I Am Cait: Difference between revisions

| name image = I Am Cait logo.png

| imagealt = IScreenshot Amof Caitthe logo.pngseries showing its name and beach scenery in the background

| captiongenre = [[Reality television]]

| genre creator = [[Reality television]]

| creator starring = {{Plainlist|

* [[Chandi Moore]]

* [[Ella Giselle]]

| opentheme =

| country = United States

| language = English

| num_seasons = 2

| num_episodes = 16

| list_episodes = #Episodes

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

| camera = [[Multiple-camera setup|Multiple]]

| runtime = 42 minutes

| company = [[Bunim/Murray Productions]]

| channel = [[E!]]

| first_aired last_aired = {{StartEnd date|20152016|74|2624}}

'''''I Am Cait''''' is an American television [[Reality television|documentary series]] which chronicles the life of [[Caitlyn Jenner]] after her [[gender transition]]. The eight-part one-hour documentary series debuted on July 26, 2015, on the [[E!]] network. The series focuses on the "new normal" for Jenner, exploring changes to her relationships with her family and friends. The show additionally explores how Jenner adjusts to what she sees as her job as a role model for the transgender community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/cait-promo-caitlyn-jenner-docu-series-hits-internet/story?id=31494900|first=Luchina|last=Fisher|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=June 3, 2014|access-date=June 3, 2015|title='I Am Cait' Promo for Caitlyn Jenner Docu-Series Hits the Internet|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802212443/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/cait-promo-caitlyn-jenner-docu-series-hits-internet/story?id=31494900|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/caitlyn-jenner-says-im-new-normal-t24266|title=Caitlyn Jenner in new E! documentary declares: 'I'm the new normal'|date=June 3, 2015|access-date=June 3, 2015|work=[[Today (U.S.American TV program)|Today]]|first=Eun Kyung|last=Kim|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120071610/https://www.today.com/popculture/caitlyn-jenner-says-im-new-normal-t24266|url-status=live}}</ref>

