Emmy-Winning Gay Comedian Jerrod Carmichael Is Back With A New HBO Special, “Don’t Be Gay”
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael, celebrated for his deeply personal and Emmy-winning 2022 special Rothaniel, is returning to HBO with his latest work, boldly named Don’t Be Gay. Yes, that’s the title, and it signals Carmichael isn’t planning on playing it safe anytime soon.
Many will remember Rothaniel, the HBO special, where Carmichael publicly shared that he is gay. The comedian, then 34, spoke about feeling “like a liar” for holding onto his “secret” for so long. “I rebelled against it my whole life,”
Carmichael shared in the special, adding, “I thought I’d never, ever come out… Because I know it changes some people’s perceptions of me. I can’t control that.”
That raw honesty connected, earning him an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Accepting the award, he noted, “I made something that was of great personal consequence to me, and this definitely contributes to the meaning of it.”
HBO Promises More Honest Comedy
While details about Don’t Be Gay are still under wraps, HBO hints that we can expect more of the comedian’s unique blend of humour and vulnerability. Nina Rosenstein, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, stated that “this new special continues to build” on the “raw,” “intimate,” and “emotionally honest” impact established by Rothaniel and Carmichael’s recent documentary series, Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show. If his past work is anything to go by, Carmichael doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths or awkward situations.
His reality series offered further glimpses into his unfiltered approach. One memorable episode featured a particularly candid, if somewhat awkward, conversation between Carmichael and rapper Tyler The Creator about Carmichael’s crush. Tyler’s response in the episode? “That was a lot to download, and now we’re here. And I still don’t know how to respond.” It seems Carmichael continues to explore complex personal dynamics in his work.
Don’t Be Gay marks Carmichael’s fourth comedy special for HBO. Fans can tune in for the premiere on HBO on Saturday, May 24th at 10 pm ET/PT. For those who prefer to stream, it will also be available on Max. Will this special be as revealing as his last? We’ll have to wait and see.
