Unlike most reality television stars, Jerrod Carmichael doesn’t seem to care about showing his best self. In fact, in Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show – which candidly documents the stand-up comedian’s life in the wake of his Emmy award-winning comedy special Rothaniel – he seems happy enough broadcasting things most people would take to the grave. He films a painfully awkward romantic rejection when he confesses his love for long-time friend Tyler the Creator over room service. He admits his love of race play and spitting into people’s mouths. And, after hours of therapy over a potential sex addiction, we watch him cheat on the first person he has ever loved.
For a talent like Carmichael, whose work has netted him huge acclaim, reality television might seem an odd choice. The genre is largely populated by the talentless and desperate, after all. Yet Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show wears the label proudly. And it’s not such a wild leap for him. As well as his confessional standup, he was previously behind the Norman Lear-style sitcom The Carmichael Show (gone too soon) playing a fictionalised version of himself. This new show brings things closer to home – and not only perfects the reality TV form but dismantles it.