In its first season, critical reception of ''I Am Cait'' was generally positive. Critics particularly praised the series' approach to the social issues of the transgender community and its influence on the way Americans see and understand transgender people in general. The show's informative and serious tone was also noted, and how it differed from ''[[Keeping Up with the Kardashians]]'', a reality series that Jenner has starred in together with her family. In October, the show was renewed for a second season, which premiered on March 6, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/i-am-cait-season-2-premiere-date-e-1201683327/|title=I Am Cait' Gets Season 2 Premiere Date On E!|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=January 14, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2016|archive-date=February 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222144409/http://deadline.com/2016/01/i-am-cait-season-2-premiere-date-e-1201683327/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 16, 2016, E! cancelled the series after two seasons, due to low ratings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/i-am-cait-cancelled-caitlyn-jenner-season-3-e-1201838490/|title=Caitlyn Jenner's 'I Am Cait' Cancelled After 2 Seasons at E!|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Elizabeth|last=Wagmeister|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108130410/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/i-am-cait-cancelled-caitlyn-jenner-season-3-e-1201838490/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/power-house-caa-mike-ovitz-ron-meyer-nate-parker-the-birth-of-a-nation-1201803550/|title=I Am Cait' Canceled By E! As Caitlyn Jenner Back On 'Kardashians'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Dominic|last=Patten|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816115535/http://deadline.com/2016/08/power-house-caa-mike-ovitz-ron-meyer-nate-parker-the-birth-of-a-nation-1201803550/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2016/08/16/i-am-cait-cancelled-caitlyn-jenner-series-no-season-3/|title=I Am Cait Cancelled After 2 Seasons|website=[[TVLine]]|first=Andy|last=Swift|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817070918/http://tvline.com/2016/08/16/i-am-cait-cancelled-caitlyn-jenner-series-no-season-3/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The network announced the documentary series on April 24, 2015, immediately after Caitlyn Jenner came out as a [[trans woman]] during a ''[[20/20 (U.S.American TV seriesprogram)|20/20]]'' interview with [[Diane Sawyer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/bruce-jenner-doc-series-announced-article-1.2198394|title=Bruce Jenner documentary series announced immediately following Diane Sawyer interview|work=[[New York Daily News]]|date=April 24, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|first= Rachel |last=Maresca|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701020608/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/bruce-jenner-doc-series-announced-article-1.2198394|url-status=live}}</ref> "Bruce is incredibly courageous and an inspiration, and we are proud to be entrusted with this deeply personal and important story," said Jeff Olde, Head of Programming of E! network. "This series will present an unfiltered look as Bruce boldly steps into uncharted territory and is true to himself for the first time," Olde also added.<ref name="announc" /> The series has selected a renowned group of consultants, including [[Jennifer Finney Boylan]], Dr. Marie Keller and Susan P. Landon, who will work on the show to keep it insightful, as well as enlisted support from [[GLAAD]], an [[LGBTQ]]-focused media advocacy organization.<ref name="announc">{{cite web |last1=Kondolojy |first1=Amanda |date=April 24, 2015 |title=E! Announces a New Documentary Series Following Bruce Jenner's Life as a Transgender Woman |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/24/e-announces-a-new-documentary-series-following-bruce-jenners-life-as-a-transgender-woman/394146/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427234540/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/24/e-announces-a-new-documentary-series-following-bruce-jenners-life-as-a-transgender-woman/394146/|url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2015 |access-date=June 3, 2015|date=April 24, 2015|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]}}</ref> The series has selected a renowned group of consultants, including [[Jennifer Finney Boylan]], Dr. Marie Keller and Susan P. Landon, who will work on the show to keep it insightful, as well as enlisted support from [[GLAAD]], an [[LGBTQ]]-focused media advocacy organization.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-25 |title=Bruce Jenner Documentary Series to Premiere on E! in July |url=http://news.yahoo.com/bruce-jenner-documentary-series-premiere-e-july-025018508.html |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/caitlyn-jenner-s-e-reality-series-titled-i-am-cait-1.10502117|title=Caitlyn Jenner show, 'I Am Cait': An important series|access-date=July 25, 2015|date=June 3, 2015|first=Verne|last=Gay|work=[[Newsday]]|archive-date=August 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812234809/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/caitlyn-jenner-s-e-reality-series-titled-i-am-cait-1.10502117|url-status=live}}</ref> The first trailer for the series, now titled ''I Am Cait'', was released on June 3, 2015, after Jenner introduced herself as Caitlyn in the interview with ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]''.<ref name="usatod">{{cite web|last1=McDermott|first1=Maeve|title='I Am Cait' will follow Jenner's journey|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/06/03/a-am-cait-caitlyn-jenner-series/28400217/|date=June 3, 2015|access-date=June 3, 2015|work=[[USA Today]]|archive-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603130049/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/06/03/a-am-cait-caitlyn-jenner-series/28400217/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The idea of the reality television series which would document the [[Transitioning (transgender)|gender transition]] of Caitlyn Jenner was initially introduced about a year before the show was announced to the public. [[Jeff Jenkins]], one of the producers on ''[[Keeping Up Withwith the Kardashians]]'', got a call about a meeting with Jenner, thus confirming the rumors of her transition. The series was confirmed several months later once Jenner got the right idea about the purpose of the series. "She would have been so hounded for the story and that's why, in my understanding, she decided, ... so [she could] hopefully tell all of it in the right way," Jenkins speculated the reasons why Jenner accepted the series.<ref name="producers">{{cite web|access-date=July 28, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/23/arts/television/with-caitlyn-jenners-new-show-a-reality-producer-tries-to-tame-the-antics.html|title=With Caitlyn Jenner's New Show, a Reality Producer Tries to Tame the Antics|first=John|last=Koblin|work=[[The New York Times]]|archive-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728025027/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/23/arts/television/with-caitlyn-jenners-new-show-a-reality-producer-tries-to-tame-the-antics.html|url-status=live}}</ref> "Why did I decide to do a series? I am telling ''my story'' ... This is about getting to be who you really are," Jenner later herself explained the reasons for opening her life on television in one of the promotional videos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/670731/new-i-am-cait-promo-caitlyn-jenner-bonds-with-family-rides-a-motorcycle-reveals-why-she-s-doing-her-own-series-watch|title=New I Am Cait Promo: Caitlyn Jenner Bonds With Family, Rides a Motorcycle & Reveals Why She's Doing Her Own Series|access-date=June 27, 2015|date=June 26, 2015|first= Natalie|last= Finn|work=E! Online|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604034205/https://www.eonline.com/news/670731/new-i-am-cait-promo-caitlyn-jenner-bonds-with-family-rides-a-motorcycle-reveals-why-she-s-doing-her-own-series-watch|url-status=live}}</ref>

