Rickey Smiley is again after greater than a decade away from the stand-up stage. The comedy legend and beloved radio host has returned to the world of stand-up and he’s funnier than ever. His long-awaited new comedy particular, Idiot-ish, will formally debut on Hulu on Might 30, marking Smiley’s first filmed stand-up since 2011’s Open Casket Sharp.
Smiley, the voice behind the No. 1 nationally syndicated “Rickey Smiley Morning Present,” is returning to his roots in a method that feels each nostalgic and refreshed. Taped on the historic Lyric Theatre in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, Idiot-ish is a vibrant mix of storytelling, character work, and hilarious reflections on life, household, popular culture — and every part in between.
The highway to Idiot-ish was no small feat. The particular sparked a bidding conflict amongst networks and platforms earlier than touchdown at Hulu, a significant win for followers desirous to see Smiley again in his comedic aspect. Directed by famend filmmaker David E. Talbert (Baggage Declare, First Sunday), this marks Talbert’s debut as a comedy particular director — and a reunion of types for the 2 creatives who first collaborated on movie initiatives years in the past.
“I knew after over ten years I needed to provide one thing that will fulfill my followers,” Smiley shared. “I’ve been via numerous transformation and trauma these previous few years, and I used to be decided to get via it. I feel I now have a deeper reference to my viewers from these experiences. We are able to discover humor in a lot of life.”
In basic Smiley style, Idiot-ish invitations audiences of all generations into his world — from those that bear in mind twisting knobs on an Etch A Sketch, to youngsters raised swiping on iPads. It’s timeless, unfiltered, and actual — precisely what longtime followers have come to like about him.
The particular is government produced by Talbert alongside Lyn Sisson-Talbert (Golden Woman Inc.), Laura Lizer, Judi Marmel, Matt Beales, and John Bravakis, including much more powerhouse expertise behind the scenes.
Past the laughs, Idiot-ish additionally arrives throughout a deeply private chapter in Smiley’s life. In 2023, he launched his heartfelt memoir, Sideshow: Residing with Loss and Transferring Ahead with Religion, which explores the painful lack of his eldest son to a drug overdose. The e-book resonated with many, providing vulnerability, therapeutic, and hope — and now, with Idiot-ish, Smiley leans into the therapeutic energy of humor.
Whether or not you realize him from BET’s “Comedian View,” his actuality collection “Rickey Smiley For Actual,” or his 20 years on the airwaves in Atlanta, this particular is a must-watch for anybody who appreciates good, soulful, Southern-rooted comedy.
Rickey Smiley is represented by Levity Reside!, Workhouse Media, and UTA.
Catch Idiot-ish when it premieres Might 30 on Hulu — and prepare to giggle, replicate, and possibly even heal a bit of within the course of.
