NBC’s summer renewals and cancellations are a case of good news/good news: The network has cancelled Mr. Robinson—which our review claimed provoked more cringes than laughs—thus freeing up its talented star Craig Robinson to find a new project worthy of his talents. Even better, the network has renewed its other freshman summer series, The Carmichael Show, which debuted to critical praise and solid ratings despite a schedule that looked suspiciously like a burn-off.
Although it has the aesthetic of a broad multi-camera sitcom, The Carmichael Show uses those familiar trappings to explore some very progressive politics. In its six-episode first season the show discussed the Black Lives Matter movement, religion, the socioeconomic aspects of health, gun control, and what it’s like to be a transgender teen of color, all while providing the requisite laughs of a half-hour family sitcom. It’s an impressive feat for its creator and star, comedian Jerrod Carmichael, and NBC apparently agrees.
The network’s Entertainment President Jennifer Salke explained:
We’re extremely proud of The Carmichael Show and Jerrod’s voice and point of view is a breath of fresh air in a comedy series. The show made a big impact with viewers and critics because it’s funny and relatable, but also because it’s fearless about discussing issues that are significant in the world today.
The Carmichael Show also stars David Alan Grier, Loretta Devine, Amber Stevens West, Tiffany Haddish, and Lil Rel Howery, who are all presumably thrilled to still have a job. And while Robinson will almost certainly land on his feet too (maybe as the Carmichael’s wacky neighbor?), we’d like to take a moment to say, “Here’s to you Mr. Robinson.”