Several days later after the interview with Diane Sawyer, E! aired a two-part episode special on ''Keeping Up with the Kardashians'' entitled ''About Bruce'', in which another side of the story was told featuring family members who did not appear in the previous interview on ''20/20''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/bruce-jenner-e-special-keeping-up-kardashians-about-bruce-1201486570/|title=E! to Air Two-Part Bruce Jenner Special 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians: About Bruce'|access-date=July 25, 2015|date=May 4, 2015|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108120109/https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/bruce-jenner-e-special-keeping-up-kardashians-about-bruce-1201486570/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dee Lockett, writing for ''[[Vulture (blog)|Vulture]]'', speculated that the interviews were "strategically set up Caitlyn's transition to become the show's next must-watch spectacle, [''I Am Cait'']".<ref name="interpre"/> Caitlyn Jenner has been appearing on the family's reality show since its introduction and was considered as a sidelined character. Lockett also noted that the special "was a test-run, for both Caitlyn and E!, to see how their fan-favorite reality series would look with one of its most underappreciated characters (and last names) running the show."<ref name="interpre">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/07/caitlyn-jenner-i-am-cait-keeping-up-with-the-kardashians.html|title=What Caitlyn Jenner's Role on ''Keeping Up With the Kardashians'' Tells Us About ''I Am Cait''|access-date=July 25, 2015|date=July 24, 2015|work=[[Vulture (blog)|Vulture]]|first=Dee|last=Lockett}}</ref>

The show premiered on [[E!]], the same network which serves as the home to ''Keeping Up with the Kardashians'', a reality television series that Jenner has starred in together with her family since 2007. ''I Am Cait'' is produced by [[Bunim/Murray Productions]], the same company that created ''Keeping Up With the Kardashians'', with Gil Goldschein, [[Jeff Jenkins]], Farnaz Farjam, Andrea Metz and Melissa Bidwell as well as Jenner herself acting as executive producers.<ref name="announc"/> A private screening of the premiere was held by Jenner a week prior to its official airing,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zap2it.com/2015/07/caitlyn-jenner-meets-laverne-cox-i-am-cait-screening/|title=Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox's fierce first meeting|access-date=July 21, 2015|date=July 20, 2015|publisher=[[Zap2it]]|first=Andrea|last=Reiher|archive-date=July 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721145841/http://zap2it.com/2015/07/caitlyn-jenner-meets-laverne-cox-i-am-cait-screening/|url-status=dead}}</ref> while the first episode of ''I Am Cait'' was shown to critics in Manhattan two days later.<ref name="newsday"/> The docu-series was released amidst a wave of new programming related to transgender issues, including TLC's reality show ''[[I Am Jazz]]'' and ABC Family's ''[[Becoming Us]]''.<ref name=variety/>

