BY: DM
Published 5 days ago
Jerrod Carmichael is back, and he’s not holding back. The Emmy-winning comedian returns to HBO with his fourth stand-up special, “Don’t Be Gay,” directed by Ari Katcher. The special marks Carmichael’s first since 2022’s “Rothaniel,” where he publicly came out as gay.
“After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar because I had a secret,” Carmichael shared in the special. “One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends — and you, all of you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I’m gay.”
The audience responded with a moment of silence, followed by a round of applause. He humorously acknowledged the moment, saying, “My ego kind of wants to rebel against it.”
Now, the comedian is back with a new standup special that is set to be as hilarious as his last performance.
Jerrod Carmichael’s ‘Don’t Be Gay’ is coming to HBO.
HBO has become the home for Carmichael’s comedy specials. According to Nina Rosenstein, HBO’s executive vice president of programming, “Don’t Be Gay” continues to build” on the raw, intimate and emotionally honest approach that made “Rothaniel” a hit.
“We’ve worked with Jerrod since his first special in 2014, and it’s truly been inspiring to see him grow and push boundaries at every turn. His last special, ‘Rothaniel,’ was raw, intimate, and sparked a conversation about what a comedy special could be,” Rosenstein said per WebWire. “This new special continues to build on that impact with the same vulnerability and sharp wit that makes Jerrod’s voice so singular.”
And while not much is known about “Don’t Be Gay,” fans can expect Carmichael’s trademark blend of unflinching truth and dry, relatable comedy throughout the hour. The hour-long special airs May 24 on HBO and will also stream on Max.
Jerrod Carmichael has continued to explore his identity with a comedic approach.
In 2024, he pulled back the curtain even further with “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” an eight-part docuseries that offers a comical look into his personal life. The series is a raw portrayal of Carmichael’s life, which shows him confessing his unrequited love for Tyler, the Creator, and navigating the complexities of his relationship with his boyfriend, Mike.
“I want to make it clear that the show is a deliberate piece. Some of the responses are like, ‘Oh, this doesn’t make him look good. I go, “I know.” It’s not to celebrate the negative sides of myself,'” Carmichael told Them. “I’m actually actively trying to work through them and understand myself better. But the work is deliberate, and I think sometimes people watch it like I didn’t put it out.”
And while Carmichael has recently been thrusted into the spotlight, he has been putting in work for years. He made a splash in the comedy scene with roles in “Neighbors” and its sequel “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.” He also took on a dramatic role in “Poor Things,” further proving his acting chops.
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