Ziwe

Sometimes there are shows that get bad reviews from people because it's simply a matter of taste. And then there are shows that get bad reviews from people on IMDB who simply don't get it. I'm not saying people MUST like this show... but clearly the negative reviews I've seen so far show that they didn't quite get it. Sometimes things are a little less transparent than shows that have a laugh track to tell people when the funny is happening. And irony. And satire. This isn't a show for people who enjoy Big Bang Theory. And that's a great compliment.

"Ziwe" (2021 release; 6 episodes of about 25 min. Each) is a new late night TV series starring actress/comedian Ziwe Fumudoh. Episode 1 "55%" takes a look at white women, and why 55% of them voted for Trump in the 2020 election (up from 52% in 2016). Along the way Ziwe interviews female icons like Fran Lebowitz and Gloria Steinem, while also bringing us ads for the fictitious American Girl Dolls Imperial Wives collection, and talking to women actually named Karen on the so-called "Karen" phenomenon...

Couple of comments: Ziwe is the talented actress/comedian whose previous work includes among others "Our Cartoon President" and various YouTube shows. Here she gets free reign, literally. The credits show her as Created by Ziwe, Starring Ziwe, and "Consulting on behalf of Ziwe by Ziwe". Nothing is too hot to handle, and in fact part of the show's appeal is to see how people react after being put in a tough spot by Ziwe's questioning, be it on the topic of Trump-loving white women (Episode 1), beauty standards (Episode 2), wealth hoarders (Episode 3), and so forth. Check out the scene with the plastic surgeon in Episode 2, where the old white male "advises" Ziwe on how to improve her looks. Can you imagine? Ziwe makes her points, while keeping tongue firmly in cheek...

"Ziwe" premiered on Showtime recently, with episodes becoming available on Showtime On Demand and other streaming services, after airing. New episodes air on Sunday evenings. If you have any interest on satirical comedy about serious topics, or simply are a fan of Ziwe, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Ziwe is delightfully nuanced and embraces satire for all its worth. With her finger on the cultural pulse, Ziwe delivers clever quips, holding back no punches. Whether her guests are caught off-guard and fumble their words, or they sit in uncomfortable silence, each moment is jam-packed with subtext and humour.

She has a great list of guest stars and commenters that work well with her and their respective topics, and I can't wait to see who else shows up!

I don't believe in telling people how to watch a show or movie, but I will say this - if you are closed-minded and don't understand subtext, this not the show for you.

But it got so much better once I realized how many people are angry about it. Thx ziwe.

I was worried that the things that make Ziwe's regular format special might get lost in translation to a more structured format BUT thankfully it was a very entertaining 24 minute first episode. There certainly were a few clunky moments, and the flow might not be totally perfect yet, but Ziwe has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to keep eyes on the screen.

Also, she's gorgeous.

Can't wait for more!