The Carmichael Show
Created by:
Nicholas Stoller
Jerrod Carmichael
Ari Katcher
Willie Hunter
2015-
Comedy
NBC
TV-PG
“The Carmichael Show” wants to push the envelope. Based on comedian Jerrod Carmichael’s standup and life experiences, this sitcom (in its first two episodes) pokes fun at voting, President Obama, religion, race, and more. The problem is that it’s in a straightjacket. Since it’s on NBC and given the strictures of network TV today, it can go only so far. Regardless of what the creators want to accomplish, this is still a family sitcom in the traditional mold – and it’s not a good one. This ain’t “All in the Family.” It ain’t “Sanford & Son” either.
Last year, Carmichael had a standup special on HBO. That’s the network for him. On NBC, his humor seems forced. Instead of matching his more intimate standup style, this show’s humor comes at you on a freight train. They use a laugh track in addition to filming in front of a live audience, for goodness sake. You can tell that the actors are on a soundstage, projecting for that audience. You can also tell when the laugh track is used to beef up the audience’s reactions. It’s all a bit too theatrical, even for a sitcom, and it’s definitely not funny. The actors say their lines with energy, but the result is clunky. Their timing’s off. Part of the blame is that they’re dealing with a live audience, but most of the blame is that the jokes don’t sting … and they need to.
Despite that, I commend Jerrod for trying to spice up the family sitcom formula. He’s a smart guy who plays a smart guy. He uses that to provide a contrast to the behavior of his parents (played by David Alan Grier and Loretta Devine) and to the antics of his brother (played by Lil Rel Howery). In addition, he tries to expose his girlfriend (played by Amber Stevens West) to what he thinks is important in life. But Carmichael and West are no Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell. They and the rest of the cast dive into the material headfirst, but they’re at the shallow end of the pool.
If shifts between tiptoeing around controversial humor and Snuggie jokes appeal to you, then you’ll love “The Carmichael Show.” Count me out.
Verdict: Somewhat Bad
About: (Source: carmichaelshow)
From the comedy of Jerrod Carmichael and Nick Stoller (“Neighbors”) comes an irreverent sitcom inspired by Jerrod’s relationships with his say-anything, contrarian father, his therapist-in-training girlfriend, his ever-hustling brother and his mother who is always, always, always right with Jesus.
Taking the next step and moving in together, Jerrod and his girlfriend, Maxine (Amber Stevens West), are your average young couple trying to make it in the city. They’re smart, motivated and looking to build a fulfilling life together. The only thing standing in their way is family. Between Jerrod’s larger-than-life brother, Bobby (Lil Rel Howery), and his smothering and passionate parents (David Alan Grier, Loretta Devine), Jerrod and Maxine are put to the test navigating the boundaries of romance, family and sanity.
Jerrod Carmichael, Nick Stoller and Ravi Nandan serve as executive producers. “The Carmichael Show” is co-produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Universal Television.
