These four comedians shaped stand-up comedy and influenced almost everyone who came after them. This One Gotta Go card puts them on the same stage: Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock. Each one has specials that fans still rewatch and lines that still get quoted at family gatherings.
Three legends stay in the comedy hall of fame, and one is removed from history. Think about the specials you have watched again and again, the bits you still quote and the comedian your parents introduced you to. Then make your pick and share the joke that made you laugh the hardest.
Richard Pryor vs Eddie Murphy vs Dave Chappelle vs Chris Rock
A. Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor changed stand-up with raw honesty about his life, race and pain, and many comedians call him the greatest ever. His influence is everywhere. Younger fans may know him less than the others, which is the main reason some would cut him.
Keep it if: You know his specials and understand why so many comedians call him the one who changed everything.
B. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy became a star on Saturday Night Live and in movies, with stand-up specials like Delirious and Raw. He is a true superstar. Some fans feel his movie career overshadows his stand-up, which makes him a candidate to cut.
Keep it if: You love his specials, his movies and his characters, and you think nobody has had a career like his.
C. Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle created Chappelle's Show, a sketch comedy hit, and later returned with big stand-up specials. He is known for sharp storytelling. His more recent material has divided audiences, which makes him a possible cut for some.
Keep it if: You still quote Chappelle's Show sketches and think his storytelling is the best in comedy.
D. Chris Rock
Chris Rock brought sharp observations to specials like Bring the Pain and created Everybody Hates Chris. He is a brilliant writer. Some people feel his best stand-up came years ago, which makes him a fair cut.
Keep it if: You think Bring the Pain is one of the best specials ever and love his sharp take on everyday life.
Our take
This is one of the toughest cards there is, but we would cut Chris Rock, only because the other three each created a style or show that changed comedy at its core. Pryor opened the door, Murphy became the superstar and Chappelle redefined sketch comedy. The most fun debate usually comes down to Pryor against Murphy, since many comedians name one of them as the greatest. Watch a short clip of each and decide together. Then share which special you would watch tonight.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which comedian changed what was possible in comedy?
- What is the best stand-up special of all time?
- Which comedian is the best storyteller?
- What comedian would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Black Comedians: quick answers
Who is considered the greatest stand-up comedian?
Richard Pryor often tops lists of the greatest stand-up comedians, and many famous comedians name him as their biggest influence. Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle are also frequently mentioned. There is no single answer, which makes it great for debate.
When did Chappelle's Show air?
Chappelle's Show aired on Comedy Central from 2003 to 2006. Dave Chappelle co-created the sketch comedy series, which became a cultural hit with many famous sketches. He left during the third season, and the show ended soon after. Episodes remain popular on streaming.
