Comedy Central today announced that production on the third season of Dave Chappelle's show has been suspended until further notice.

All the ads state Dave Chappelle will return with his show for a May 31 premiere. However, in a statement made by Comedy Central spokesman Tony Fox it appears as if the season hasn't even finished production yet. Says Mr. Fox, "Comedy Central has suspended production on the third season of Chappelle's Show until further notice. All parties are optimistic that production will resume in the near future."

No official reason has been given to the shut down, but in an E! News online report there is speculation that Dave Chappelle has been missing from the set for weeks. This follows a December announcement by Comedy Central that Dave and his writers got to a late start on writing the third season, pushing off production to January 2005.

Dave Chappelle re-signed his contract with Comedy Central for a two-year deal valued at $50 million by the Hollywood Reporter.

While we're all waiting for the third season to begin, check out Chappelle's sound board featuring his Rick James and Black Gallagher characters.