White Famous (2017) User Reviews

Balanced

[james_burrill · 6/10 · 18 October 2017]

This show is perfectly balanced. It is neither funny nor unfunny. It has likable characters but an unlikable protagonist. I neither like nor dislike this show.

I tuned into this sow because of Jay Pharoah. His work on Saturday night live was funny and clever. It was a surprise to find his character the only unlikable one on the show. His character is a spoiled child who fights kicking and screaming against any kind of success and treats every white person as a racist. Given the climate in America today I can understand the want and need to confront racism no matter how subtle. Granted, the show does make some relevant points about race relations in today's culture. Unfortunately White Famous uses tired examples to try and make its point and Pharoah's character uses EVERY opportunity to confront a white person about it.

I find it hard to believe that a stand up comic would fight so hard against his own success. He whines to his agent about every part and piece of work offered and when he finally does get a good opportunity he acts as if it is beneath him.

The show itself contains some likable characters like Pharoah's agent and his room mate Balls. It was a surprise to find the protagonist so annoying.

While the show isn't laugh out loud funny it is amusing and has some great potential. If it can rise above the stale jokes and premises it is currently using it could be a great show. Until then I think this show is perfectly balance, hanging in the limbo of amusing.

borderline dookie (also im black)

[yunggunk · 5/10 · 1 November 2017]

show is kinda trash. I really wanted to like this show. I really hate how outraged the main character is all the time, makes him only semi likable, but maybe he's supposed to grow on us. good supporting cast though. except the son. little dude is a bad actor.

The over exaggerated race narrative is necessary to the show and, maybe its important that the show even exists but, Its annoying to me.

I think that dear white people did a better job, in the sense that the racial happenings seemed more realistic

this show is dookie just like survivors remorse

i'll probably keep watching though haha ... for the culture.

(edit). it gets better

Not bad has a Spike Lee feel

[devonhenry-87171 · 7/10 · 13 November 2017]

Honestly this show isn't that bad. I've read many reviews saying that the main character is not really like-able and that the show is racist but personally I think we should give this show a chance. I feel like this show has a lot of potential and can be funny at times. All it needs it is a little time to build-up (Jay Pharaoh better start doing more impressions)

Another...'this is how Hollywood Works' Show

[lambiepie-2 · 7/10 · 23 October 2017]

After watching the first episode, I was ready to put it into the "stop wasting my time file" as I didn't find the main character's situation at all interesting --only because the premise has been done over and over and over again. The other reason for me is that when I "look" at this program starring Jay Pharoah, I am taken back to a film I absolutely loved from Robert Townshend called "Hollywood Shuffle". There was a scene in the movie where there was a casting for a film, and they were seeking "an Eddie Murphy-Type". This was because "Eddie Murphy" was "80s hot" and "bankable" then, and so that was what they wanted from budding African-American actor/comedians. NOt their individuality. In the audition room were actors all dressed up, mimicking, "Eddie Murphy" waiting to audition for the role. This is what "White Famous" reminds me of. And that is not a bad thing entirely, but hard to grasp for the main character in 2017.

This comedian wants to show how it would be to be "White Famous" defined as to be known and respected across the board (a cross-over artist) and get paid equally for it. This program, "White Famous" is not just for this African American comedian, but also 'the wish' for the people in his orbit trying to get him there, no matter what their racial background. It's the 'tag description' for ANYONE wishing to 'make it in Hollywood', and this show is letting the viewer know that's the "in-phase".

For this struggling comedian getting into acting in Hollywood, has his ideas, and they have theirs but the bottom line is both are seeking the fame and money in making this work. Is this a new premise? No. However to make it appealing to audiences will be the "likeability" of the characters. Jay Pharoah is at the decision-pinnacle of such a career, as we are all getting to know him, and are on the same journey as he juggles career, being a single dad, relationship whoa's and more.

