | ||
Cold open: An ad for "Nigga Please" cereal is shown. Chris shows a clip from a UPN newscast, in which the anchors move like they're in an R&B video as they talk. Chris and Allen talk about his (Allen's) career. Chris converses via satellite withPuerto Rican Day Parade queen Maria Sanchez (Marilyn Torres), former NYPD officer Nick Nardizi (Nick DiPaolo), and Esther Jones (Wanda Sykes) about the recentpardons of the FALN. The Red Hot Chili Peppers perform "Around the World". | |||||
| 3 | 33 | Les Nubians | October 1, 1999 (1999-10-01) | ||
Cold open: An ad for the "Malcolm X Games" is shown. Chris displays some offensive art pieces in theBrooklyn Museum. Chris and Al Sharpton talk about Al's involvement with theNational Action Network. Chris interviews Terrell Sparks (Mario Joyner), the founder ofsearch engine whazzup.com. Les Nubians perform "Demain". | |||||
| 4 | 34 | Mobb Deep | October 8, 1999 (1999-10-08) | ||
Cold open: An ad is shown containing prisoners singing "Fuck tha Police", spoofing the ads forThe Gap. A documentary segment features Chris looking for the next "Great White Hope". Chris and Iyanla talk about what women want. Mobb Deep perform "The Quiet Storm". | |||||
| 5 | 35 | Me'shell Ndegeocello | October 22, 1999 (1999-10-22) | ||
Cold open: An ad is shown for Niggatrol, which helps African-Americans relieve themselves from headaches caused by racism. Chris displays some lesser known magazines geared towards African-Americans. In a pre-taped segment, Chris asks the people ofHarlem what they want to see on TV. Chris and Ken cover such topics as manners, Brooklyn vs. the militia, and the mass media. Chris moderates a discussion between authors Juanita Briggs (Wanda Sykes) and Morrison McMillan (Ali LeRoi) about romance novels. Me'shell Ndegeocello performs "Loyalty". | |||||
| 6 | 36 | JB Smoove | October 29, 1999 (1999-10-29) | ||
| 7 | 37 | Dr. Dre,Snoop Dogg | November 5, 1999 (1999-11-05) | ||
Chris plays a taxi cab audio recording ofDanny Glover (voice ofAli LeRoi), lists unsuccessful defenses used in court, then shows some footage of unsuccessful gunmen on a rampage. Don King and Chris talk aboutboxing. An ad is shown for a sports drink, PowerPizz. Chris interviews activist Kevin Turretts (Mario Joyner) about racism, and Kevin displays a new invention of his, the "SteadiCup". Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform "Still D.R.E.", then perform "Bitch Please" withXzibit during the credits. | |||||
| 8 | 38 | The Roots | November 12, 1999 (1999-11-12) | ||
Chris proposes some ad ideas forAdvil,Tic Tac, A-1, S-Curl andNike, containingtalking animals (in the vein of thetaco bell chihuahua). Chris goes undercover again with more "Taxi Driver Confessions". Chris and Taye talk about nudity in movies. Even more "Taxi Driver Confessions" are shown. The Roots perform "What You Want". | |||||
| 9 | 39 | Q-Tip | November 26, 1999 (1999-11-26) | ||
Cold open: A trailer is shown for a new disaster movie, "Shitstorm!" Chris presents a look at some new (fake) game shows. Chris and MC Hammer talk about who the MC Hammer of today could be. An ad is shown for "Happy Together", a series of sexual instructional videos to masturbate to. Chris moderates a debate between a black guy (Ali LeRoi), a sista (Wanda Sykes) and a white dude (Tom Agna) about whether 13-year-old Nathaniel Abraham should be convicted. Q-Tip performs "Breathe and Stop" and "Vivrant Thing". | |||||
| 10 | 40 | Nas | December 3, 1999 (1999-12-03) | ||
Cold open: An ad is shown forketchup, the all-purpose condiment. Chris displays some counterfeitPokémon trading cards, then stars in a documentary segment where he investigates a militant hate group called the HKs, led by a guy named Kevin (Mario Joyner) who hates himself. Chris and Cedric chit-chat about their lives. Nas performs "Come Get Me". | |||||
| 11 | 41 | Kelis | December 10, 1999 (1999-12-10) | ||
Cold open: An angry old man (Chris) gives an anti-HBO editorial. Chris displays somedirect-to-video releases featuring rappers. A presidential campaign ad is shown for basketball playerTree Rollins. Chris and Ananda cover topics such asschool shootings,sexism, and the difference betweenMTV andBET. A sponsor ad is shown for Make You Wait Hair Salon, which lives up to its name. A presidential ad forBill Bradley is used as a counter-attack against Tree Rollins. Kelis performs "Caught Out There". | |||||
| 12 | 42 | Jay-Z | December 17, 1999 (1999-12-17) | ||
| No. overall | No. in season | Interview Guest | Musical (or other) Guest | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 43 | Jill Scott | August 19, 2000 (2000-08-19) | ||
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| 2 | 44 | Lucy Pearl | August 26, 2000 (2000-08-26) | ||
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| 3 | 45 | Common | September 2, 2000 (2000-09-02) | ||
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| 4 | 46 | Boyz II Men | September 9, 2000 (2000-09-09) | ||
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| 5 | 47 | De La Soul,Redman | September 23, 2000 (2000-09-23) | ||
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| 6 | 48 | Lil' Kim | September 30, 2000 (2000-09-30) | ||
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| 7 | 49 | Mystikal | October 7, 2000 (2000-10-07) | ||
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| 8 | 50 | Saul Williams | October 14, 2000 (2000-10-14) | ||
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| 9 | 51 | Sade | October 21, 2000 (2000-10-21) | ||
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| 10 | 52 | Outkast | November 4, 2000 (2000-11-04) | ||
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| 11 | 53 | Adam Sandler | November 11, 2000 (2000-11-11) | ||
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| 12 | 54 | Jay-Z | November 18, 2000 (2000-11-18) | ||
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| 13 | 55 | Nikka Costa | November 25, 2000 (2000-11-25) | ||
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There have been four DVD releases ofThe Chris Rock Show in Region 1. The two "Best of" DVDs that were released were later repackaged into a single compilation in 2005. Seasons 1 and 2 were released as a DVD set in 2006. Most of the episodes were released uncut, however for contractual reasons the segment featuring (The Artist Formerly Known as)Prince has been removed from the first episode of Season 1. The Seasons 1 and 2 DVD features a Chris Rock commentary on episodes 1 and 12.
| DVD name | Length | Release date |
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| The Best of the Chris Rock Show Volume One | 59 minutes | August 31, 1999 |
| The Best of the Chris Rock Show Volume Two | 55 minutes | August 7, 2001 |
| The Best of the Chris Rock Show Volumes 1 & 2 | 120 minutes | October 11, 2005 |
| The Chris Rock Show Seasons 1 & 2 | 510 minutes | September 19, 2006 |
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