NBC airs N-word in prime time

“The Carmichael Show” is known for confronting controversial topics, so it’s not surprising that the NBC sitcom would dedicate an episode to the nword and who has a right to say it. But it may have surprised viewers tuning in Wednesday to hear the word aired six times — unedited — on broadcast television.

“The Carmichael Show,” now in its third season, is based on comedian and co-creator Jerrod Carmichael’s family. Wednesday’s episode found Jerrod (Carmichael) celebrating his mother Cynthia’s birthday, along with his girlfriend, Maxine (Amber Stevens West); brother Bobby (“Get Out’s” Lil Rel Howery); and father, Joe (David Alan Grier).

Jerrod and Maxine earned the family’s ire by gifting Cynthia (Loretta Devine) a Jacqueline Kennedy biography. Bobby told Jerrod that his gift is stupid because “black people don’t read like that.” The assertion launched a lively debate about cultural differences.

“We do not have a set of rules we need to abide by,” Jerrod told his family. “Sure we do,” Joe countered. “We don’t ski. We don’t let dogs lick all up on our faces. And under no circumstances, do we ever, ever drive a Subaru.”

Inspired by the conversation, Jerrod suggested the family break tradition and go to a fancy restaurant instead of the local, black-owned diner where they normally celebrate Cynthia’s birthday. He secured a last-minute reservation through Drew, a high school friend who co-owns the restaurant. When Jerrod thanked his friend for the favor, Drew, who is white, replied: “Anything for you my n–.”

Jerrod’s family was horrified, but Jerrod was nonchalant about the exchange: “Drew is my friend, that’s just how we talk,” he said. His family members and girlfriend shared their own experiences with the word and their varying opinions on whether white people should be allowed to say it.

NBC has aired the n-word before — most recently on “Saturday Night Live.”