Ziwe Fumudoh is getting her own Showtime series. The cable network has given the rising comedian’s untitled variety show a straight-to-series order, per The Hollywood Reporter. The project will be comprised of interviews, sketches, and “unscripted and unpredictable real-world rendezvous between everyday people and Ziwe.” A24 is producing.
As the source notes, this announcement caps off an eventful summer for Fumudoh. “In the wake of myriad public faux pas on the part of white celebrities and influencers during the heightened dialogue around social justice, Ziwe unofficially revived her former YouTube show ‘Baited’ with an ongoing series of confrontational Instagram Live interviews — with such notables as Caroline Calloway, Alison Roman, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan — that [got] attention for both their humor and cringiness.” “Baited with Ziwe” saw Fumudoh discussing race with her white coworkers — and refusing to let them change the subject if things became uncomfortable.
Fumudoh has also written for Showtime’s “Desus & Mero” and voiced on “Our Cartoon President.” She portrayed Kamala Harris among other characters.
“I am beyond excited to make my dream a reality with the brilliant minds at Showtime and A24,” Fumudoh said. “I can’t wait to make an iconic show with even more iconic guests.”
“Through her addictive online series and her work for our own ‘Desus & Mero’ and ‘Our Cartoon President,’ Ziwe has clearly emerged as an auteur voice in comedy and culture,” stated Vinnie Malhotra, Showtime EVP of nonfiction programming. “She has turned all of our heads here at Showtime, and we’re excited to be the home for her new series as she continues to grow her edgy and hilarious brand of commentary on race, politics, and everything in-between.”
Fumudoh started out as a Comedy Central intern and within a year began writing for The Onion and “The Rundown with Robin Thede.” She performs original songs at “Pop Show,” a monthly gig at Brooklyn’s Union Hall.
Check out an episode of “Baited” below.