Jerrod Carmichael has experienced significant evolution in his career since his last HBO standup special, “Rothaniel,” which aired in 2022. During that special, he opened up about his unique first name and his sexual orientation. Since then, he’s taken on the role of host for the Golden Globes, where he humorously acknowledged his selection as a Black host, and he has also launched his own HBO reality series.
Carmichael’s third comedy special, “Don’t Be Gay,” which debuted on May 24, dives deeper into personal experiences, including the challenges of breaking the family rule of “Don’t Be Gay,” alongside his reflections on D’Angelo’s transformative 2000 music video for “How Does It Feel.”
In a conversation with TheWrap, Carmichael explained that the preparation for this special was particularly extensive, spanning at least a year, with some material developed over an even longer period. He described his approach as a blend of various styles he has honed throughout his career, combining documentary elements, storytelling, and written jokes into a cohesive act that reaches a broader audience than his past work.
Carmichael also touched upon the personal nature of his material. He chooses to share his thoughts without pre-approval from his boyfriend, noting that their reactions to his observations might be complex but ultimately beneficial to their relationship. He shared an anecdote about telling a personal story where he felt targeted for being gay, expressing his belief in the power of humor to shine a light on uncomfortable experiences.
Regarding the use of provocative language in his material, Carmichael acknowledged that some words might be perceived as offensive by some audiences, but he emphasizes that his intention is never to harm. He prefers to engage audiences in discussions about difficult topics while still fostering humor.
“Jerrod Carmichael: Don’t Be Gay” is now available for streaming on HBO and Max, continuing to push boundaries in the realm of standup comedy while inviting viewers to find laughter in life’s complexities.
This special not only marks a significant step in Carmichael’s journey as a comedian but also highlights how personal truths can resonate universally, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking for a wide audience.