Caitlyn Jenner’s reality TV series I Am Cait has been promoted by E! ever since her big “reveal” on the front of Vanity Fair in June.
The documentary promised to show an honest portrayal of the gender transitioning process, with trailers featuring Jenner putting on her make-up as she discusses what it means to be “normal” – a sensitive subject for a reality TV show.
But while the series' aim to highlight issues transgender people face have been recognised by critics, reviewers are more sceptical about the way in which the show's earnest intentions are often undermined.
I Am Cait: What the critics think
I Am Cait tries to convey just how serious trans issues are
The Hollywood Reporter - The show builds up to an especially poignant segment in which Caitlyn, after going to elaborate lengths to ditch pursuing paparazzi, meets with the family of Kyler Prescott, a San Diego transgender teen who had recently committed suicide. The scene — in which Caitlyn mostly listens quietly as Kyler's mother talks about her late son — effectively underscores the series' stated message.
I wish everyone would watch the 1st episode of "I Am Cait" to gain a little more understanding about the obstacles/issues trans people face
— Morgan Reno (@_itsmoreno) July 27, 2015
So much respect for @Caitlyn_Jenner for raising awareness of trans suicides in her "I Am Cait" show. A huge problem that we must fix.
— O-Flo (@oliviajflo) July 27, 2015
But it is often undermined by fake reactions
The AV Club - Is the big payoff—the Kardashian daughters “meeting” Caitlyn after what Caitlyn says has been an awkward and pointed avoidance—perfectly staged? Of course. Anything else is beyond the story Caitlyn, E!, and the producers want to tell.
I am Cait more like I am fake
— Benjamin S Rogerson (@benny_rogerson) July 27, 2015
New York Times - There’s no reason to doubt Ms. Jenner’s sincerity when she cites statistics about suicide among transgender teenagers or consoles a grieving parent, but you also can’t help noticing how she seems to be reading from a script.
And the dramatic tension is forced
The Atlantic - In its editing and with its seemingly pre-rehearsed speeches for the camera, I Am Cait mimics typical reality TV by trying to force dramatic narratives onto day-to-day life. And while spotting the fakeness was part of the fun of the Kardashians, here it verges on counterproductive.
I Am Cait is boring af. Need to see drama and tears!
— Ms. Jacksonnnn ! (@FlyinnDoLo_) July 27, 2015
Making for a boring reality TV show
Slate - I Am Cait is a respectable TV show with noble motives that easily evades my worst anxieties for it. And in doing so, it slams into what I never, ever could have imagined for it: dullness.
The Kardashians shouldn't have appeared
Variety - Still, if this series is supposed to represent “Caitlyn’s journey,” as E! has consistently described it, that’s mucked up to a degree by bringing her famous daughters and stepdaughters into the mix, including a visit from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. While Jenner’s interactions with her extended family are clearly part of the narrative, there’s a pandering quality to shoehorning the couple and daughter Kylie into the premiere, as if E! and the producers needed a security blanket to make sure they catered to that audience too.
I low key want to watch I Am Cait or whatever but I do NOT want to put up with any of the other Jenners/Kardashians.
— MORGANA. (@Podaboo) July 27, 2015
Other shows portray trans issues better
The New York Times - Other current shows about transgender people, like TLC’s “I Am Jazz”(about the tremendously winning teenage girl Jazz Jennings) and ABC Family’s “Becoming Us,” are also generally upbeat but are more able to generate some tension and discord, perhaps because they focus on younger people and take place outside the celebrity bubble of affirmation.
I think I am Jazz on TLC will spark more education & understanding on being transgendered than I am Cait ever will. IMHO.
— Courtney Caccamisi (@ccacc88) July 27, 2015
Honestly, "I Am Jazz" seems far more interesting than "I Am Cait". #TLC
— BB17 (Paul Bentley) (@BBSeason17) July 26, 2015
Eight-part series I Am Cait continues on E! next Sunday.
Inspirational quotes about LGBT rights
