White Famous

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 15, 2017
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 20
  3. Negative: 4 out of 20
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Critic Reviews

  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Oct 16, 2017
    80
    The writing of White Famous is light and scathingly funny, a remarkable trait in what may be the most comfortable uncomfortable portrayal of fame and racism on television this season. Pharaoh, who famously departed “Saturday Night Live” to take this role, exercises a dramatic flexibility that shines through in Floyd.
  2. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Oct 13, 2017
    80
    A scathingly funny cocktail of hardball racial humor, caustic Hollywood self-lampoon and general filthy talk.
  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Sep 14, 2017
    80
    [A] sharply written dramedy.
  5. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Oct 12, 2017
    75
    Pharaoh was an underrated and underutilized player on “Saturday Night Live” and he finally gets to shine here. With great comedic timing, strong acting chops and charisma to spare, Pharaoh elevates White Famous, making it a series well worth your time.
  6. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Oct 11, 2017
    70
    It’s not particularly original, but with lively guests such as Foxx, Tobolowsky, and, beginning in episode two, Michael Rapaport and Natalie Zea (as a soulless agent named Amy Von Getz; Kapinos clearly likes to play with names), the material is nonetheless twisted fun. It’s Pharoah, though, best known for his six-season stint on “Saturday Night Live,” who carries the action.
  7. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Oct 13, 2017
    67
    White Famous can be faulted in its conceits and concept, but Pharoah is fully invested and funny at times, too.
  8. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Oct 12, 2017
    67
    While White Famous proves he [Jay Pharoah] can lead a series, it doesn’t give him many opportunities to show how funny he is. It does make a great argument that everyone in Hollywood is criminally unhinged.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 13 out of 24
  1. RMoore1138
    Feb 3, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Racist "comedians" are neither funny or original. This is just another attempt at comedy by a dime a dozen comedian relying on race to elevate his career.… Full Review »
  2. dell221
    May 11, 2018
    2
    tried to watch this show it is just not funny like most comedians trying to do a comedy they try way to hard. I don't know if this guy hastried to watch this show it is just not funny like most comedians trying to do a comedy they try way to hard. I don't know if this guy has funny stand up or what but his acting skills are terrible. I see why this show got canceled after 1 season. how is Jamie Foxx in this and it still sucks? I think this guy is on Saturday night live. a show that just sucks badly and needs to be put out to pasture.… Full Review »
  3. NancyA
    Feb 16, 2018
    7
    The most brilliant performances are by the visiting players: Tobolowsky, Foxx &, funniest of all, Jack Davenport. I agree with the NYTimesThe most brilliant performances are by the visiting players: Tobolowsky, Foxx &, funniest of all, Jack Davenport. I agree with the NYTimes reviewer with regard to the facile plot resolution. The star doesnt have the chops to keep up with his supporting cast. The child is not directed effectively, and his role comes off as false. Likewise the idealized parents. Fantastic soundtrack.… Full Review »
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