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 featured on HBO. It was created by comedian and namesake Chris Rock and featured various guests. The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program in 1999. It ran for five seasons from February 7, 1997, to November 25, 2000.
For the special Valentine's Day show, Chris reads an excerpt from the fictional book: Ike Turner's "The Rules", then shows an educational filmstrip, "Dating & Romance in the Modern World".
Jenifer and Chris have a flirty discussion about what women want.
An ad is shown for the law firm of Pervis, Pervis & Platt, who also specialize in nail and hair work.
In a pre-taped segment, Chris reunites with three of his ex-girlfriends and presents them with flowers, candy, and pigs' feet ... then reveals them in the audience.
A clip is shown of Louis Farrakhan (re-dubbed voice of Ali LeRoi) reaching out to the Jewish community.
In a pre-taped segment, Chris tracks a $5 bill through Harlem.
John Amos is greeted with a standing ovation (and a crying Wanda Sykes), and he and Chris talk about John's work on Good Times and the rest of his oeuvre to date.
Black History Month Minute: special guest Eartha Kitt presents an anecdote about Karen Black.
Chris talks via satellite to Donny Savoy (Ali LeRoi) and Richie Banks (Lance Crouther) about this year's Oscar-nominated black actors.
Black History Month Minute: special guest Stanley Crouch presents an anecdote about Ford cars being painted black.
Cake performs "The Distance" and "I Will Survive", while John Amos runs away from four hungry women.
An ad is shown for "Maximum Strength Siggorette", which supposedly helps one quit smoking (though not really).
Chris and Tracy talk about their roles on Saturday Night Live, then Chris gives Tracy his own SNL character: "The Loud But Wrong Guy".
In a pre-taped segment, Chris goes on a spiritual journey.
Erykah Badu performs "On and On".
At the end of the show, Chris shows a "pre-enactment" clip from next week's episode with guest Oprah Winfrey -- with one of the writers as a stand-in for Oprah.
Cold open: Greg Gumbel reports that Chris Rock is the latest casualty in the East Coast/West Coast comedy war, with soundbites from Robert Townsend, Jimmy Walker, Nipsey Russell, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Janeane Garofalo, Andrew "Dice" Clay, and suspect Carrot Top. Chris performs a musical tribute to recently-deceased Mobutu Sese Seko. Chris and Arsenio talk about talk shows, then watch the "Puff Daddy Remix" of their interview. Chris interviews professor Thad Taylor (Mario Joyner), who shows hidden camera footage of himself getting thrown out of a restaurant and a cab because he's black (actually, because he's naked). Puff Daddy and Ma$e perform "Been Around the World".
Cold open: Chris talks about auditioning for The Chris Rock Show (with a soundbite from David Alan Grier). In a documentary segment, Chris receives his G.E.D. Conan talks about his 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.
In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people in Harlem 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".
Jon Hayman gives a live report from Times Square for the Rosh Hashannah ball dropping. Chris uses a photo montage to honor those noble Americans who perform oral sex, then shows a preview of an upcoming HBO documentary, The Darkness Chasers. Chris makes Vivica laugh as they talk about her film roles in Independence Day and Booty Call. Chris talks via satellite to Sophia James (Wanda Sykes), a stripper who is suing her customers for sexual harassment. Missy Elliott performs "Sock It 2 Me", after which the Rosh Hashannah ball drops.
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 by Nipsey 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 his assisted suicide cases, then chases a sneezing man with a chainsaw. LL Cool J performs "Phenomenon", and the chase continues during the credits.
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 new HBOreality 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.
Chris plays a re-edited clip from the Million Woman March in which Jada 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 from Al Sharpton. Rock and Spencer talk about Spencer's former job on Vibe. In a pre-taped segment, Chris visits funeral homes and interviews people about death. For Halloween, 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".
Cold open: an ad is shown for The Church of Latter Day Gay Sex. Chris points out that the winner of the New York City Marathon (Chris) is in the audience. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews representatives of different political parties (with a few soundbites from Michael 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.
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".
Cold open: Footage of the Rodney King incident is shown in an edition of "Pop Pop Video". Chris shows some pictures of balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people about Thanksgiving, 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.
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 their headphones. In another pre-taped segment, Chris asks people about how they are preparing for Y2K. Chris asks Roy about what it's like boxing. 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".
Cold open: Chris stars in a PSA about rickets. 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, the Million Woman March, and getting politically involved. Jada wins a bottle of wine for doing an interview without mentioning her husband's name. An animated short is shown: "Bad Phone Sex" (with audio from Chris's album Roll 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".
Cold open: A trailer is shown for "The Chris 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 an NBA all-star athlete. Chris talks to Johnnie about the Monica 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".
