Home Improvement: Why the Dave Chappelle Spin-Off Failed

Before he changed television with Chappelle's Show, Dave Chappelle starred in a short-lived spin-off of Home Improvement. The sitcom Buddies was supposed to star Chappelle and Jim Breuer, but the network had other ideas. Find out what happened on the latest episode of the Atomic Abe series Behind the Backdoor Pilot.

Written and Narrated by Kevin Maher
Edited by Mike Schuster
Produced by Nick Nadel and Kevin Maher
Executive Produced by Tim Finn

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[jamesblake]

they're so stupid, the whole reason that the show was a good idea in the first place was the chemistry between him, and dave. they really were buddies.

[Bryan-L]

I knew Bruer and Chappelle tried to do a show together never knew it was a spinoff of home improvement lol

[anthonysloan]

I NEVER KNEW Dave was in this show or tried to do a spin off. That's insane. But I love seeing the progression on how Dave really succeeded

[Farktoid]

I watched Home Improvement religiously when it was airing and I don't remember Chappelle or Bruer at all. Pretty wild how the network would think a couple of comedy geniuses like that would make a safe primetime network show.

[jonvia]

Jim Breuer wouldve made that show a hit. Imagine him and Dave riffing back and forth. Glad Dave got him a role on Half Baked though!

[hatednyc]

I bet Dave Chapelle doesn’t care if you see this or not

[AIWFNW]

Ive been a Chappelle fan since the way back and have no idea how I have never even heard of this show...

[sniffmatip]

Home improvement was one of my favourite shows to watch as a kid.

[thebiowatchlist]

Chappelle mentioned this in a stand up special, so I doubt he, 'doesn't want you to see it.' He told his audience all about it.

[rubix]

In an alternate timeline, the show would have succeeded and Chappelle would be hosting the Ellen DeGeneres show instead.

[davidpumpkinsjr.]

I like Chris Garten. He played great off of Fred Ward in Tremors 2. Farewell, Fred Ward, and thank you for the memories.

I've got to admit putting "The show Dave Chappelle doesn't want you to see" on the DVD case right next to Dave's face is clever marketing.

[vergilmontiero]

This imo is very original, haven't seen a channel like this before. Hope it continues to go places. Great job

[sirenloud]

Half baked would have been a great HBO comedy sitcom had to be on paid cable

[-.-Monster]

Home improvement was a great show. Tim Allen really went out on a limb to get them this opportunity.

[MikeLaRock]

The fact that Dave was in Home improvement gives me more respect for the show. Its been a while so I dont remember but definitely makes me happy.

[frederickifill]

Dave Chapelle bringing back the dude they fired to make half baked is why he’s such a good dude and people love him

[guybeleeve]

I vaguely remember this show, but I do remember the home improvement episode with Dave and Jim. Had no idea that this was a spin-off of home improvement though. There were just way too many sitcoms back in the 90’s that followed the same formula. I do however find myself watching a lot of these 90’s sitcoms weather they’re good or bad mainly for nostalgia. Another failed sitcom that I actually was rooting for was Lush Life with Karyn parsons, only lasted 4 episodes and 3 unaired episodes.

[PaceFilmsProductions]

Have to admit I respect the balls it took to have that tagline on the dvd.

[oskaveli]

"I didn't think it was possible...you actually look pale"

"I didn't bring this fried chicken just because of you"

Hahaha, stop being so damn PC, those were actually funny.

[Tubahater]

BRO, I knew that appearance felt weirdly off!! Backdoor pilots are so dope lol