‘Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show’ Season 1 Review – Funny, Raw, And Intimate

What makes a great stand-up comedian is the ability to look at themselves with a clear and unfiltered lens. That was my initial fear when watching the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show. Would this be puff-piece payday or something achingly real? I’m relieved to say the latter. The comedian, most notably at the Golden Globes, is fearless. Carmichael can speak truth to power, akin to the best since George Carlin.

In the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, the comedian wears his emotions on his sleeve for all to see. Not only does he go out of his way to ruffle feathers, but he also alienates friends by not talking to them for months and years at a time. Jerrod Carmichael is clever while also consistently being thought-provoking and, above all, nothing less than authentic.

This past week, Carmichael was on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and he brought up his happiness, which was sincere, honest, and to the point. Kimmel commented on the comedian’s success and how life is easier after reaching such professional heights. Carmichael then plaintively brought up how funny it was that money does not buy you happiness.

The thought is full of untainted melancholy that will have you feel for him. You can watch the clip on YouTube before burning through the funny and heartrending Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show. The thought may have you concerned. When you consider the Carmichael-directed On the Count of Three and the history of depression and suicide that runs through the profession of stand-up comedy, you have to wonder just how thin the line between comedy and tragedy is. The Max streaming series’ openness to sharing such vulnerability is refreshing and challenges the viewer, regardless of background. The comedian, who we assume signs off on the filmmakers showing him in such an honest light, is purely himself. Carmichael can be selfish, downright arrogant, and egotistical.

For instance, he mentions his refusal to wear a black dress shirt that was required while wearing a tux at the wedding party of one of his closest friends, mostly because he only wears Tom Ford. Carmichael wouldn’t even wear the same shoes to match the other groomsmen, which produces a picture of the comedian as the only one who didn’t match.

Jerrod has not talked to his friends since. Later, he shows up at his friend’s home, giving a best man speech in a tux. I want to point out that the comedian is still wearing a white dress shirt, and it appears he still couldn’t bring himself to wear it. Then, there are scenes where he takes great pains to make his father uncomfortable as his parents struggle with their son’s sexuality.

This all comes out during therapy sessions, where Jerrod Carmichael focuses on his mental health. All of his actions lead to some isolation from his past. That includes family members who don’t approve of his sexuality, but also, his defenses don’t give the same cold shoulder to his friends and an intimate partner who shows him love and acceptance.

Then, when you add the layer of money he has earned, trusting others who accept him for his true self takes a level of trust that the comedian has a hard time giving himself over to. Very rarely does reality television showcase this type of introspective examination, let alone handle it with such fascinating, raw intimacy.

We can hypothesize that the comedian is not seeking to make family, friends, and strangers uncomfortable. He presents himself to everyone he comes across as purely himself. In the past, he had hidden himself for too long. Now, defenseless and for everyone to see.

Jerrod Carmichael’s Reality Show is not about the reinvention of the comedian’s professional life but a rebirth of a personal one.

The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show is set to stream on Max this Friday, March 29th, 2024, at 11 p.m. EST. A new episode will then follow every Friday until May 17th.