For programs like this, the ultimate test of whether it works or not is if the viewer cares and roots for the subject to succeed. Currently, I am not getting a feeling either way. He's not very likable, but he isn't a horror either. His agent(s) aren't very interesting as they are stereotypical of Hollywood Agents and Manager and the Hollywood scene has been done over and over -- so I am not picking anything too interesting out of it above the norm in this show about them. I do somewhat like the "crazy-movie" producer/director played by Michael Rappaport as that character combines Hollywood's craziness into one ball as he too is looking to be "white famous". The fear is that this character needs to be taken in dribs-and-drabs as it is. More of a character like this would be overkill.

The relationship between his 'baby-mama' (and BTW, I dislike that phrase so much, it's a big turn off for me)and he isn't interesting beyond what is already established, and his comedy isn't making me stand up and cheer. As it has been said many times by other comedians -- 'stringing a bunch of curse words together for a laugh, isn't always funny'. I'm not familiar with his stand up, and this show doesn't quite move me to want to see it with any urgency -- meaning -- if I see it in passing, I may or may not stop to look.

There's some potential here, but I don't know if it will bring in enough viewer interest for people to want to witness it develop before it is canceled.

Not as bad as people say

[yairweinberg · 10/10 · 4 October 2018]

It seems a lot of people tend to miss the point, they can't see past the anger of Floyd or the idea of racism floating there constantly.

Let me explain, this show makes people intentionally uncomftrable as it makes, in its own comedic way, the general public face the truth which is that in hollywood the people who run the show are almost entirely white. It makes people face the fact that to get roles some black people need to make a mockery of themselves because it's hard for people to relate to a black protagonist unless he is goofy. It's not something people do intentionally but rather just how it is right now. For example, men have a hard time relating to a female protagonist, maybe because of the gender difference or maybe because we unknowingly have a hard time seeing a woman as a more dominant being than men.

The truth of the matter is you have to had experience racism first hand and the anger that comes with being judged by how you look and people making assumptions, not because they are bad people but because it's hard not to judge. I felt it, not black, just tinted and I look a bit threatning... I have no control over it but am constantly judged by it so relating to Floyd was not hard for me. Understanding the difficulty that comes from navigating the jungle of the white controlled world (and yes, even in NBA and NFL the people incharge are rich white people) is crucial to understanding the show and the way Floyd acts, the way he refuses to take crap from anyone or bow down to theur goofy desires. It shows that the people incharge are not always bright or straight minded and in so why would you listen to everything they say? Maybe they are wrong.

We are all the same, but we dont treateach other equally, not by choice but happens none the less.

Give this show a try, think about a time in which you felt like because of aomething you cant control you arebeing judged, a time when you had to be someone you are not to please the people incharge, think about the frustration you felt, especially when you had other things going on in your life. Do that and you will enjoy the show for what it is.

Found Myself Rooting Against the Main Character

[keegoharborpaulnewman · 1/10 · 20 October 2017]

The series is predicated on Jay Pharoah's struggle for success, but it's difficult to root for him when he doesn't seem particularly deserving of it, on a personal or professional level.

He has an unhealthy relationship with his ex, Sadie (Cleopatra Coleman), in which he would prefer she not see anyone else while he is free to date. He berates his agent, is negligent toward the son he and Sadie share and constantly self-sabotages in meetings with directors and producers. On top of that he is fixated on race and makes sure to make every non-black character he comes in contact with well aware of his polarized views.

This is A Great And Relatable Show, to Some

[porceline-p · 10/10 · 2 December 2017]

I can totally relate to this show's topics and humor! The interaction between the lead character and his best friend really does happen where I'm from and no one is offended because friends are supposed to be honest and keep you grounded. The joke of the agent having the hots for his client's child's mother is supposed to be repulsive where the lead snaps back at him. Because that's what will happen where I'm from. Unfortunately, the individuals who rated this show low and unfunny, will never find this funny, because this show, topic, and humor most likely wasn't meant for you to get as being funny. I think this was meant to show how we really feel about you and how much of a joke you are to us and we don't take you seriously. It's kind of like how I watched Martin growing up, while you watched the unfunny Friends. We didn't take Martin seriously and knew is was just jokes and urban humor, while you watched Friends and totally loved that a girl would sleep around and date best friends and it not be considered nasty. So if you don't get White Famous' point, then consider the first episode, where the lead said he doesn't want to be 'white' famous, when he's OK being 'black'. In other words, the show has nothing to prove to outsiders, it's the outsiders who want to be proved to. These episodes are cleverly written and totally smart.

