“I believe in using humor as a tool to shed light on the truth,” Ziwe Fumudoh announces in the trailer for her new Showtime variety series, “Ziwe.” “But there are some issues that are too sensitive to joke about.” One can’t help but wonder what those issues could be, since the spot teases sketches about high-strung white women and American Girl dolls, games like Woke Wars, and uncomfortable discussions about race and privilege.
As in her viral Instagram Live interviews and “Baited” YouTube series, Fumudoh confronts her guests about racism and white supremacy and refuses to change the subject when things become awkward. The “Ziwe” trailer sees her asking Fran Lebowitz, “What bothers you more: slow walkers or racism?,” and Julio Torres, “Who do you want to represent less: immigrants or gay people?”
But the cringiest — and best — interaction is the one she has with Adam Pally. “Would you consider yourself a good ally?” Fumudoh asks the “Happy Endings” star. “I try,” he replies. “How do you try?” she presses. He trails off with an “I…um…”
Fumudoh started out as a Comedy Central intern and within a year began writing for The Onion and “The Rundown with Robin Thede.” She has written for Showtime’s “Desus & Mero” and “Our Cartoon President.” She also portrayed Kamala Harris among other characters on the latter.
“Ziwe” premieres May 9 on Showtime.
