Comedy Central announced officially today what most of us were already speculating: Carlos Mencia is the network’s new Dave Chappelle. As you may already know, Dave left Comedy Central in quite a spot when, after a much talked about exodus to Africa, he subsequently revelealed that he would not be returning to continue his hit show. Chappelle, the network’s highest paid star and the one with ratings to write home about, needed a replacement. It seems they’ve been grooming Latino Carlos Mencia to be just that:

The network announced Monday that it has renewed the Latino comedian’s series Mind of Mencia for a second 13-episode run beginning next March. As part of the deal, Mencia will perform in a one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central and will serve as emcee of a tour that will hit venues in some 30 U.S. markets in 2006.

While I support Comedy Central’s promotion of a show created and hosted by a Latino, I have my doubts about whether or not it will be able to “replace” Chappelle’s Show. So far, I’m not hooked, but that’s just me.

Although Mind of Mencia was the top-rated new comedy series on cable this summer, the series hasn’t been able to notch the kind of numbers that Chappelle’s Show delivered. Chappelle’s second season averaged around 2.5 million viewers per episode, while Mencia’s first-season run averaged 1.4 million viewers.

That said, Mencia regularly won its timeslot among men 18-24 and took second in the M18-34 and M18-49 demos.

I wish Carlos the best of luck. But between you and me, I can’t help but wonder when Dave will be coming back.

Via / MediaWeek.com