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Key Facts

  • Chevy Chase's late-night talk series "The Chevy Chase Show" ran on Fox for six weeks in 1993
  • The show was cancelled after receiving scathing reviews and low ratings
  • Chase experienced depression following the cancellation, stating he would get in bed and not come out
  • The revelations come from the CNN documentary "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not"

Quick Summary

Chevy Chase recently opened up about a difficult period in his career following the cancellation of his late-night talk show in 1993. The series, titled "The Chevy Chase Show," aired on Fox for only six weeks before being pulled from the schedule.

In the new CNN documentary "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not," the comedian discusses the emotional toll the cancellation took on him. According to the documentary, Chase experienced significant depression after the show ended, describing how he would get in bed and not come out. This brief chapter represents a rare setback in an otherwise distinguished comedy career spanning decades.

The Short-Lived Series

The Chevy Chase Show premiered on Fox in 1993 with high expectations for the established comedy star. The late-night talk series was intended to be a major addition to the network's programming lineup, featuring Chase's unique comedic style.

However, the show faced immediate challenges. It ran for only six weeks before Fox made the decision to cancel it. The cancellation came after the series received scathing reviews from critics and struggled to attract viewers, resulting in low ratings during its brief run.

The program's failure was particularly notable given Chase's established reputation in comedy. He had previously gained fame as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live and had starred in numerous successful films. The abrupt end to his talk show represented a significant professional disappointment.

Personal Impact and Depression

In the CNN documentary "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not," the comedian provides a candid account of how the show's cancellation affected him personally. The documentary reveals that Chase struggled significantly with the outcome of the series.

Chase describes experiencing a period of depression following the show's end. He shares that during this difficult time, he would get in bed and not come out, indicating the depth of his emotional distress. This personal revelation shows how deeply the professional setback impacted him.

The documentary offers insight into the psychological toll that such a public failure can take on a performer, even one with Chase's extensive experience and previous successes in the entertainment industry.

Career Context

The failed talk show represents a brief chapter in what has otherwise been an illustrious comedy career for Chevy Chase. His work spans multiple decades and includes some of the most memorable performances in television and film history.

Chase first gained widespread recognition as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where his physical comedy and timing made him a standout performer. He went on to star in successful film franchises including National Lampoon's Vacation series and classics like "Caddyshack" and "Fletch."

Despite the setback of his 1993 talk show, Chase's overall career trajectory demonstrates his significant contributions to comedy and entertainment. The documentary "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not" provides a comprehensive look at his life and career, including this challenging period.