Jerrod Carmichael’s ‘Don’t Be Gay’ Proves the Comedian Is a Master Storyteller: TV Review

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Three years have passed since Jerrod Carmichael openly revealed himself in his Emmy-winning comedy special “Rothaniel.” After its release, the 38-year-old comedian, who thrives on attention, invited cameras to document his life in the eight-episode reality series titled “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.” In his latest HBO comedy special, “Jerrod Carmichael’s Don’t Be Gay,” he humorously discusses the aftermath of allowing cameras to capture intimate aspects of his life, including his longtime partner Michael and his current relationship with his family – all while providing plenty of laughs. Witty, bold, painfully honest, and a tad heartbreaking, in “Don’t Be Gay,” Carmichael grapples with the fact that fear of being outed overshadowed another significant aspect impacting his daily life: racism.

Recorded in February at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in New York City, the play “Don’t Be Gay” starts with Carmichael on stage, a plain, beige velvet curtain serving as his backdrop. He casually discusses his experiences with the reality series and battling internalized homophobia and frequent infidelity. These problems didn’t lead him to therapy, though. Instead, he shares that it was the online reaction to his romantic relationship that pushed him into a mental crisis. Comments such as, “Why is this black man Jerrod dating a white partner?” made him wonder if he was turning into Clarence Thomas.

Despite his professional accomplishments and wealth, Carmichael confesses bashfully that he continues to crave acceptance from Black communities, a sentiment likely rooted in his past. The controversy surrounding his white partner, particularly the scene where he sucked a hookup’s toes on screen, prompted him to seek help from a mental health professional for the first time. James Atkinson, who directs “Poor Things”, skillfully combines close-ups of Carmichael and wider shots of the crowd, leading viewers on an unforgettable, at times squirm-inducing, yet brutally honest voyage.

Clad in jeans, a white tank top, and Birkenstocks, Carmichael exudes an air of self-assuredness unlike any other. He discusses his love for waffles, using the dating app Grindr when he was struggling with his sexuality, his family, especially his deeply religious mother, and the struggle he faces returning to his childhood home in North Carolina where his parents reside. In his own words, “I’m gay, and n—-s don’t read.” He recalls the challenges of pretending to be straight, particularly during the early 2000s when D’Angelo’s explicit “How Does It Feel” music video was first released. Although it seems improbable that Carmichael will reconnect with his mother, he appears to have reached a point of acceptance. However, he is more convinced than ever that the church is essentially a pyramid scheme. Additionally, he seems resigned to being the primary breadwinner for his entire family, a role that leaves him feeling both proud and somewhat like a stingy Reagan-era Republican.

In this 53-minute special by Ari Katcher, there are numerous jokes that will make you laugh out loud. However, the comedian doesn’t avoid heavier topics either. He discusses sensitive subjects such as child funerals, graphic and explicit sexual acts, and his struggles with honesty and expressing feelings, which have caused pain to his partner. Despite these awkward and sometimes embarrassing moments, Carmichael’s self-awareness is consistently evident throughout the performance.

In the sequel to “Rothaniel,” Carmichael radiates an unprecedented level of self-assurance. Known for his gift of storytelling, he embraces the freedom he now experiences after coming out of the closet, while still grappling with unease about public displays of affection. Despite their open relationship, he finds himself uncomfortable with the idea that his partner can also be intimate with others, but his own sexual desires make monogamy an impossibility for him. Carmichael is willing to bare his personal struggles as he shines a light on the societal issues that have also hindered him from embracing his authentic self. Unlike “Rothaniel,” “Don’t Be Gay” carries a lighter tone, reflecting Carmichael’s newfound sense of liberation that can only come from facing one’s deepest fears. Once more, the comedian demonstrates his skill in authentically expressing himself.

On May 24th, starting at 10pm ET/PT, you can catch Jerrod Carmichael’s special “Don’t Be Gay” on HBO. If streaming is more your style, it will also be available on Max at the same time.

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2025-05-23 16:16