Small Screen: Why You Should Be Watching The Carmichael Show

Influenced by Norman Lear and Unafraid to Tackle Bill Cosby, Jerrod Carmichael is Creating Must-See-TV

By Chris Sabga

In the 1970s, screenwriting and producing legend Norman Lear ruled the small screen – television – with groundbreaking programming that explored politics, religion, and life from all angles. Whether it was Archie and Meathead going back-and-forth about hot topics on "All in the Family" or a middle-aged woman having an abortion on "Maude," Lear's shows captured the gritty reality of America the way few others ever had – or ever have since. 

However, instead of creating a trend that lasted through the '80s and beyond, Lear's blunt but nuanced vision of the world disappeared in favor of more wholesome and "family-friendly" shows like "The Cosby Show" (which I will get back to shortly), "Full House" and everything on ABC's "TGIF" block. While I certainly grew up loving those as well, there was nothing that could compare to Archie Bunker or "The Jeffersons."

In 2016, I read an article about a show I'd barely heard of, NBC's "The Carmichael Show," tackling a show we've all seen, "The Cosby Show." Everyone knows the shocking and sordid story of Cosby's downfall by now: Comedian Hannibal Buress made a "joke" about Cosby's holier-than-thou attitude toward the young African-American community, with the "punchline" being that Cosby is a rapist.

"Pull your pants up black people! I was on TV in the '80s," Buress mocked, imitating Cosby. "Yeah, but you rape women, Bill Cosby, so turn the crazy down a couple notches."

From there, endless numbers of women came forward stating they'd been drugged and raped by the '80s sitcom "role model." Cosby went from being lauded a hero who could do no wrong – his sterling influence tenuously linked by "The New York Times" to the rise of America's first black President, Barack Obama – to an internationally reviled pariah who made the whole world feel disgusted and ashamed for ever liking him in the first place.

"The Carmichael Show" was going to go there. The Season 2 episode – titled "Fallen Heroes" – covered Bill Cosby from every angle, including the uncomfortable ones. In one conversation, the characters debated the guilt they felt for being fans of "The Cosby Show" back in the '80s and the unspoken lament that his actions had tainted their childhood memories. How do you reconcile the same man who brought such joy to so many people with the information we have now? Is it okay, the Carmichaels questioned, to still be entertained by a brilliant comedian who is so repulsive in his personal life? Every member of the family had their own wildly differing – and sometimes taboo – take on Bill Cosby and "The Cosby Show."

Norman Lear would have been proud. (Actually, he is!) The Cosby episode – and "The Carmichael Show" in general – is exactly the kind of television Lear would have been writing and producing in the 1970s. It stars comedian and actor Jerrod Carmichael – playing a character of the same name – with an incredible cast portraying his family: Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier as his parents, Amber Stevens West as his biracial girlfriend (a topic that comes up more than once during the course of the show), and LilRel Howery and Tiffany Haddish as his brother and ex-sister-in-law.

After reading about the Cosby episode, I knew I had to catch up and binge-watch "The Carmichael Show" from the beginning! "Fallen Heroes" is but one of the many thought-provoking topics "Carmichael" covers. In the first two seasons, the show has memorably debated gentrification ("Gentrifying Bobby"), depression ("The Blues"), gay and transgender issues ("Gender"), and various other trending topics.

Two of the most memorable episodes, for me, both took place in the second season:

In "The Funeral," the stoic but sometimes blustery patriarch of the Carmichael clan, Joe Carmichael, is tasked with planning his father's funeral. Joe's breakdown at the end and admission that his dad had abused him is powerful, heartbreaking, and absolutely gut-wrenching. It's one of the finest moments of David Alan Grier's long and distinguished acting career. (Bonus: Look for "Jeffersons" alum Marla Gibbs as Joe's mom.)

