Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show

Six episodes in, Jerrod Carmichael's 2024 reality series has been often harshly cathartic and sometimes acutely funny. The reality aspect is no joke as he pulls no punches in making public the personal challenges of being a successful comedian who came out just two years ago. A charismatic personality, Carmichael shifts mercurially between introspective and cruel, but it's hard not to root for him. I got hooked when he painfully confessed his unrequited love for his best friend in the first episode. So far, it has cut deepest with the episodes focused on a road trip with his errant father and a frigid homecoming with his deeply religious mother. Some moments border on exploitative, yet it may be the best, bravest thing on TV now.

Raw, Real, Heartbreaking, Brave, Unique, Different, Loving, Hopeful. I want to see more. I was happy to see tape of Jerrod and family from years ago. It seemed to show a lot of love between Jerrod and his Mom. It appears his Mom was naive when she was young and found the help she needed by giving her life to Christ and believing all that is in or at least, interpreted by some, as to what the Bible says. This seemed to help her deal with the difficulties in her marriage. Jerrod realized, at some point, he was not living his truth. When he told his truth, that really put a strain on the relationship between he and his Mom. I think the only thing that is coming between the love that his Mom, Cynthia has for Jerrod is, what SHE BELIEVES is the interpretation of the Bible regarding homosexuality.

With only one episode out I am already fascinated and exited for the journey this shown will explore. Recognizing the bias and issues with being a reality show while trying to show the audience his truth. Jerrod Carmichael is seeking something with this and I for one am glad to be along for what I can only assume will be a hilarious, uncomfortable, and one hope fulfilling sojourn in the world of reality television. Family issues that are all too familiar to black queer people are front and center. His friend taking a stark stance against the entire endeavor of Jerrod participating in this reality show. A soundtrack that is delightfully whimsical. And I did not even get to the Emmys thing. I am excited for what this program will be and is.

I have such mixed feelings about this show. On the one hand, I really appreciate Jarrod's transparency and openness. It's refreshing to see a gay person share their life so unabashedly. On the other hand, I really do not like how he seems to keep making such bad decisions and then simply laughs them off. Coming out later in life is hard, but it doesn't give one permission to treat others like crap. I hope as the show goes on that his outlook matures a bit. It seems like he's trying, but whatever he's doing isn't working. I want to just reach through the TV and say "get yourself together!" He seems very stuck in his own head so far, and I just keep cringing!

This is uncomfortable in a way that really makes you think about what's going on. Jerrod is an unmistakable force, even when he's being a horrible human being. That he can put this on the screen.... Is he truly just a manchild making up for lost time? A man playing five-dimensional chess with your viewing? Somewhere in between? It's uncomfortable and riveting, with some very funny moments. Is it what reality television should always be? If you think Married At First Sight is high quality, this probably isn't for you. If you want a challenging view of how an imperfect individual navigates his new-found fame without being afraid to show his warts, this is a great choice.