NBC has swiftly determined the future of its two new summer comedies. The Carmichael Show - the far superior of the two - has been renewed for a second season while the long-in-the-works Mr. Robinson has been canceled.
Mr. Robinson starred Craig Robinson as a high school music teacher by day and musician by night. The cast also featured Peri Gilpin, Ben Koldyke, Brandon T. Jackson, Spencer Grammer, Amandla Stenberg, Tim Bagley, Asif Ali and Meagan Good.
Mark and Robb Cullen served as showrunners and executive producers on Mr. Robinson's brief six episode season. The series wrapped its three week run on August 19, 2015.
The Carmichael Show stars stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael as a fictionalized version of himself and his interactions with family. The series has addressed a number of social issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement, transgender rights and gun control. The cast also includes Amber Stevens West, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier.
Carmichael co-created the multi-camera sitcom with Nick Stoller, Ari Katcher and Willie Hunter. Additionally executive producers include Ravi Nandan and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. Comedy writing veterans Mike Royce and Mike Scully also penned episodes of the first season.
The comedy has seen a wide array of critic support across its short short episode season. It also boasted a much stronger DVR boost than Mr. Robinson. Those are likely the reasons why NBC is bringing it back. It's also the kind of the show that network needs to be producing as it's comedy brand is virtually non-existent.
"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," said Jennifer Salke, NBC Entertainment President. "This 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. We appreciate all the hard work that has gone into this new family comedy from the producers, cast, and crew and look forward to brining it back to the schedule later this season."