When "President Trump" aired, its episode title was both a jarring shock to the system and apparently ironic – portending an event that seemingly had no chance in hell of ever happening. At the time, Trump was just another candidate – albeit one who was steadfastly gaining momentum. Yet, here we are today: the episode "President Trump" and President Trump himself are now a reality.

Even though Jerrod Carmichael is the star of the show, he isn't afraid to take the unpopular position. Whether it's supporting controversial gentrification neighborhood overhauls or offensively trolling on social media, Carmichael's character is okay looking like "the bad guy." But he remains endearing – just as Archie Bunker always did, despite his blatant bigotry – because the show always sprinkles its tough issues with layers of warmth and tenderness.

No matter how heated the arguments get, "The Carmichael Show's" family dynamic is its biggest strength. The Carmichaels are real and relatable. They have a deep mutual love and respect for each other. That's why I love them back, even when they're making me mad!

The Carmichael Show airs on NBC. You can watch the first two seasons on Netflix.

Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai

A Detailed Look Back at Four Friends and a Lifetime of Laughs

By Chris Sabga

When "The Golden Girls" first premiered on television in the September of 1985, it was instantly groundbreaking. Never before had women over 50 been portrayed so warmly and richly. Dorothy (Beatrice Arthur), Rose (Betty White), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), and Sophia (Estelle Getty) were complete and fully dimensional human beings. Nothing was off-limits for these Girls: they grappled with sex, aging, medical problems, gender inequality, political-social-economic issues, and – most hilariously – each other.

30 years later, there is finally a book dedicated to these dazzling dames. My first reaction: What took so long? But "Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai" by Jim Colucci was definitely worth the wait!

From the minute you hold it in your hands, you'll be impressed. So many books today cut corners that it's refreshing to see one that looks and feels like a high-quality publication. With its attractive cover, thick pages, and glossy photos, you'll be proud to display this on your proverbial coffee table.

"Behind the Lanai" doesn't cover every single episode, but it comes close. This is an exhaustive guide to "The Golden Girls" with recaps, interviews, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from three of the four Girls – Bea Arthur, Betty White, and Rue McClanahan – and an endless array of guest stars and writers. However, If you're expecting nasty gossip or catty feuding, look elsewhere. This is a nice, heartfelt remembrance of one of television's all-time great sitcoms.

Speaking of nice...

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The show was originally going to be called "Miami Nice."

If you didn't grow up in the 1980s, you might not get the reference. Back then, "Miami Vice" – a hip show about two stylish police officers (played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas) – was all the rage. "Miami Nice" was a cute play on that. Thankfully, though, the name was changed along the way. "The Golden Girls" has a much nicer ring to it, don't you think?

George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino (among many others) were guest stars.

Yes, that George Clooney. And yes, definitely that Quentin Tarantino. This was early in George's career, and he was already somewhat of a TV fixture – also appearing on shows like "The Facts of Life" and "Roseanne" around this time. There's an anecdote in the book which indicates just how little demand there was for him back in the '80s. Needless to say, fame and fortune would eventually smile in George's direction.

While Clooney already had some experience under his belt when he stepped onto the lanai, "The Golden Girls" was Quentin Tarantino's very first acting job. I wonder if both of them reminisced about their time on the show when they played unlikely brothers in "From Dusk Til Dawn" a decade later?

There was a gay housekeeper – "Coco" – played by Charles Levin.

It's no secret that the Girls had a gay housekeeper in the pilot – pretty progressive for the '80s. His name was Coco and he was played by Charles Levin. However, as these things go, the show was somewhat retooled after the first episode. Levin was dropped from the cast and more focus was placed on the Girls themselves – a wise decision, in retrospect, because Bea, Betty, Rue, and Estelle are still four of the most brilliant comediennes ever to grace the screen.

Fans of both pro wrestling and hilariously bad movies are familiar with Charles Levin too. He's one of the two spineless executives – along with future Oscar nominee David Paymer – in 1989's "No Holds Barred" who was berated by tobacco-slobbering pro wrestler (and WWE Hall of Famer) Stan Hansen for having "teeny wangers" Look up the clip on YouTube and lament how quickly things went downhill for poor Mr. Levin in only four short years!

