Created and starring writer and stand-up comic Jerrod Carmichael, The Carmichael Show which ran from 2015-2017 on NBC, is a semi-autobiographical sitcom about the young comics life. The show begins when Jerrod first tells his parents that he is moving in with girlfriend Maxine (Amber Stevens West).
This announcement doesn’t go smoothly after Jerrod’s opinionated and conservative parents Cynthia (Loretta Devine) and Joe (David Alan Grier) learn that not only is Maxine light skinned, but she is also a progressive modern woman — which is something they are not used to. Fortunately for Jerrod, his parents seem to respect him more than his older brother Bobby (Lil Rey Howery) who never went to college, is broke and getting divorced from his wife Nekeisha (Tiffany Haddish). However, he still wishes his parents would understand his point of view.
Although The Carmichael Show is a comedy, and a great one at that, it never shies away from discussing important topics as hard as they may be to hear. For example in episode one Jerrod is forced to explain to his parents that moving in before marriage is not the sin and ultimate disaster they believe it to be. Then in episode 4 titled “Gender,” Jerrod and his parents discuss the topic of gender roles. And later throughout the seasons a number of other significant conversations come up including gun ownership, immigration, infidelity, the military and of course Donald Trump.
It is unfortunate that this entertaining and educational show was not more popular during its run. Although there were only three seasons, there is so much to learn and fun to be had while watching the The Carmichael Show. I recommend checking out the The Carmichael Show with your partner, friends or family and have these important discussions along with it. I promise that it will be time well spent.
The Carmichael show is available to stream on Hulu.
Grade: A
By Blair Krassen @blairlyawake