Ziwe

"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.

Not sure why all the hate? This is a show for liberals who are able to take a little criticism through the lens of self-deprecating humor. Sometimes that entails making self-proclaimed activists and celebrities squirm, sometimes that means a cringey song, and sometimes that means having more serious (but still hilarious) conversations with politicians and civil rights icons. If that's not right up your alley, don't watch. But most of the negative reviews are people who would not enjoy this show because they are either conservative or so entrenched in performative allyship, they can't take any criticism. This is for the anti-woke progressive. Please, if you are not the intended audience, don't try to skew the reviews. This show is phenomenal!

The bad reviews are wrong, this show is so funny.

Ziwe is so naturally funny and talented.

I have read very negative reviews before I watched the first episode, and it does NOT reflect my own opinion of the show.

This is a quick-witted show with a constant underlying sarcastic comedy that may pass the heads of some viewers. The first episode of the show offered several different parts ranging from a musical perfomance, interviews and skits. The show has a modern comedic stance that deals with racism, feminism politics etc. I felt that it also made fun of the format of interviews and the out-of-context ways some parts of the entertainment industry twist words.

Also, they way they play with serious issues of the present day such the Karen-interview with Karen-named women was both fun, entertaining and makes a comment on the usage of a name to identify with a racial injustice.

Looking forward to the next episode!