How Much “Reality” Is Too Much?
Eddie Griffin
If you’ve been watching VH1, you know that comedian Eddie Griffin is the next celebrity to go the reality route with his new show, Eddie Griffin: Going For Broke. Griffin has been featured in films such as Undercover Brother and John Q as well as TV shows such as the sorely ill-fated Malcolm and Eddie. He’s done plenty of stand-up concerts throughout the country, with Dysfunktional Family as my personal favorite (I guess I should’ve seen the bad news coming – the soundtrack for that performance was released on Death Row).
Let it be known that this is not your typical reality show. Between his eight children, ex-wives, baby mamas, new lady love, and a stack full of bills (not to mention his no-nonsense mother) – Undercover Brother is having a hard time keeping it together. Here’s the trailer.
But do we really want to know all this stuff about Eddie Griffin? Seriously, isn’t it a little embarrassing to see the guy get his Bentley repo’d on national television? Isn’t it also embarrassing for any interested viewer to know that some guy slammed a champagne bottle in his face and left him in need of some serious stitches? I, for one, could have done without knowing that. He’s hilarious through it all, but it’s a little sad to see the man as one more example of a celebrity – an urban icon of sorts – who can’t keep his finances straight. With all the talent and the long resume, it all just seems quite avoidable to me.
I’m sure that he would want to follow in the footsteps of the great comedians like Redd Foxx to a certain extent, but not down the “broke as a joke” road. Maybe wrecking that Ferrari on the set of the not-so-popular film, Redline, (remember that?) should have been an indicator of things to come as well. That and the fact that the movie couldn’t even turn a profit. Needless to say, the fact that I’m writing about this probably means that it’ll be added to my guilty pleasures list. I almost feel that doing so will help to keep another celebrity off the streets. Speaking of guilty pleasures, shouldn’t those two words be the new name of the network (instead of VH1) – being that you never see anything else when you turn to it? I could go on, but I digress. Here’s a look at Eddie during better days.
Enjoy, and let’s all hope that Dave Chappelle never does a reality show.
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I think dave chappelle should do a show, that would be comedy. I’m getting sick of the reality shows. The thing is, they aren’t even really real.
Yeah and they play up stereotypes etc. If the cardashians had a car repo’d it wouldn’t make it.
Damnit I hit the button too early lol. I got distracted by beyonce. Anyways it get retarded. Like the flavor of love series. It’s not really reality if the person is acting a part to get attention.
Thing is i doubt Dave would ever have to do a reality show because one, he got a hefty check of 50mil, and second his show still comes on. It’s a recession so I don’t blame Eddie for doing a reality show. Gotta make that money anyway you can.
I’m not knocking the brotha’s hustle by any means – but I think he’s bordering on self-exploitation. I’m glad that he’s finding a way to become relevant to a new audience and that he’ll be getting a nice check from it – I’m just a little concerned about how he’s representing himself and (as Rick Lexington so brilliantly put it) the stereotypes that may be reinforced. You’re right though, NYswag, there is a recession and folks need to get their paper. I will be watching the show, I’m especially looking forward to the church episode.
Not that it matters, but I can tell that this article was not written by a Black person. You got a weird perspective on all of this, there is nothing wrong w/ Eddie Griffin having a reality show, and if you don’t like it, don’t watch it. Of course, you are entitled to your own opinion, but to me, you sound like more of a hater and not a congratulator. I would really like to say that you need to shut the fuck up, but I’m not going to say that to ya. Keep it up, hater!!
Click my link or look at the avatar and see what color I am. Not sure what race has to do with not wanting to see one of my heroes in a bad personal/financial place, but thanks for commenting!