In October 2015, the network announced that the reality series will return for a second season. "Caitlyn's story has ignited a global conversation on the transgender community on a scale that has never been seen before," said Jeff Olde, an executive vice president of E!. "We are honored Caitlyn has chosen to continue to share her ongoing story with our viewers around the world", Olde also added. Season 2 premiered on March 6, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 23, 2015|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/10/22/i-am-cait-scores-second-season-order/74404814/|title='I Am Cait' scores second season|date=October 22, 2015|work=[[USA Today]]|first=Andrea|last=Mandell|archive-date=October 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023045821/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/10/22/i-am-cait-scores-second-season-order/74404814/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The show featuresincludes a rangenumber of members from the transgender communitypeople who have become part of Jenner's inner circle who are, featured throughout the show with their own sub-plots and to offer information on the transgender community. [[Jennifer Finney Boylan]], [[Candis Cayne]], [[Sophia Hutchins]], [[Chandi Moore]], [[Zackary Drucker]] and [[Kate Bornstein]] have all appeared since the show's inception. [[Jen Richards]] was a member of the supporting cast but left after Season 1. Jenner's hair stylist Courtney Nanson has also appeared since season 1. Jenner's best friend and personal assistant Ronda Kamihira appeared in Season 1 only. Since Season 2, an 18 -year -old member of the transgender community named [[Ella Giselle]] has appeared.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/183799_meet_the_newest_member_of_caitlyn_jenner_s_i_am_cait_squad_ella_giselle/|title=Meet the Newest Member of Caitlyn Jenner's 'I Am Cait' Squad: Ella Giselle|last=Lambe|first=Stacy|date=2016-03-04|newspaper=Entertainment Tonight|access-date=2016-10-06|archive-date=2016-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003205711/http://www.etonline.com/news/183799_meet_the_newest_member_of_caitlyn_jenner_s_i_am_cait_squad_ella_giselle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://people.com/tv/caitlyn-jenner-blogs-meet-my-friend-ella/|title=Caitlyn Jenner Blogs: Meet My Friend, Ella|last=Jenner|first=Caitlyn|date=2016-03-07|newspaper=PEOPLE.com|language=en-US|access-date=2016-10-06|archive-date=2016-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009193307/http://people.com/tv/caitlyn-jenner-blogs-meet-my-friend-ella/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| ShortSummary = Jenner invites six active members of the transgender community to dinner: [[Zackary Drucker]], [[Jen Richards]], Drian Juarez, [[Jennifer Finney Boylan]], Chandi Moore and [[Candis Cayne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/03/i-am-cait-episode-2-recap-you-know-nothing-caitlyn-jenner/?_r=0|title='I Am Cait' Episode 2 Recap: You Know Nothing, Caitlyn Jenner|first=Casey|last=Plett|date=3 August 2015|access-date=24 October 2015|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923114800/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/03/i-am-cait-episode-2-recap-you-know-nothing-caitlyn-jenner/?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> The group goes on a road trip to [[Sonoma County, California]] with her new friends from LGBT community who wonder whether Jenner is a suitable person to become their new spokesperson because of her privileged celebrity status.

| Viewers = 0.79<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-10-2016.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413222640/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-10-2016.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-13|title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.10.2016|website=[[Showbuzzdaily.com]] }}</ref>

| Viewers = 0.86<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-17-2016.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421072059/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-17-2016.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-21|title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.17.2016|website=[[Showbuzzdaily.com]] }}</ref>

| Viewers = 0.86<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-24-2016.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429093742/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-24-2016.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-29|title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.24.2016|website=[[Showbuzzdaily.com]] }}</ref>

{{quote box|width=25em|bgcolor=#f3e6ff|align=right|quote = ''I Am Cait'' ..., very un-''[[Keeping Up with the Kardashians|Kardashians]]''-like in its earnestness, is always conscious of its dual purpose: it's a personal story played out for an audience of millions, on behalf of a much larger community. The premiere episode is emotional but controlled, much like Jenner's carefully media-managed coming-out, from her [[Diane Sawyer]] primetime interview to the sultry cover of ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' magazine to her heart-tugging acceptance of the [[Arthur Ashe Courage Award]] from ESPN.|source=—[[James Poniewozik]] from ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine<ref>{{cite webmagazine|first=James|last=Poniewozik|date=July 22, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2015|workmagazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|title=Review: ''I Am Cait'' Shows What It's Like to Come Out With the Kardashians|url=httphttps://time.com/3967543/i-am-cait-review-caitlyn-jenner-e-reality-show/|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604034207/https://time.com/3967543/i-am-cait-review-caitlyn-jenner-e-reality-show/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

