The Carmichael Show is saying farewell after three seasons – “(okay, 2.5),” according to show creator Jerrod Carmichael. The show’s star told Deadline he’s “excited to go make other things that [he] loves” now that this project that he loved is coming to an end.
The announcement came two weeks ago – just two days after the show’s infamous “Shoot-Up-Able” episode, which finally aired after being held by NBC because its original airdate coincided with the GOP Congressional baseball practice shooting. Carmichael called the network’s decision to hold the episode “criminal” while appearing on Chelsea Handler’s Netflix show, Chelsea. Two days later, the announcement about the show’s future was made.
Carmichael released a statement about the show’s end through his publicist.
“For three seasons (okay 2.5), I got to make a show that I love with my friends,” said the comedian/actor. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was 13. Now, I’m excited to go make other things that I love. Thank you to every person who worked on or watched The Carmichael Show.“
20th Century FOX TV Presidents Johnnie Davis and Howard Kurtzman also released a statement, saying, “The Carmichael Show was such a wonderful show that we choose to focus today not on its loss but on the three incredible seasons we had the pleasure to produce.”
They continued, “We are thankful to the brilliant Jerrod Carmichael and his talented cast, and to showrunner Danielle Sanchez-Witzell, our fantastic writers and devoted production team. It’s a rarity that a comedy series tackles the social and political issues of the day in such a clever and hilariously funny way. This show was special, and we will miss it.”
Even NBC Entertainment’s Chairman and President, Bob Greenblatt and Jennifer Salke, respectively, had something to say about The Carmichael Show cancellation.
“We are enormously proud of The Carmichael Show and Jerrod’s talent and vision to do a classic family sitcom that also taps into issues and relevant stories from the real world. We thank and salute the cast, crew, and producers — and especially Jerrod — for three critically acclaimed seasons.”
Jerrod Carmichael’s edgy, not-afraid-to-tackle-the-issues, scripted comedy will certainly be missed. From the legalization of assisted suicide to mass shootings, the show is never afraid to take it there and cover pressing global issues from all angles. It makes you stop and think – something America might need to do a little bit more of these days.
(Dang, we hope Bobby is feeling okay about all this!)
