Jerrod Carmichael is singular.
From Home Videos, Sermon on the Mount, to the Emmy Award winning comedy special Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel, Carmichael reminds us that to grow and heal one actually has to do the thing. What Jerrod does is different; he presents his feelings fully as they are without shame. Jerrod either, one, has extremely thick skin or two, a will to find answers that surmounts the fear of being wildly uncomfortable and exposed. His new show, “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show” leads us into his hilarious and deeply intimate world - even more so than his previous work. It’s hard to imagine that this is possible, but…it is.
In the first episode of this series, we see Jerrod dating, sending risky emotional texts followed by some serious post-send anxiety, and a tough conversation that is both relatable and squirm inducing. In this case, and I imagine in many more to come, we are directly informed about Carmichael’s relationship to the camera. It’s both a reason and a tool for Carmichael to explore conversations and feelings that would otherwise be difficult to approach.
The show is a fresh take on reality TV and documentary and I love it. It’s reflexive, chaotic, serious, yet often unserious being that it is still very much a comedy. Jerrod as a creator epitomizes the level of bravery, vulnerability, and precision that is missing in our world.
After finishing the show, I couldn’t help but to reflect on my artistic journey. I too am exploring a deeply personal project that feels so honest that it's sickening.
Am I gonna stand on business like Jerrod?
I hope so.