The first episode of ''I Am Cait'' has been met with generally positive reviews from [[Television criticism|television critics]], who were given an advance screening of the series premiere. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[weighted mean]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the docuseries received an average score of 67, based on seventeen reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/i-am-cait|title=''I Am Cait'' – Season 1 Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]. CBS Interactive|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724185211/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/i-am-cait|url-status=live}}</ref> Brian Lowry from ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' magazine appreciated the show's goal by saying that "tension is very much on display in the premiere, which obviously seeks a more elevated plane – keenly aware of Jenner's platform to educate and assist vulnerable youths – while clinging to familiar reality-TV conventions."<ref name=variety>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/i-am-cait-tv-review-caitlyn-jenner-e-doc-1201544080/|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 21, 2015|first=Brian|last=Lowry|work=Variety|title=TV Review: 'I Am Cait'|archive-date=July 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722154736/http://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/i-am-cait-tv-review-caitlyn-jenner-e-doc-1201544080/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Frank Scheck]], a critic from ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', also emphasized the show's approach to addressing transgender issues, writing, "clearly striving to impart serious messages about tolerance of the transgender community while throwing in a few Kardashians for comic relief, ''I Am Cait'' emerges as a surprisingly thoughtful if undeniably self-serving effort." He also worried whether the show would be capable to "continue its delicate balancing act of depicting the many challenges attendant to Jenner's new identity while presenting the sensationalistic comic material which reality viewers crave."<ref name=hollrepor>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/i-am-cait-tv-review-810338|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 21, 2015|first=Frank|last=Scheck|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|title='I Am Cait': TV Review|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724070419/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/i-am-cait-tv-review-810338|url-status=live}}</ref> Jane Mulkerrins of ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' called the show "noble" and appreciated the show's approach to the issues, and also noted that the show contains "plenty of levity" as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11754219/I-Am-Cait-review-noble.html|title=''I Am Cait'', review: 'noble'|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|first=Jane|last=Mulkerrins|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724191007/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11754219/I-Am-Cait-review-noble.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tom Gliatto from ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine said that the show "is closer in tone to a reality show on [[Oprah Winfrey]]'s OWN than E!"<ref>{{cite web|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|first=Tom|last=Gliatto|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 21, 2015|title=''I Am Cait'' Review: Meet One of the Best E! Stars Ever|url=http://www.people.com/article/i-am-cait-caitlyn-jenner-docuseries-premiere-review|archive-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725013346/http://www.people.com/article/i-am-cait-caitlyn-jenner-docuseries-premiere-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Verne Gay, writing for ''[[Newsday]]'', called the show "the most anticipated docuseries" in E!'s history and noted its different approach by adding that what "viewers will ... see Sunday is something entirely new -- also bracing, emotional and even touching."<ref name="newsday">{{cite web|work=[[Newsday]]|first=Verne|last=Gay|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|title='I Am Cait' review: Caitlyn Jenner reality show light years away from 'Kardashians'|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/caitlyn-jenner-reality-show-i-am-cait-light-years-away-from-kardashians-1.10665368|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723045728/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/caitlyn-jenner-reality-show-i-am-cait-light-years-away-from-kardashians-1.10665368|url-status=live}}</ref> Sandra Gonzalez of ''[[Mashable]]'' applauded the series and said that "the show also makes a point of spotlighting stories that don't end when the TV is switched off or the magazines are no longer on the stands." She also added that "with moments both stark and silly, the series has exactly what it needs to exist on a network where entertainment and empathy don't always go hand-in-hand."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2015/07/22/i-am-cait-review-caitlyn-jenner/|title='I Am Cait' review: E! tries so hard to get it right, and it's almost perfect|first=Sandra|last=Gonzalez|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|work=[[Mashable]]|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723031853/http://mashable.com/2015/07/22/i-am-cait-review-caitlyn-jenner/|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael Idato from ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' described the series as "uncomfortably, beautifully, brutally honest."