This is one very stale comedy

[brandybellbuckhead · 1/10 · 19 October 2017]

Pros:

Utkarsh Ambudkar who plays Malcolm, the Indian talent agent is excellent and would have been a more likable lead than Jay Pharoah.

The Hollywood/Los Angeles sights and scenes are more interesting than the script.

Cons:

There seems to be a lot of anti-white rhetoric and stereotypes. It frankly makes it uncomfortable to watch. It is blatant and one sided.

The writing is weak and many of the jokes and scenes are recycled from the 90's. An example is the scene in the pilot where the white guy mistakes Jay Pharoah for the valet at a restaurant and hands him his keys. (Stolen from Curb Your Enthusiasm).

I am not sure how this show got the green light? The show just isn't funny and injecting A list celebrities like Jamie Fox towards the end of the 1st episode just looks like you are trying to make up for something.

entertaining

[amolad-1 · 8/10 · 7 November 2017]

This is funny. Pharaoh is entertaining and the writing is smart PROVIDED that you realize that it is a part of the same showbiz universe that Californication exists in. A lot of it is tongue in cheek, but I'm sure it's closer to the reality of Hollywood in some respects than some people realize. I will say this: it's A LOT better than Showtime's "I'm Dying Up Here."

You won't like him when he's angry (which is ALL the time)

[fits-47019 · 1/10 · 25 October 2017]

Jay Pharoah's stank face on the promo poster sums up the experience of watching this show. White Famous is the story of an up and coming comedian who accidentally stumbles his way into stardom and opportunities that any other working actor would kill for, and this, inexplicably, makes him mad at everybody. This guy STAYS angry, at everyone, all the time, except when he is trying to hook up with his baby's mother(the only likable character in this show) Everyone else on the show is either an obnoxious asshole, a closet racist, or a generally unlikable waste of screen time. Maybe the point of the show is that Hollywood is filled with awful people, including and especially the supposed protagonist of the story, but other shows (e.g. Bojack Horseman, Californication, and even the much maligned bro-fest, Entourage) have done this premise in a less overbearing and (gasp!) actually entertaining way. Poor writing and pedestrian performances from the whole cast including a surprisingly lackluster cameo from Jamie Foxx, playing himself. It just doesn't work on any level. Save your time and skip this mess.

Usually these 'comedian vehicles' are so-so, but....

[michaeldecker · 10/10 · 3 April 2018]

This is really good. Snappy writing, funny, and convincing characters. The title refers to the main character's chances of 'crossing over' to universal appeal, and his struggles along the way. It's also a good commentary on how things work in Hollywood, particularly the clumsy way white people behave in front of black people. I hope we see a second season, there's lots more to explore.

Attempts to Capture Entourage's Cool but Miserably Fails.

[clinkpalcom · 1/10 · 24 October 2017]

White Famous cheapens itself with cheap laugh lines and poorly written jokes. And it proudly sells out: There is a parade of celebrity cameos, and a parade of nameless females introduced butt-first.

White Famous wants to cast Jamie Foxx as a north star of stardom for young Floyd (Jay Pharoah). But his presence makes the whole show feel ego-strokish. Actually, everything here feels ego-strokish. Both episodes I've seen turn on the same essential plot point, Faced with the possibility of making a difficult decision to achieve success, the young star refuses to make the decision, and then achieves success anyway.

After two episodes I am done. I gave it a chance, but Jay Pharoah as the lead is too unlikable to follow and the constant infusion of celebrities just feels like pandering.

Entourage, in a Californication setting, with Jay Pharaoh.

