When Comicview began, it was a wonderful showcase of up-and-coming Black comedians strutting their stuff. In the early years, they were clever, quick-witted, and tackled many different issues. It was also a competition. Celebrity judges voted for the winner and the winner had his own 1-hour special.
Nowadays, Comicview has become a display of buffoonery and sex talk in poor taste. I am sure that much of Black America is more diverse and sophisticated than this. In an article in a Black magazine, the show's co-host, Reynaldo Rey, admitted that the buffoonery even annoys him, at times. There are some Black people who wish to enjoy "intelligent" comedy. You don't get that on BET. That is because Comicview is primarily targeted for teenagers up to those in their late 20's. At this stage, the target audience welcomes talk of raunchy sex with a hip-hop appeal. That's all! I sometimes tune in hoping to get something other than the sex jokes, but that will be a topic by at least one of the comics during the hour-long program. Much of the comedy isn't funny. However, some of the audience laughs anyway, to relieve the tension of if being unfunny. Many of the comics have been on several times, probably because they are desperate for a gig to earn a buck.
Another thing I find obvious, is how the beautiful Black women are overemphasized. Granted, the Black women in the audience are beautiful. However, there is no need to always have the camera on them to draw the attention of your male viewers. A few of these beautiful women sit on benches and seats strategically placed onstage to further accentuate the appeal of the new set. They are there only to look cute. Some may call it exploiting the women in the same way they are exploited in the music videos on the same network.
One thing that is very stale is the audience. It is not necessary for the audience members to give a standing ovation to every comedian when he is introduced and another standing ovation after he completes his performance. They do this even though many of them are not familiar with the comics, and whether they were good or not. That is very tiring to have to see every time.
One bright thing about this season is the party theme music by Buckwheat Zydeco. That southern flavor is jammin'. Since this season being done in New Orleans, it is totally appropriate.
Even though buffoonery and modeling beautiful Black women are the norm, and this makes money for the network, it will continue.