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/i-am-cait-first-look-caitlyn-jenners-series-a-touching-contrast-to-kardashians-20150722-gihsit.html|title=''I Am Cait'' first look: Caitlyn Jenner's series a touching contrast to Kardashians|first=Michael|last=Idato|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=Fairfax Media|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723182659/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/i-am-cait-first-look-caitlyn-jenners-series-a-touching-contrast-to-kardashians-20150722-gihsit.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Don Kaplan of the ''[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]]'' said the show "is touching, funny and smart as it tracks the immediate aftermath of Jenner's much-publicized shift from a man who spent the last 40 years as one of the world's most masculine athletes to a woman deeply concerned about how this new lifestyle will affect her immediate family."<ref>{{cite web|first=Don|last=Kaplan|date=July 21, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2015|work=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]]|title=Caitlyn Jenner's new show 'I Am Cait' is touching, funny and smart as it documents her much publicized shift from Olympic athlete to woman|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/caitlyn-jenner-e-series-cait-funny-smart-article-1.2299750|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723013211/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/caitlyn-jenner-e-series-cait-funny-smart-article-1.2299750|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mike Hale of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote a less enthusiastic review, stating that the "glossy" series lacked conflict. Hale wrote that ''I Am Cait'' "accomplishes its inspirational, educational and motivational goals ... It doesn't totally succeed as dramatic reality television, but perhaps that's to be expected given how high the stakes are, both for the transgender cause and for Ms. Jenner's personal brand." Hale also compared ''I Am Cait'' with the other two new reality series about transgender people, writing that ''[[I Am Jazz]]'' and ''[[Becoming Us]]'' "... 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."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hale|first1=Mike|title=Review: In 'I Am Cait,' Caitlyn Jenner Documents a Changing Self|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/24/arts/television/review-in-i-am-cait-caitlyn-jenner-documents-a-changing-self.html|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 22, 2015|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723153016/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/24/arts/television/review-in-i-am-cait-caitlyn-jenner-documents-a-changing-self.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Michelle Ruiz from ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'' magazine noted how important the show is for the American people, who still struggle to understand transgender people. "But if it makes it a little harder for someone who has never met a transgender person to reduce them to an abstract idea instead of a human being, it's a start," the critic added.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=August 3, 2015|date=July 26, 2015|first=Michelle|last=Ruiz|url=http://www.vogue.com/13288608/caitlyn-jenner-i-am-cait-premiere-reality-show/|title=Why America Needs Caitlyn Jenner's New Series|work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]|archive-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729224836/http://www.vogue.com/13288608/caitlyn-jenner-i-am-cait-premiere-reality-show/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The initial airing of the show's premiere averaged a 1.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 2.73 million viewers overall.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=July 31, 2015|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/i-am-cait-ratings-e-series-premiere-draws-2-7-million-viewers-1201549096/|title='I Am Cait' Ratings: E! Series Premiere Draws 2.7 Million Viewers|date=July 28, 2015|work=Variety|first= Rick|last= Kissell|archive-date=July 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731091002/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/i-am-cait-ratings-e-series-premiere-draws-2-7-million-viewers-1201549096/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Australian premiere on [[E! (Australia)|E! Australia]] was the ninth most watched program on [[Subscription television in Australia|subscription television]] rating 59,000 viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaspy.org/forum/index.php?/topic/25828-monday-27th-july-2015/ |title=Monday 27th July 2015 {{ndash}} Television Ratings |publisher=Mediaspy.org |date=28 July 2015 |access-date=28 July 2015 |archive-date=28 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728043757/http://www.mediaspy.org/forum/index.php?%2Ftopic%2F25828-monday-27th-july-2015%2F |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The show tied for best Outstanding Reality Program at the [[27th GLAAD Media Awards]] in April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/media/2016/4/03/caitlyn-jenner-jazz-jennings-win-glaad-awards-video|title=Caitlyn Jenner, Jazz Jennings Win GLAAD Awards|date=3 April 2016|access-date=3 April 2016|archive-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604202235/http://www.advocate.com/media/2016/4/03/caitlyn-jenner-jazz-jennings-win-glaad-awards-video|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite webmagazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/7318828/demi-lovato-caitlyn-jenner-2016-glaad-media-awards-winners|title=2016 GLAAD Media Awards: Demi Lovato & Caitlyn Jenner Among Recipients - Billboard|workmagazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918165848/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/7318828/demi-lovato-caitlyn-jenner-2016-glaad-media-awards-winners|url-status=live}}</ref>