[Jules_702 · 8/10 · 24 October 2017]

In a PC world, the title needs a name change. That's where 80% of the negative reviews are stemming from... off of ONE episode. Wow. Smh. So after seeing the second episode, this show is basically a combination of Californication and Entourage, told from the perspective of a Black comedian.. Geez, give the show a chance. Several "Entourage" archetypes are in this series, so if you are going to critique "stereotypical Hollywood characters," critique the repetitiveness, not the characters. And if you don't think "those types" exist, feel free to browse (a) Variety, (b) TMZ, or (c) purchase a plane ticket to Hollywood.

Note: As I watch each episode, my rating will adjust based off of story COLLECTIVELY.

Should have kept his night job.

[winickj · 1/10 · 16 October 2017]

Showtime -- how your fortunes have fallen. Once upon a time, The Sopranos, Sex and the City... now -- White Famous. Lets take a few characters from Californication (which ended far too long after it's expiration date) and stick them in a terribly written, annoying show about a comedian who basically hates everything and has no respect for anyone. I never found the lead appealing or cared about him as the protagonist. I would sooner have watched a show about his Indian agent who is like the brown Ari Gold. At least he has likability on his side. I see the average rating is 5.5.. sounds inflated to me.

Never seen something that can become so much more.

[pmash-20254 · 10/10 · 9 June 2018]

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this show. I've rewatched this season at least three times. Jay Pharoh does a great job of portraying a successful comic breaking into the world of cinema. I hate seeing reviews of people saying these characters don't reflect real life, but if you've spent anytime around the industry you'd understand they don't live in the real world most of the time. I think it reflects the antics and self-righteous of the Hollywood "elite" of 15 years ago. I know the world of white famous is set in today's times, but since it is based of Jamie Fox's experience with burgeoning fame, I feel the story comes from a place a decade ago. Maybe with everyone's feelings becoming paper thin. This show just breaks their shallow sense of self. Bring back White Famous. It had just turned the corner.

Misguided

[sarahartleymd · 4/10 · 22 October 2017]

It is hard to be hip and get a green light. This is not Insecure or Atlanta.

Someone tried to concoct a romantic stud Black hipster man-child comic sipping Slurpies as a good Dad and loving his baby mama while Makin' it in LA.

Too many cooks spoiled this soup.

Just because of the name, some white people are offended.

[watucker81 · 10/10 · 24 October 2017]

I'm writing this review only in response to the hate it's receiving. Some people (angry white people to be exact) seem to not understand the sentiment of the title of the show. Just because you can't understand the wordage doesn't mean you should bash the show. It's actually pretty good. It's pretty much Californication meets Entourage with just a black lead, that's why I see anyway. It's also only the third episode coming on tonight. There's no way you can judge a show in just 2 episodes unless you have a preconceived ideal about the show. Angry racist white people, implore you to expand your minds and not hate on something just because it has a black lead actor and regular white people, keep doing what you're doing, y'all are great!

Don't worry no spoilers...since I stopped after 10 min

[djnieme · 1/10 · 18 October 2017]

zzzzz....so Jay pharaoh and jamie fox, a couple of black celebs who hate being black (in real life and on the show) and who love LOVE to **** on whites with really dumb descriptions of "whitey."

the problem is like Insecure, the dumb white tropes about racism is hardly realistic while being typically unfunny and unwatchable.

I was hoping we would never have to deal with another angry at the white world Issa Rae persona or type ...but I guess this will be another one...until it's finally cancelled.

Very deliberate jokes about whites and dumb, profane BANAL jokes in general. And for your viewing pleasure: dark skinned, unattractive black guys chasing more attractive, light skinned women.....did I mention the horrible, unfunny script? The hook for the producers are is: "well, in case the 'comedy' doesn't work out, let's add hella ass and Jamie's nut sack...YUP that'll work."

