Bo Burnhamis a multitalented creative who has been conspicuously absent from the big and small screen since 2021. After appearing inPromising Young Womanin 2020 and performingthe tour-de-force stand-up routineBo Burnham: Insideduring the pandemic in 2021, Burnham has largely disappeared from the public to work on new projects behind the scenes. One such project isThe Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, which debuted on HBO in March2024.
While Carmichael takes center stage on the intimately revealing reality TV show, Burnham appears secretly on the show as a masked friend and confidant named Anonymous. Carmichael speaks to Anonymous as a therapeutic sounding board and seeks his relationship advice, further establishing the profound friendship between Burnham and Carmichael. For fans of both comedians,The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Showprovides must-see entertainment that explores family, friendship, and the longing for lasting connections.
Who Is Bo Burnham?
Born Robert Pickering Burnham in 1990,Bo Burnham began his career as a child YouTube star and gained a following by making funny videos. The homemade videos led to a stand-up comedy career, in which Burnham built his brand of absurd observational humor and catchy song-related performances. In 2009, Burnham starred in Comedy Central Presents, doing a 22-minute set at 19 years old that established his precocious talents.
In 2010, Burnham releasedWords, Words, Words,his second stand-up special that showed his ability to rap, sing, tell jokes, and relay amusing anecdotes about his awkward childhood. After starring in Funny as Hell in 2011, Burnham landed his first writing and acting gig in MTV’sZach Stone is Gonna Be Famous, a reality TV parody that expanded his talents considerably. Two more acclaimed stand-up specials followed, includingBo Burnham: WhatandBo Burnham: Make Happy, both of which he directed.Burnham’s directorial duties led to writing and directing the acclaimedcoming-of-age dramaEighth Grade, establishing him as a talented filmmaker worthy of more projects.
While Burnham was coming into his own as a creative force, he also appeared in various movies and TV shows, includingYo Teach!, Hall Pass, Parks and Recreations, Key and Peele, The Big Sick, Promising Young Woman, and more. In 2022, Burnham directed Jerrod Carmichael’s stand-up special, Rothaniel, which is expanded and given more context inThe Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.
What Is The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show?
The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Showis an American realitydocuseries launched on HBOon June 06, 2025. Directed by Ari Katcher, it isan intimate portrait that peels back the curtain on Carmichael’s private life to show him encountering his friends, family, lovers, and fellow comediansto make sense of the fleeting connections in the contemporary dating scene. For instance, Carmichael, a gay man, struggles to connect with his devout mother who harbors homophobic prejudices. Meanwhile, he looks for a date to attend The Emmy Awards after his crush, Tyler the Creator, rejects him.
Later, when Carmichael meets a new boyfriend, their relationship is threatened by an escalating sex addiction, prompting him to attend therapy.The show functions as a cathartic confessional as Carmichael confronts his true feelings and acts on behalf of what his heart desires. With eight episodes released one week apart, the show began on March 29 and ended on August 02, 2025.
Yet, without much marketing, online promotion, or fanfare drumming up anticipation, even fans of the comedians may have missed the show. Regardless, the reality show is a great way to learn more about Carmichael’s identity, although fans tuning in to see Bo Burnham may not have as much luck. That’s because Bo secretly appears as a mask-wearing confidante called Anonymous.
40 Best Stand-up Specials on Max to Watch Right Now
Need a good laugh? These are the best stand-up comedy specials that are now available to watch on the Max streaming service.
Who Does Bo Burnham Play in The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show?
Despite being away from the screen for three years,Bo Burnham portrays Anonymous inThe Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.The inaugural episode depicts Carmichael taking a microdose of psilocybin before attending the Emmy Awards, where he is given the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special award forRothaniel,the stand-up special directed by Burnham. Before attending the award ceremony, Jerrod asks Tyler the Creator to go with him but is rejected.Afterward, Jerrod is seen speaking with a mask-wearing friend called Anonymous, whom he invites to the Emmys instead of Tyler.
Tyler the Creator Drops New The Grinch Theme Song, Is It a Secret Eminem Diss Track?
Danny Elfman and Tyler the Creator have collaborated on an updated version of You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch for The Grinch soundtrack.
In addition to wearing a balaclava over his head, Anonymous uses voice distortion technology to disguise his vocal tone. Even so,Burnham fans will almost immediately recognize his height, mannerisms, speech pattern, and amusing interplay with Carmichael, his longtime friend and collaborator. Yet, for Burnham, it appears more important to remain in the background and avoid stealing the limelight from Jerrod, who bears his soul in the intimate exhibit. Although he remains uncredited and is never officially mentioned by name on the show, Burnham fans will sense his presence early and often.
While Burnham takes a backseat and lets Carmichael shine, it’s worth noting thatBurnham has written a screenplay for an untitled movie currently in pre-production. The story concerns a high school duo who battle bullies by dressing up as superheroes. Burnham is also slated to play acharacter in the upcomingSesame Streetmovie, which is currently in development.
The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show is available to stream on Max.
