Its about that moment of decision, where youre trying to figure out how to adjust that fan-person relationship.
And when we read the material, we were just blown away.
And give NBC credit too.
Credit: Matthias Clamer/NBC; Gilbert Carrasquillo/WireImage
This episode will certainly be part of the cultural conversation.
We embrace this and were proud to be in business with him.
(A representative for Cosby had no comment.)
It sounds like Carmichael will be proudly embracing controversial debates in season 2 beyond Cosby as well.
Theres an episode coming up about gentrification, he says.
Theres an episode that explores Islamophobia.
Theres an episode that explores cheating, trying to explain the emotions around the death of a family member.
Its some fun, rich topics.
I like the excitement of television and what it can mean.
Right now, though, he wants to talk aboutThe Carmichael Showtaking on the Cosby scandal.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What does this episode say about Bill Cosby?
What kind of statement does it make?
Its the most honest, sincere argument about it.
Its people not knowing what to do with it.
Theres doubt, theres the acknowledgement of how horrendous the accusations are.
I think we balance the argument.
This isnt a Lets defend Bill Cosby episode.
This is also not a Lets persecute him [episode].
Its really just, Well, this is how I feel about his work.
Because then something you loved was taken from you.
It really is a void.
The episode is really exploring the fact that the reality is its difficult.
Even if you want to say its black or white, it still doesnt make it easy.
The show is a comedy, but youve shown youre not scared of tackling controversial subject matters.
Was it a big challenge here finding where the comedy was?
So its easy to find humor in the reactions around it while maintaining the respect of the topic.
I imagine that NBC had some reservations.
What was that process like?
Oh, what a process it was.
And Im very thankful.
Even in the process, even in the hesitation I saw a lot of excitement.
What was the very first reaction you got from NBC when you pitched the idea?
[Laughs] To put it in its truest and simplest form, No.
So it was a process of persuading the web connection that this was worth doing and worth the risk?
And Im like, No, no, we really want to do this episode.
[Costar] Loretta Devine thought I was joking.
I was like, Were going to do a Bill Cosby episode.
It may upset a few people.
And she was like Ahhh, Im not listening to you.
And then she got the script and she was like, You were serious?
What are your own personal views on Bill Cosby?
How do you feel about whats been going on, and what conclusions have you drawn?
I was a huge fan.
And so many of us were.
My family and my friends were huge fans of his stand-up, and especially the show.
And Im using the term allegedly because I have to.
Its a difficult thing where its like… we know.
We know the answers.
Its just not a good feeling.
I feel bad about it because its a thing where nobody wins.
These women were robbed of something thats very very important, and they are hurting and its painful.
And, I mean, thats obviously disgusting.
That gets taken away from us.
Its a situation where everybody loses.
Thats just really sad.
Do you feel that hes guilty?
Honestly, its not my place to say.
I have eyes and ears and I know what sounds like the very commonsense answer.
But its genuinely not my place to say.
I dont think that 55 people made something up.
Does that make sense?
We all know the answer.
But the same way its not my place to say, its the legal place to say.
What will Bill Cosby say when he sees this episode?
What would you imagine his reaction would be or what would you want it to be?
Listen, Bill Cosbys a very smart man.
And once again, this answer is removed from the legality of it.
I think he would watch.
I hope that he would watch and realize that that these are conversations and feelings that people have.
And I think you have to respect that.
And I hope that he does.
You know this episode is going to cause a stir.
Are you bracing for that?
Do you welcome the debate?
You know, I dont really check the Internet and social media a lot.
… Ill gauge peoples honest reactions.
If people talk about it, I just hope it sparks honest conversation.
So I dont worry about the reaction.
Someone was just like, No, you cant!
Because if you just hear the buzzwords, youll shut down.
Or theyll hate it.