Another Golden Girl from the Golden Era of TV almost made a guest appearance.

Lucille Ball, of "I Love Lucy" fame, seemed like a natural for a show like "The Golden Girls." While she obviously wasn't one of the four Girls, she was highly sought after for a guest role. Unfortunately, it never happened. As the book so eloquently points out, Lucy had her time in television history and so too did the Girls.

Estelle Getty could never remember her lines.

There's a hilarious anecdote about someone on the set gently asking Estelle for permission to move a prop that contained her dialogue. Her polite response was, "No, you may not." Estelle came from the stage, where months of preparation was the norm. Therefore, she was always a nervous wreck about remembering so many lines so quickly and relied on notes and other shortcuts. Marlon Brando famously did the same thing, so Estelle Getty is in great company. The iconic character of Sophia Petrillo is proof of that.

Recognize the kitchen?

The same kitchen set was actually used on "It Takes Two," a short-lived 1982-1983 sitcom starring another Golden Girl, Patty Duke, and Richard Crenna (of "Rambo" fame).

Bea Arthur almost left the show during the sixth season.

Remember the episode where Dorothy wanted to remarry Stan and the Girls interviewed Debbie Reynolds about becoming their new roommate? All of that was apparently in case Bea decided not to continue with the show. Thankfully, she stuck around for one more season. There were tabloid rumors about on-set squabbles, but the book offers a different – and much milder – explanation: she wanted to perform in the theater.

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If you're concerned that I've spoiled all of the good parts, worry not – I've barely scratched the surface. "Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai" is the most detailed and comprehensive history of "The Golden Girls" you'll find anywhere. 

Five Reasons to Watch Grace and Frankie

One of the Year's Best Shows is on Netflix – and You Might Have Missed It!

By Chris Sabga

Original programming is one of the most important staples of any channel or service – and Netflix has become a heavyweight contender in that arena over the past few years. With shows such as "Daredevil," "Bloodline," and "Orange is the New Black" grabbing all the headlines, you might have missed out on a little hidden gem that was also recently released on Netflix: "Grace and Frankie." It's about two women who are forced to make a sudden and unexpected change in their lives after receiving shocking news from their husbands.

Here are five reasons you should be watching it, and one (minor) disappointment:

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin: 35 years after the groundbreaking "9 to 5," Fonda and Tomlin have finally reunited – and it was absolutely worth the wait. Their chemistry is every bit as great today as it was back in 1980 – maybe even better!

Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson: Before "Grace and Frankie," I wouldn't have ever imagined these two working together – especially in this context. Age suits Martin Sheen well – he has turned into an adorable puppy dog grandpa type. And Sam Waterson is pitch perfect as an old, gay, Jewish hippie – it's the role he was born to play.

Great guest stars: Including Christine Lahti ("Jack and Bobby"), Corbin Bernsen ("Major League"), Brian Benben ("Dream On"), Craig T. Nelson ("Coach"), Michael Gross ("Family Ties"), Ernie Hudson ("Ghostbusters"), and many more. This show clearly attracted the cream of the crop.

Characters named Coyote and Nwabudike: You gotta love that! In fact, all of the supporting cast members – Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn, Brooklyn Decker, and June Diane Raphael – accomplish the rarer-than-you-think feat of being ideal secondary characters. They enrich the main storyline without being overbearing or ever taking anything away from Fonda, Tomlin, Sheen, and Waterson.

The perfect mixture of comedy and drama: Some episodes are hysterically funny. Others are more serious and somber. But almost all of them are both – bittersweet in some way.

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My only disappointment (if you can call it that): No cameos from the other two stars of "9 to 5," Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman. Then again, that's probably as illogical as expecting S. Epatha Merkerson from "Law & Order" or Rob Lowe from "The West Wing" to show up. (Of course, I wouldn't have minded that either!) Maybe in the second season... They did manage to throw in one sly reference to Parton though: a mention of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," which, of course, she starred in.