Meh

[delgadomatt · 10/10 · 7 November 2017]

Does anyone else notice that these reviews have the same pattern to them....It's basically the same person writing reviews under different names and email addresses. You can the similarities in the writing style...pretty dumb if you ask me. Anyone who pays attention to things will figure this out pretty quickly

Cringe Worthy

[youcantoutrunmycamaro · 1/10 · 24 October 2017]

The major issue I had with White Famous, and this is a biggie, is that I didn't really find it funny. Even if you go into the show without the expectation that you'll be laughing out loud every minute, I think most will find that it doesn't bring the laughs (or just basic, feel-good enjoyment) the way a comedy really should. With the notable exceptions of Jay Pharoah's Denzel Washington impression and someone mistakenly saying "Blafrican-American" a couple of times right after he's professed to never use the word "black" to refer to people, I never had an honest moment of hilarity from the show.

There's even an extended cameo from Jamie Foxx, which was clearly supposed to be so crazy that you'd LOL non-stop, but I just found it sort of embarrassing for all involved. Where I was expecting Curb Your Enthusiasm levels of cringe-worthy laughs, I generally just got cringes.

How am I seriously the first person to review this masterwork?

[jessicacgill · 10/10 · 15 October 2017]

No spoilers but bring a diaper because there is a cameo in this pilot that will have you peeing with both surprise and laughter.

I'm just in awe of the writing, directing and acting in this pilot. It's funny, it's real, the industry comedy is spot on. I don't want to give anything away so I'm going to keep this short, but this show was so gratifying I watched it twice.

White Famous is NOT a Comedy ... It's a Docudrama about Hollywood

[Avid_Movie_Viewer · 2/10 · 4 December 2017]

White Famous is categorized as a comedy. It's not. It's a docudrama that is heavy on the drama. Bringing to light how white dominated Hollywood controls and portrays black actors. The shows attempts to be funny by having the main character sometimes looking at the camera with a smirk. Yeah. We've never seen that before. Do we really need another show that exposes racism in Hollywood? Especially since this show does it in super slow motion. So slow motion that you fall asleep. Sadly there is no fixing this show. It was broken right from episode 1. I would cancel it now before wasting another dollar for production.

not too bad.

[kewday-95046 · 9/10 · 24 December 2017]

Like usual have to watch a few eps to get into it. I liked it. or maybe it was because i heard it was based around Jamie Foxxx rise to fame. JF is just a straight boss.

What happened?

[kurdtdiana · 1/10 · 13 November 2017]

I first came to this show because I loved Jay Pharoa since SNL ,he was funny in every sketch.. I was disappointed in White famous; which is a comedy without being funny, a commentary on being black in show business without being close to the real thing and having any message whatsoever about it... It's shallow, from another era, quite distasteful and opposite to every great show that tackles the topic of racism (like Insecure even if it has some flaws). The characters are underwhelming, no thought was given to the dialogues and script, no one is interesting except for Balls who is the only person who has insight and actually says reasonable things. The rest aren't even worth writing about... except for the actor who portraits Robbie the English man: how in the hell is Moony still considered the attractive one? Frankly I still watch the show just so I can see Robbie again..I guess I'm just as shallow as the average viewer of this mess. (NB For the ones who would believe I'm white because I didn't like this show I'm not, I'm what Americans call mixed).

New Comedy with Excellent Potential

[corkwriter · 9/10 · 19 October 2017]

While it's always dangerous to base a conclusion about a new TV Series based on just one episode, it appears that "White Famous" on Showtime is a dandy. It's about a young black comedian trying to make the move to movies in Hollywood while maintaining his personal, artistic and racial identity and integrity.

So yeah, it'a hybrid, a comedy with a message, but if the initial episode is indicative, the two don't negate each other and the talent at work here is abundant.

In the lead is Jay Pharaoh as the comedian. I really like his sidekick,manager/whatever, played by Jacob Ming-Trent, a classically trained actor.

Never been a big fan of Michael Rapaport in the past,but he appears born to play a wackaloon director trying to get Pharoah's character in his movie.

I admit I was surprised by the vitriol contained in a number of other reviews and suggest you make up your own mind. I suspect it comes less from the quality of the series and more from the neuroses of (some of) the reviewers. I've been a professional reviewer and believe me, some of them are not hooked up right.

If you've got Showtime, give it a shot. I think you'll like it. If it doesn't work for you, you'll know soon enough.