Diddy Makes Triumphant Return to ‘The Chris Gethard Show’

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Diddy Returns!

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The Chris Gethard Show may have moved to a cable (albeit a very fringe cable) network, but it still maintains the quirky authenticity, and strange, anything-goes antics from its UCB Chelsea stage days. The variety talk show, which blends audience call-ins, recurring characters and celebrity guests, has still managed to stay under the radar, despite a loyal cult following and a few famous guests.

But all of that may be changing after the comedian was surprised by none other than Sean “Diddy” Combs during the second episode of season two. If the famous rapper and entrepreneur seems like an odd guest for an underground comedy show, you need to hear the backstory: In 2011, Chris asked Diddy repeatedly via Twitter to come on his then-monthly UCB show at the Chelsea theater. Chris and his comedy pals thought it would be a funny juxtaposition; Diddy was suspicious of a Twitter user with a last name “get hard.” Eventually, Diddy hopped on a phone call with Chris, told him “ask and you shall receive,” and dropped by the basement theater for an epic live show that brought as much laughs as it did publicity.

Fast forward five years, and Diddy made his return to The Chris Gethard Show through the special Diddy door installed on set during the show’s humble beginnings. The door represented a standing invitation to the rapper, who could come back whenever he wanted — and he finally obliged on April 6.

The audience may have seemed stunned at such a high-profile guest, but Chris looked downright shocked. As soon as the rapper’s bodyguards burst onto set and moved some furniture around, Chris kept asking his producer J.D. Amato what was going on. Considering the show’s guest was originally supposed to be Pete Holmes (not that you’re not impressive, Pete!), having one of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry make a surprise appearance 10 minutes into the show’s taping caught everyone off guard in the best way possible.

Perhaps most shocking was Diddy’s demeanor; the A-lister was much more upbeat, yet zen than we might expect. We imagine a typical night out for Diddy involving velvet ropes, VIP sections and thousand dollar bottles of champagne, not a grown shirtless man in flippers and a room full of comedy nerds. But Diddy’s first move upon arrival was to get in a big group hug with the whole audience to share all the “positive energy.” Noticing everyone sitting on the floor, he and Chris join them on the ground like “real fucking hipsters.”

In between promoting his Capital Prep Charter School in Harlem and answering questions from callers (hint: J.Lo’s ex is an advocate for a non-monogamous relationship), Diddy kept commenting on how he was embracing a #NewLife; more happiness and positivity. That is, until Zach Galifianakis (who is an executive producer), called in to “save the show.” While the two bicker about who the real hero is that night, they settled to meet in Kansas City for a final superhero-esque showdown.

The enjoyable moments came in the candid interactions between guest and host. Diddy kept singing his comedian friend’s praises, and revealed he once promised Chris “if you are ever in a time of need, know that I do have your back.” He even volunteered to be the show’s surrogate talent booker, spreading the word to all of his famous friends to come and be guests.

“You have a special thing that people want to be around,” Diddy told Chris. “The way you talk about life and humor… trust me, it’s gonna spread!” As a booker, Diddy has vowed to use his resources to get an “overwhelming amount of” celebrity guests on the Fusion show. Think: Modern Family and NFL-level ratings. Whether or not the rapper stays true to his word, we are excited to keep tuning in to see what crazy thing happens next.

The Chris Gethard Show airs every Wednesday at 10 p.m./9 p.m. central on Fusion.

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Christina Stiehl

Christina is a writer, editor and comedy nerd living in New York City. You can catch her performing improv around town with her indie team Darling Satan.
Christina Stiehl
Christina Stiehl
Christina is a writer, editor and comedy nerd living in New York City. You can catch her performing improv around town with her indie team Darling Satan.