Jerrod Carmichael Goes Viral: Inside His New Stand-Up Special, Viral Clips & Sky-High Google Searches

Jerrod Carmichael’s fearless voice returns to premium TV this week as his brand-new stand-up special, “Don’t Be Gay,” premieres on HBO and streams on Max on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Jerrod Carmichael Unveils “Don’t Be Gay” on HBO Carmichael shot to global fame after coming out on stage in his Emmy-winning 2022 special “Rothaniel.” With “Don’t Be Gay,” the Winston-Salem–born comic doubles down on raw confession, digging into sexuality, family expectations and the political tightrope of modern identity. Early trailers tease punch-lines aimed at everything from Southern church culture to cancel-culture fatigue, delivered with his trademark calm, conversational cadence. What to Expect From the New Special Reviewers who attended advance screenings say Carmichael “proves he’s a master storyteller,” skillfully weaving jaw-dropping admissions with perfectly timed pauses that make the laughs land even harder. Unlike the tightly structured narrative of “Rothaniel,” the new hour opts for minimal staging—just a single stool, a handheld mic and Carmichael’s unfiltered honesty—letting the material speak for itself. Why “Don’t Be Gay” Is Generating Buzz • Timely Theme: LGBTQ+ rights dominate 2025 headlines, making Carmichael’s perspective both urgent and search-friendly. • Crossover Appeal: His recent reality series—where he revealed a crush on friend Tyler, the Creator—pulled in non-comedy fans curious about his personal life. • Minimal Competition: No other high-profile stand-up launches the same weekend, positioning the special for viral clips on TikTok and YouTube. How to Watch Jerrod Carmichael’s Latest Stand-Up • Live broadcast: HBO, May 24 @ 10 p.m. ET/PT • Streaming: Available on Max immediately after airing • Replays: HBO On Demand throughout Memorial Day weekend Jerrod Carmichael’s Evolution: From “The Carmichael Show” to Now The 36-year-old first disrupted sitcom conventions with NBC’s “The Carmichael Show,” then shifted to auteur projects like the indie film “On the Count of Three.” Each step moved him closer to the brutally candid style that defines “Don’t Be Gay,” where the line between comedy and diary entry nearly disappears. Fan Reactions and Early Reviews Social clips from advance screenings already rack up millions of views, with hashtags #DontBeGay and #JerrodCarmichael trending on X (formerly Twitter). Critics praise his ability to mine discomfort for cathartic laughter, calling the new hour “courageous, intimate and wickedly funny.” Final Thoughts Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him via Google’s hot trends list, Jerrod Carmichael’s “Don’t Be Gay” promises one of 2025’s must-watch comedy events. Tune in May 24, stream on Max, and join the conversation that’s sure to dominate social feeds all weekend.