“Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show” Review

Written by Emmy winner Jerrod Carmicheal, this new reality show follows Carmicheal through his journey of love and family.

Carmicheal being a gay black man makes this show extremely interesting. It provides an understanding of how men in that demographic navigate life and embark upon their turmoils.

The show is well done in its indie film style, jumping between shots of present-day and clips of his comedy shows. It’s almost like a puzzle that the viewer is trying to slowly piece together.

As the viewers learn more about Carmicheal, there is slowly an understanding that Carmicheal is friends with and in love with Tyler Okonma (Tyler The Creator). This is insanely shocking to practically every viewer, this show is already throwing people into left field.

Soon the audience also learns that Carmicheal’s mother is slightly homosexual and there is a rift in his family. Clearly, this is something Carmicheal will continue to navigate throughout this show.

The first episode revolves around Carmicheal figuring out who to bring as his plus one to the Emmys: his mother, Tyler The Creator or a random dude from Grindr.

Carmicheal ends up inviting his unnamed friend to the Emmys and seems to be okay with that decision.

The episode wraps with Carmicheal talking to Tyler The Creator and the audience can deduce that the two will never be romantically involved. As wonderful of a guy as Tyler The Creator seems, he is clearly not the romantic partner for Carmicheal.

Honestly, this form of reality television is extremely interesting because it revolves around one person's life as they try to solve their problems on camera. Even Carmicheal said it, he is “Truman-showing” himself.

The show is encapsulating and sucking in audience members because there is deep wonder about the relationship between Tyler The Creator and Carmicheal, as well as the mother's relationship. Episode two might have to be watched.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu.