Twentieth Century Fox isn’t letting go of Jerrod Carmichael just yet.
The studio’s television arm announced Friday that it is signing the creator and star of “The Carmichael Show” to a significant deal, which would allow him to produce projects with his longtime collaborator Ari Katcher under the Morningside Entertainment banner.
Under the deal, Carmichael has the opportunity to write, produce and star in projects for the studio.
“The end of ‘The Carmichael Show’ was a heartbreak for everyone at this studio, and [Howard Kurtzman, president of business operations] and I swore we’d be back in business with Jerrod if we had anything to say about it,” 20th Century Television president of creative affairs Jonnie Davis said in a statement. “Lucky for us, he said ‘yes.’”
The comedy launched in August 2015 and starred Carmichael, Amber Stevens West, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier in a fictionalized look at his family.
“The Carmichael Show” often earned praise for tackling difficult issues, including use of the N-word and the ethics behind continuing to enjoy Bill Cosby’s comedy career.
However, the show was canceled by NBC after three seasons with less-than-stellar ratings. Just before the official announcement, Carmichael said he was leaving.
“This is a guy whose inspiration is Norman Lear and it’s not hard to see why — he speaks about what’s happening in the world and he gets people talking even if the subject matter is uncomfortable. Oh, and he’s also hilarious,” Davis continued. “He’s an incredible talent and a ‘television savant’ and we’re thrilled he’s making 20th his exclusive home.”