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Why you should watch it: With wonderful actors, great writing, and a fantastic premise, every episode feels like a special treat. The situations that unfold on "Grace and Frankie" are happy, sad, comical, serious, scary, and downright real and messy – just like life. 

The 2013 Fall TV Season

Michael J. Fox, James Caan, James Spader, Marvel Comics, and More!

By Chris Sabga

Silver Screen Surprises is primarily a film site, but I'm taking a slight detour today to highlight some of the new shows of the fall TV season.

It's no secret anymore that the best television programs can be every bit as satisfying as a great movie. After all, like an epic series of novels, TV shows have many more hours – years – to tell their story.

Fans of classics such as "Babylon 5" and "Lost" – as imperfect as those were – can certainly attest to the power of the medium when done right.

The list below is by no means a comprehensive one. I've simply compiled some of the new shows this season that are of interest to me.

The Blacklist (NBC – Monday 10 p.m. EST): The best new show of the season? James Spader stars as a mysterious, creepy criminal who walks right into the F.B.I. and allows himself to get arrested. He specifically requests to speak to Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), a rookie agent going into her first day on the job. He has information about an underground terrorist with a bomb, and she's the only one he'll work with. Why? I have some ideas about that, and by the end of the episode, you will too. With twists, turns, and thrills galore, "The Blacklist" is immensely satisfying. Like "FlashForward" before it, it has the potential to get too silly. It's already over-the-top, but there's a fine line. Hopefully this promising new show will maintain the right balance.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC – Tuesday 8 p.m. EST): This, of course, is based on Marvel's "Avengers" universe – minus any of the actual Avengers. Clark Gregg reprises his role as Agent Coulson from the films. Without spoiling anything, that does get explained somewhat. I enjoyed this, but it's a mess. Joss Whedon's trademark humor is there, but it doesn't seem to fit. Meanwhile, other parts of the show are stark serious. All of that is mixed in with several cheesy elements that make this seem like (bad) parody of the superhero genre. I think "Agents" could be a case of a pilot trying to do way too much and establish way too many characters and storylines. Don't get me wrong: "Agents" is never unenjoyable at any point. It's fun. But this went from a show that I thought would dominate the landscape and last several years to something I could see being cancelled at the end of the season. Next week's ratings will be very telling. Like Whedon's "Dollhouse," which started out roughly too, this can (and hopefully will) get better.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX – Tuesday 8:30 p.m. EST): Andy Samberg is a detective and Andre Braugher is his gay captain. Terry Crews is in it too. Samberg doesn't tickle my funnybone and I can't buy Braugher as gay (which may be the point, since it's treated so matter-of-factly – not a big deal at all), but I like cop shows, and this one is pleasant enough. It's sillier and quirkier than most. The second episode is better. Samberg and Braugher are really gelling as a team. This is going up against ABC's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," which could provide very stiff competition. I just hope the finicky FOX will stand behind "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and give it a chance to succeed.

The Goldbergs (ABC – Tuesday 9 p.m. EST): If I had to describe it, I'd say it's "Married with Children" meets "The Wonder Years." But it's not as good as either show (yet). It's set in the '80s, and it even references some of the more ridiculous '80s sitcom clichés. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Jeff Garlin and Troy Gentile were really father and son. Wendi McLendon-Covey is pretty good – just LOUD! My favorite is George Segal as the grandfather. He really provides the heart of the show.  The coolest part: the show is based on a real family, and it's written by the youngest son, who is an adult in real life now (he's played as a child by Sean Giambrone). There's footage at the end of the real Goldberg family. That alone elevates this a little bit in my mind. As far as pilots go, I wouldn't call this one great, but they almost never are. As one friend of mine said, it's trying too hard. There's definitely enough potential here, though, that I'll keep watching.