The documentary series premiered in the United States and Canada at 8:00 PM [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]] on July 26, 2015, on [[E!]] cable network.<ref name="premdeadline">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/caitlyn-jenner-e-series-title-i-am-cait-video-1201436936/|title=Caitlyn Jenner's E! Series Titled 'I Am Cait' & Will Premiere July 26 – Update|access-date=July 17, 2015|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|date=June 24, 2015|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728065605/http://deadline.com/2015/06/caitlyn-jenner-e-series-title-i-am-cait-video-1201436936/|url-status=live}}</ref> In Australia, the series debuted on the [[E! (Australia)|local version of E!]] on July 27,<ref>{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|work=TV Tonight|date=June 4, 2015|access-date=June 4, 2015|title=Airdate: ''I Am Cait''|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/06/airdate-i-am-cait.html|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723193424/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/06/airdate-i-am-cait.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and in the [[United Kingdom]] beginning on August 2, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/i-am-cait-review-caitlyn-jenner-docuseries-journey-triumph-struggle-acceptance-1512092|title=''I Am Cait'' review: Caitlyn Jenner docuseries is a journey of triumph and the struggle for acceptance|access-date=July 25, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|first=Alicia|last=Adejobi|work=[[International Business Times UK]]|archive-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728151036/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/i-am-cait-review-caitlyn-jenner-docuseries-journey-triumph-struggle-acceptance-1512092|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, the series is broadcast worldwide on local E! channels in 123 countries and has been translated into 24 languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/07/31/es-i-am-cait-ranks-as-cables-biggest-unscripted-launch-of-the-year-and-es-most-watched-series-debut-in-over-a-decade/440445/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803032335/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/07/31/es-i-am-cait-ranks-as-cables-biggest-unscripted-launch-of-the-year-and-es-most-watched-series-debut-in-over-a-decade/440445/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 3, 2015|access-date=August 1, 2015|date=July 31, 2015|first=Amanda|last=Kondolojy|title=E!'s 'I am Cait' Ranks as Cable's Biggest Unscripted Launch of the Year and E!'s Most-Watched Series Debut in Over a Decade|work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>

On November 26, 2015, the first season was released on DVD in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=I Am Cait|url=https://theviewingloungestore.com.au/title/i-am-cait/|publisher=The Viewing Lounge|access-date=November 29, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065134/https://theviewingloungestore.com.au/title/i-am-cait/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The second season was released on July 7, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=I Am Cait Season Two|url=https://theviewinglounge.com.au/view/cait-season-two/|publisher=The Viewing Lounge|access-date=May 19, 2017|archive-date=August 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235343/https://theviewinglounge.com.au/view/cait-season-two/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Portal|LGBTLGBTQ|Television|United States}}

[[Category:2010s American LGBT-related television seriesspin-offs]]

[[Category:American English-language television shows]]

[[Category:LGBTLGBTQ culture in Los Angeles]]

[[Category:TransgenderWorks about transgender people in the United States]]

[[Category:2010s LGBTAmerican LGBTQ-related reality television series]]