Hood Adjacent with James Davis
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Insightful talk show tackles tricky topics, has language.

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Hood Adjacent with James Davis
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What's the Story?
James Davis grew up in South Central Los Angeles -- just not the dangerous part, he says. He went to private schools, and later to college, where he was frequently the only black kid in his group of friends. In his comedy/talk show HOOD ADJACENT WITH JAMES DAVIS, he uses his unique perspective to explore the realities of black life in America. Is it worth it to go to college? Would an app that safely guides visitors through "the hood" be a good thing? What do chitterlings really taste like? With stunts and monologues and sketches and interviews, Davis keeps it light, but makes strong points about culture, privilege, and the need for people to understand and accept each other -- no matter where they live.
Is It Any Good?
Charming, insightful, and deeper than it appears at first, Davis' smart, witty talk show is the dive into the black experience that America needs right now. An "issues" show could have been a rant, but this isn't. Davis is hilarious, and his segments inspired: "Between Two DeRays," which features two very different men named DeRay debating issues; a customized escape room that simulates what it's like to be a black man; tricking out a young man's car so he won't be stopped by police for Driving While Black (a ski rack and dashboard cams figure into the retrofit).
If any of that sounds disrespectful, it's not: Hood Adjacent walks the fine line between funny and offensive by treating its subjects with dignity and affection. A woman who's trying to stop dating gang members emerges as a real individual instead of a stereotype; a skinny young white guy who volunteers to take a tour through gang-controlled neighborhoods is praised for his sharpness: "You're learning! I like that!" says Davis sincerely. No sacred cow is left untipped, but this show will make you laugh and think, in a manner reminiscent of other great stereotype-skewering shows like Key & Peele and Chappelle's Show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Hood Adjacent with James Davis makes a point of mentioning host Davis is from a neighborhood that's next to "the hood" (South Central Los Angeles). What would a person from this type of neighborhood know or see that others wouldn't?
On Hood Adjacent, host Davis wonders why we believe what we believe and act the way we do. Are there any parts of the show that make you uncomfortable, or make you question a belief you hold? Does that make you like Hood Adjacent or its host more, or less?
How does Hood Adjacent promote curiosity and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
What points does Hood Adjacent with James Davis make about African-American stereotypes? How does this show's humor differ from other sketch comedy shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 28, 2017
- Cast: James Davis
- Network: Comedy Central
- Genre: Reality TV
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Empathy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
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