I don’t think all comedy should be mindless. Have something that’s thoughtful. Maybe some things are tongue-in-cheek; maybe some things are very direct. I like that people have to think about things. That excites me. Because if you say certain things, it starts a dialogue. Even if you disagree, it’s still a dialogue. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
I just like to explore honest thoughts or feelings. How I’m feeling at the time. I want to explore it and talk about it and have a conversation with the audience. I want to throw something out there, see how they feel about it, and tell them how I feel about it. I know that’s really relaxed, but that’s the most fun. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
I want everything to be an honest extension of me. What better way than me talking? It’s a direct connection with everyone. With film and television, you make great projects, but stand-up is the thing that is completely yours. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
Comedians could do mindless things – and by mindless, I mean the easy jokes and things that you already agree with – but I find it more interesting, more of a reward, for people to feel something. I like to make a human connection, and that involves speaking emotionally, a bit more intellectually, or with a bit more moral complexity. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
I knew I wanted to do a show on NBC – it’s rooted in its history; it’s part rooted in nostalgia and part rooted in the potential of it. For me, there was no other choice. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
As an artist, the most important thing and the most special thing is when your intention shines through on the work. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
A lot of times, us within the industry, we can put this bubble around ourselves and create what a show is supposed to look like and sound like, and we’re seeing so much content. The best compliment is, ‘I finally found something to watch with my family,’ or, ‘This is how I really feel, and I can’t believe they’re showing this on television.’ Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
When you’re onstage in theater, if you mess up a line, there’s no ‘Cut! We’ll get it again.’ It’s full steam ahead. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
On a pure entertainment level, if I’m going to choose to listen to a presidential candidate speak on a Saturday night, it’s going to be Donald Trump over Bernie Sanders by a landslide! Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
To say it very honestly, removed from ego, standup is just a thing that I understood, a God-given ability. Jerrod Carmichael Read Quote
