On Wednesday’s much-anticipated episode of Red Table Talk, Jada Pinkett Smith invited viewers into one of her most personal experiences yet — her very first colonoscopy. Known for her honesty and candor, Jada used the episode to open up about something many people avoid discussing. It wasn’t just about showing the medical procedure, but about starting an honest conversation on gut health, preventative care, and the importance of paying attention to our bodies.
Joining her were her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris (“Gammy”), and her son, actor and musician Jaden Smith. Together, they sat with medical experts to explore not only Jada’s journey but also the broader importance of digestive health. The discussion underscored how crucial these screenings are, even if they make people uncomfortable, as they can save lives. Once again, Red Table Talk transformed a private, often taboo subject into a public, meaningful dialogue.
In an exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE, Jada — who turned 50 in 2021 — appeared calm and cheerful despite being under anesthesia. “I feel so relaxed,” she said with a soft smile. “I feel great.” Her openness and humor made the moment both vulnerable and relatable.
Between laughter and grogginess, she joked in her usual straightforward style: “Sticking cameras in your booty… that’s a little cumbersome, you know?” The candid comment made Adrienne and Jaden burst out laughing, their warm reactions capturing the genuine, unfiltered family bond that defines the show. Jada later admitted that she’d felt nervous at the start of the procedure. “For a moment, I panicked,” she said. “I got scared. But I want people to know it was actually a really easy process. I feel good — better, actually — now that it’s over.”
The conversation highlighted why it’s so important to normalize medical screenings like colonoscopies. While many shy away out of embarrassment or fear, Jada’s willingness to share her experience helped remove the stigma and reminded viewers that prioritizing health is something to be proud of.
This isn’t the first time the Smith family has brought attention to the importance of early detection. In 2019, Will Smith documented his own colonoscopy in a 17-minute YouTube video that went viral. The video took a serious turn when doctors discovered a precancerous polyp, leading to widespread praise for Will’s transparency and for raising awareness about men’s health.
By sharing her own journey years later, Jada continued the family’s effort to use their platform for health advocacy. What could have been a private medical event became a source of education, humor, and connection. The episode powerfully reminded viewers that openness and vulnerability can create awareness — and even save lives.
Through this, Jada reinforced one of the central themes of Red Table Talk: tackling difficult topics with honesty and heart. By turning her colonoscopy into a teachable and relatable moment, she reminded everyone that taking care of our health is nothing to be embarrassed about — and that sometimes, courage looks like simply telling the truth about what we’re going through.