What is the character played by Jim Carrey in his 2018 Showtime series?

The character played by Jim Carrey in the 2018 Showtime series is Mr. Pickles. The character’s real name is Jeff Piccirillo, a beloved children’s television presenter whose long-running program is called Mr. Pickles’ Puppet Time.

The series is Kidding, a family tragicomedy created by Dave Holstein. It premiered on Showtime on September 9, 2018, and reunited Carrey with director and executive producer Michel Gondry. Mr. Pickles appears cheerful and reassuring to children, but Jeff’s private life becomes increasingly difficult after the death of one of his twin sons.

A common source of confusion is the distinction between the actor, the fictional television personality, and the program within the show. Jim Carrey plays Jeff Piccirillo; Jeff performs as Mr. Pickles; and Mr. Pickles hosts Mr. Pickles’ Puppet Time. Kidding ran for two seasons and was canceled by Showtime in 2020.