Cold open: A PSA promotes apologizing after you've committed a crime. In a pre-taped segment, Chris goes door-to-door in Bensonhurst to raise money for "The Al Sharpton Slander Defense Fund". Chris and Kweisi talk about the NAACP. Chris talks via satellite to Ruth Uzzelle (Wanda Sykes), who's suing Pfizer because of the effect Viagara has had on her horndog husband. Lenny Kravitz performs "Fly Away".
Chris presents a clip from a press conference with Bill Clinton's new secretary, Mike Tyson. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews the people of Harlem about their reactions to the death of Princess 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.
Chris shows a controversial clip from the Million Youth March, with Khalid 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 about his 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".
Cold open: An ad is shown for "Thousand Dollar Beer", the official beer of Master P. Chris points out that Neptuna Williams (Chris), Venus and Serena's sister, is in the audience tonight, then plays an audio excerpt from a Monica 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".
Chris shows some title cards from recently-halted UPN sitcoms, then an infomercial for "The New You System", which will replace you with your thinner doppelganger. Chris and Wynton talk about his (Wynton's) recent gig at the White 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".
Cold open: Attorney Kurtis Kopeland (Chris) will help you win in a wet paint lawsuit. Chris reads an article about The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer from an issue of Jet Magazine, displays some Crayola crayons with offensive names (including "Chris Rock's ass"), then shows footage of Darryl 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 between BET and ABC, and the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Outkast perform "Rosa Parks".
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 by Maya Angelou (voice of Ali LeRoi) about Marion Barry and the ODB. A political ad is shown for congressional candidate Pootie 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 and oral sex. A political ad for congressional candidate Changa Tamp slanders Pootie Tang. Faith Evans performs "Love Like This".
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".
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 the Vietnam War. More "Taxi Driver Confessions" are shown. Chaka Khan performs "Spoon".
Cold open: HBO Sports presents Extreme Musical Chairs. Staff writer Chuck 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", where Ali 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's Behind 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'".
Cold open: CRTV news anchors Farai Chideya and Ali 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 in South Carolina about whether the Confederate flag should stay up. Chris and Spike Lee talk about African-American films. Chris talks via satellite to Sonia Brinson (Wanda Sykes) about Hillary Clinton's candidacy. D'Angelo performs "Chicken Grease". After the credits, Farai Chideya reports that the smacking-upside-the-head rampage has ended.
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 with Puerto Rican Day Parade queen Maria Sanchez (Marilyn Torres), former NYPD officer Nick Nardizi (Nick DiPaolo), and Esther Jones (Wanda Sykes) about the recent pardons of the FALN. The Red Hot Chili Peppers perform "Around the World".
Cold open: An ad for the "Malcolm X Games" is shown. Chris displays some offensive art pieces in the Brooklyn Museum. Chris and Al Sharpton talk about Al's involvement with the National Action Network. Chris interviews Terrell Sparks (Mario Joyner), the founder of search engine whazzup.com. Les Nubians perform "Demain".
Cold open: An ad is shown containing prisoners singing "Fuck tha Police", spoofing the ads for The 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".
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 of Harlem 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".
Chris plays a taxi cab audio recording of Danny Glover (voice of Ali LeRoi), lists unsuccessful defenses used in court, then shows some footage of unsuccessful gunmen on a rampage. Don King and Chris talk about boxing. 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" with Xzibit during the credits.
Chris proposes some ad ideas for Advil, Tic Tac, A-1, S-Curl and Nike, containing talking animals (in the vein of the taco 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".
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".
Cold open: An ad is shown for ketchup, the all-purpose condiment. Chris displays some counterfeit Pokémon 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".
Cold open: An angry old man (Chris) gives an anti-HBO editorial. Chris displays some direct-to-video releases featuring rappers. A presidential campaign ad is shown for basketball player Tree Rollins. Chris and Ananda cover topics such as school shootings, sexism, and the difference between MTV and BET. A sponsor ad is shown for Make You Wait Hair Salon, which lives up to its name. A presidential ad for Bill Bradley is used as a counter-attack against Tree Rollins. Kelis performs "Caught Out There".
In a documentary segment, "Twelve Hours to Freedom", Chris starts an awareness campaign to free Bobby Brown from prison.
Chris and Bernie talk about his (Bernie's) lack of a TV show (though he would eventually gain one in 2001), along with such topics as racial profiling and police brutality.
Chris shows a new Democratic party ad with not-so-subtle subliminal messages about George W. Bush, then uses a felt chart in a lecture on black progress.
Chris and Stanley discuss the aforementioned issue of black progress.
Nikka Costa performs "Like a Feather" (and later reveals a sequined top that reads "Chris Rock for President").
Home media
There have been four DVD releases of The 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.
