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Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher

Name: Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher
Director: Stan Lathan
Released: 2006
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2006

TV-MA

Director

Stan Lathan

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cedric the Entertainer's special serves as a powerful platform for Black ability to act, centering a Black protagonist's perspective on both domestic and global issues. The work successfully disrupts the homogeneity often found in traditional variety programming by tackling complex social landscapes. However, the production relies on some traditional performance archetypes. The use of gendered dance troupes follows established comedic formulas rather than challenging them, which limits the special's progress in gender representation. Ultimately, the special balances mainstream appeal with culturally specific observational humor. It navigates the intersection of social legality, such as marriage equality, and broader socio-economic critiques, making it a meaningful piece of cultural commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The special includes commentary on gay marriage, reflecting current changes in social attitudes. Although the stand-up format doesn't allow for deep character development, discussing gay marriage helps normalize conversations about LGBTQ+ issues.

How does Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher portray gender?

Fair

The performance features the 'Cedibles,' a group of dancers using traditional gender roles. This visual presentation adheres to conventional spectacle rather than challenging established gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher?

Good

As a solo HBO special, the work centers a Black comedic perspective and gives a significant role in driving the story to a Black lead. The topical range also touches on multiculturalism through references to Latin music.

How does Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher represent religion and culture?

Good

The routine critiques various social institutions, including church socials and economic disparities. By addressing global politics and social norms, the special challenges a singular, sanitized cultural viewpoint.

Does Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this special.

Present on Screen

Centers a Black comedic perspective within a major network production.
Engages with evolving social landscapes like marriage equality.
Provides a broad topical range covering global politics and multiculturalism.

Limited or Absent

Relies on traditional gendered performance clichés through its dance numbers.
Lacks visible representation or commentary regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Red-hot actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer stars in his first solo HBO special, a no-holds-barred 60-minute routine performed in front of a live audience at The Wiltern, the venerable Los Angeles theater. Spiced by several song-and-dance numbers featuring a smokin' band and sexy group of dancers he calls the 'Cedibles,' the special highlights Cedric's hilarious takes on fame, TV, rap music, sports, diets, plastic surgery, gay marriage, church socials, meeting the President (not the new one, but the one we like), $5,000-a-plate dinners, Afghanistan, Osama Bin Laden, suicide bombers, gas prices, Halloween, Latin music and more.

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