Trophy Wife (ABC – Tuesday 9:30 p.m. EST): Wow! Despite the cringe-worthy name, it's actually quite funny and has a great cast. Malin Akerman (who rubbed me the wrong way before, but I love her in this) stars at Bradley Whitford's third wife – his "trophy wife." Needless to say, she's much younger than him. The always superb Marcia Gay Harden plays one of his ex-wives. The kids are good too. The daughter (Gianna LePera) looks like a young Jodie Foster, the son (Ryan Lee) is the little blond boy from "Super 8," and their baby brother (Albert Tsai) was adopted from China and has all of the "cute and funny" lines – and he's good at delivering them. "Trophy Wife" is a fun 20-minute sitcom with really great actors. I hope it lasts. Definitely the surprise of the season.

Back in the Game (ABC – Wednesday 8:30 p.m. EST): James Caan stars as an old, washed up baseball player. His daughter and her young son (Maggie Lawson and Griffin Gluck) have to move back in with him. She has a strained relationship with her father and hates baseball because of it, but gets roped into agreeing to coach a little league team. It's a weird show so far – two little boys kiss and there are several "dick jokes" – but it has potential. Apparently, it "isn't really about baseball," so we'll see.

Ironside (NBC – Wednesday 10 p.m. EST): It's a remake of a Raymond Burr show I've never seen and hadn't even heard of before now. It seems a bit generic, despite the gimmick of the main detective being in a wheelchair. But Blair Underwood is very good in it. I watched this right after the season premiere of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and Pablo Schreiber is in both – which was a bit jarring because he plays a sick rapist on "SVU" and a good guy cop here, but he's a decent enough actor to pull it off. The pilot didn't give him much to do though. The captain is an Asian-American, which is new at least, so between him and Underwood, "Ironside" gets points for diversity. Not an awesome show, but it's enjoyable enough.

The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC – Thursday 9:30 p.m. EST): Very cute, lighthearted show. There's nothing groundbreaking here, except that the main character (and actor) has Parkinson's Disease. They don't dance around the situation or treat it with pity. If anything, they make fun of it at times (in a lighthearted, inoffensive way). Good, clean fun, just like another Michael J. Fox family sitcom we all know and love. Aside from Fox himself, Betsy Brandt (as his wife) and Wendell Pierce (as his old boss) are the best aspects of the show. There are also special guest stars in each episode (Matt Lauer and Tracy Pollan, respectively). There are occasional asides featuring a character commenting into a camera (presumably being recorded by the daughter) like a reality show. I'm not sold on that aspect yet, and it doesn't make much sense after the first episode. But I like the show overall.

Other shows: "Sleepy Hollow" (FOX) is getting big buzz from just about everyone I've talked to, but I haven't watched it yet. To be honest, the premise doesn't appeal to me. Still, people are going crazy for it, so I will probably give it a try at some point.

"Super Fun Night" (ABC) – featuring the always hilarious Rebel Wilson (Fat Amy from "Pitch Perfect") – hasn't aired yet, but it will be worth a look because of her.

Despite being no fan of reality shows, I find myself oddly drawn to the premise of "MasterChef Junior" (FOX), which allows children from 8 to 13 to run a real kitchen. What the...? I'll probably try an episode. Let's just hope it's not as exploitative as it sounds.

You may notice the omission of anything from CBS. That's because they won't allow their newer shows to be broadcast on Hulu Plus's TV app for the PS3, Roku, and other set-top boxes and tablets. (I "cut the cord" on my overpriced cable company.)

Instead, my only option is watch their shows as they air (how 1980s!) or from my PC via CBS.com. Sorry, that outdated scheme doesn't work for me. I won't be a slave to CBS's mandated schedule. (And no, I'm not going to hook my PC up to my TV just to watch a show.) Keep being behind-the-times, CBS! How is that slippery slide into irrelevancy working out for you?

With all of that said, "The Crazy Ones" with Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar does look good.

Which new shows are you looking forward to?