Jerrod Carmichael is in Austin, Texas, preparing for the premiere of his new HBO reality show, “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.” In the docuseries, Carmichael offers a candid self-portrait, showcasing his life following his decision to come out as gay on his standup special “Rothaniel.” The series delves into his relationships with his parents, friends, and struggles with monogamy. He uses the show to explore his flaws and interrogate the concept of reality television, with the presence of cameras being a significant feature of the series.
Carmichael discusses the show in an interview, revealing his desire to create something that captured his attention and combined elements of reality, social media, and his own life. The cameras are intentionally visible in the show, challenging the traditional hidden camera format of reality TV. The shooting timeframe for the series began around the time of the 2022 Emmys and continued until recently, capturing personal moments and stories from Carmichael’s life.
The inclusion of Carmichael’s parents in the show raises questions of morality, but he sees it as an opportunity for them to speak for themselves and share their perspectives. Convincing them to participate required effort, especially with his father, who was initially hesitant. Carmichael’s willingness to explore uncomfortable truths and challenges in his relationships is a central theme of the series, with the cameras providing a sense of purpose and capturing moments of honesty.
Carmichael reflects on the role of the camera in his life, admitting his fear of being seen and the power cameras hold. He finds a certain level of comfort in the permanence and inescapability of the camera’s lens, comparing it to facing his biggest fears head-on. The show also serves as a platform for Carmichael’s self-discovery as a gay man, allowing him to integrate this aspect of his identity into his sense of self.
The show draws inspiration from classic reality TV shows like “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” but Carmichael aims to challenge the form and present a more authentic portrayal of reality. He acknowledges the editing and manipulation that occurs in the production process but strives to offer a genuine portrayal of himself. Through the show, Carmichael hopes to connect with and inspire others, particularly those who may be navigating similar experiences of coming out or self-discovery.
As the first Black comedian to publicly come out in this manner, Carmichael feels a sense of responsibility in sharing his journey with audiences. He cites RuPaul as an inspiration and acknowledges the challenges and criticisms he faces for his honest portrayal. Despite the discomfort and uncertainty surrounding the show, Carmichael hopes that it will serve a greater purpose and provide representation for others in similar situations. His collaboration with the creative team behind the show reflects his desire to challenge conventions and offer a unique perspective on reality television.
