The Carmichael Show (2015)
An NBC sitcom where Jerrod Carmichael turns family chaos and big opinions into bold, boundary-pushing comedy.
The Carmichael Show - Series Information
- Original Title: The Carmichael Show
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Nicholas Stoller, Jerrod Carmichael et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Morningside Entertainment, A24, Universal Television, 20th Century Fox Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Carmichael Show - Plot
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 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.
The Carmichael Show - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what the Carmichael family has in store:
One family. Lot's of opinions.
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The Carmichael Show - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nicholas Stoller
- Jerrod Carmichael
- Ari Katcher
- Willie Hunter
Main Cast
- Jerrod Carmichael
- Amber Stevens West
- Lil Rel Howery
- Tiffany Haddish
- Loretta Devine
- David Alan Grier
- Marla Gibbs
- Dingani Beza
- Jamar Malachi Neighbors
- Aurora Perrineau
Writers
- Andy Lee
- Willie Hunter
- Jerrod Carmichael
- Yassir Lester
- Ari Katcher
Executive Producers
- Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
- Nicholas Stoller
- Jerrod Carmichael
The Carmichael Show - FAQs
Is The Carmichael Show based on a true story?
The series draws directly from Jerrod Carmichael's real life. The characters — from his deeply religious mother to his opinionated father and hustling brother — are inspired by his actual family in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carmichael co-created the show as a semi-autobiographical portrait of growing up in a loud, loving household.
Why was The Carmichael Show cancelled after three seasons?
Jerrod Carmichael chose to end the show on his own terms rather than continue indefinitely. After three seasons, he felt the story had run its course and wanted to pursue other creative projects. NBC had reportedly been open to a fourth season, making it a rare case of a creator walking away from a still-viable network sitcom.
What made The Carmichael Show different from other sitcoms?
The show tackled genuinely divisive topics — gun control, police brutality, abortion, religion — with a frankness almost unheard of in mainstream network comedy. Shot in a single-camera style with a live studio audience feel, it revived the tradition of the issue-driven sitcom in a way that felt fresh, funny, and genuinely provocative.
Where can you watch The Carmichael Show?
The Carmichael Show is available to purchase digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so buying individual episodes or full seasons is the most straightforward way to watch all three seasons.
How was The Carmichael Show received by critics?
Critics praised the show warmly, particularly for its willingness to engage with hot-button social issues without losing its comedic footing. Reviewers highlighted the ensemble cast's chemistry and Carmichael's sharp writing. It earned a reputation as one of the more intellectually ambitious network sitcoms of its era, even if its ratings remained modest.
Who are the main cast members of The Carmichael Show?
The ensemble features Jerrod Carmichael and Amber Stevens West as the central couple, with Lil Rel Howery as the scene-stealing brother Bobby, Tiffany Haddish as his unpredictable ex-wife Nekeisha, and veteran performers Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier as Jerrod's parents. Marla Gibbs also recurs as the family matriarch Francis.
Did The Carmichael Show win any awards?
The show earned several award nominations during its run, including NAACP Image Award recognition for its cast and writing. Tiffany Haddish's breakout performance as Nekeisha drew particular attention and helped accelerate her rise to wider fame. The series is frequently cited in discussions of underappreciated comedies of the 2010s.
What are some shows similar to The Carmichael Show?
Fans of The Carmichael Show tend to enjoy other family-centered comedies with a sharp social edge. Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons share its working-class Black family dynamics, while A Different World and Moesha offer comparable warmth and cultural specificity. For something more contemporary, Platonic captures a similar blend of wit and emotional honesty.
More About The Carmichael Show
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