ziwe – The Comedy Bureau

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 65: Robby Hoffman & Knowing Thyself

June 23, 2021

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If you’ve come to a point of being so in tune with who you really are, as Robby Hoffman has, you might have fared well, personally and otherwise, during lockdown. Hoffman is so masterfully herself whether on stage or in the writers room or in her personal life that taking on the pandemic was akin to taking care of business.

Hoffman joins TCB’s Jake Kroeger for an exploration of Robby’s seemingly unflappable nature and the myriad of things she has been juggling this whole time from her call-in show on Planet Scum to her project Rivkah at Showtime. Also, “hot” takes on Ziwe getting renewed, Peabody Awards going to Colbert and Ted Lasso, and the final week of Conan.

Note/correction: Andrew Yang answered “Times Square” to Ziwe asking his favorite metro stop in NYC and Robby found that so very funny.

Follow Robby @iamrobbyhoffman on Twitter and @robbyhoffman on IG and watch her special I’m Nervous on YouTube.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

Showtime Gives Icon Ziwe the Second Season Renewal She Deserves

June 22, 2021

News

season 2, showtime, ziwe

(via Variety)

Though “iconic” is perhaps Ziwe’s ironic catchphrase and often joked about, the idea of her manifesting her own iconic status is becoming more and more actualized every week.

In case you don’t know, Ziwe already announced that she’s developing a new series at Amazon last week. This week, she got a second season order of her eponymous Showtime series that might truly shift the paradigm of late night and sketch comedy for good. Don’t forget that she has a book due out and just dropped an album of songs that come from her Showtime series. See what we’re saying?

With how far and deep the first season that Ziwe went, often taking no prisoners with its satire (her very own writing staff included), the prospect of what she’ll do with 12 episodes for season 2 is undeniably thrilling and will be one of the most anticipated things in comedy for us until it premieres.

Make no mistake though. A season 2 of Ziwe is big news and well deserved, but Ziwe is far from done with manifesting and exuding being iconic.

Ziwe’s Iconic Status Continues to Grow with Developing New Series at Amazon

June 17, 2021

News

amazon, nigerian princess, ziwe

(via Variety)

Ziwe’s manifesting of being an icon continues. Her eponymous Showtime show following her massive success on IG Live is leading further down her iconic path. The latest stop on the path is getting to develop a whole new show at Amazon that feels like Ziwe’s own twist on Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Called The Nigerian Princess, it’ll be unlikely buddy comedy where two prep school grads team up and also scheme against each other in the quest to secure that ever fleeting American dream.

If you’ve seen Ziwe, you ought to know that Ziwe will absolutely pull no punches, even if it comes to examining her own biases that are inherently present within this particular project. With that in mind, we wonder if Amazon will get sent up in this as well? We’ll just wait, hope this gets a green light, and see.

Julio Torres Gives Ziwe Permission to ADR Lots of His Interview However She Pleases

June 7, 2021

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In a very short time, Ziwe has become noted for her interview style, which some interviewees see as walking through a devilishly fun minefield of getting baited on any sort of controversial topics.

Her latest guest on this past Sunday’s episode of Ziwe, comedian, SNL writer and Los Espookys co-creator Julio Torres opted a new, pandemic friendly tactic with engaging with Ziwe’s often sharply barbed questions by keeping his face mask on the whole time and encouraging Ziwe and her staff to ADR (automated dialogue replacement) any of his answers as to make them much more spicy and problematic.

Please enjoy how much this interview is augmented here. Also, you really ought to be watching Ziwe every Sunday on Showtime (or streaming on Showtime Anytime). Truly, we can’t say that enough for how damn funny it is.

Please Enjoy Ziwe’s Latest Banger/Damning Piece of Satire “Black Friends”

May 28, 2021

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black friends, music video, ziwe

One of the distinct things about the newly minted late night/variety series Ziwe is that iconic namesake star Ziwe makes a music video of a song that she wrote and performed herself with each episode. In line with the meta-satire of the show, each new banger is both a razor sharp pointed anthem about problematic issues pervasive in modern (though we seem to be stepping back quite a bit) society.

This week’s episode of Ziwe will take on one of the more iconic elements of the IG Live version of Baited where white interviewees seem to have quite a bit of trouble responding to the question “How many black friends do you have?” There were a myriad of hilariously awkward answers, but the response of “4 to 5” was so frequent, it seemed like shorthand for being an ally without thinking about it too much.

So, here’s Ziwe’s latest single, “Black Friends”, dedicated to performative allyship via having black friends. Please enjoy/make this go viral here.

Ziwe Takes on Beauty Standards by Interviewing Eboni K. Williams & Her New Banger “Wet Diaper (Goo Goo Gah Gah)”

May 18, 2021

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ZIWE is only on its second episode and it already, for our money, is in the running for one of the funniest shows of the year (and yes, we know that there’s plenty of year left).

This past Sunday, Ziwe set her sights on the topic of beauty standards and gave it her iconic ultra-subversive-while-being-meta-and-self-accountable treatment. She had a spirited back-and-forth with Eboni K. Williams, the first black cast member on Real Housewives of New York, on all things revolving beauty, especially when race comes into the picture. Again, is anyone doing as interviews as fun and wickedly clever as Ziwe?

Then, for her musical performance this week (Ziwe has been her own iconic musical guest for these first two episodes and we’re here for it), Ziwe nailed pop culture’s obsession with infantilizing women, especially when it comes to actresses and pop stars with such a hysterical ‘banger’, “Wet Diaper” (Goo Goo Gah Gah). Please enjoy it and the man feeling very uncomfortable in it here.

Again, we’ve been saying it before it premiered, as it premiered, and right here, right now: watch ZIWE (Sunday nights at 11PM on Showtime, then streaming on Showtime Anytime afterwards)

Ziwe Has Arrived on Showtime and The World Really Ought to Be Watching

May 11, 2021

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showtime, ziwe

There’s almost a sense of certainty with ZIWE, the brand new eponymous variety/talk show series sprouted from Ziwe’s own IG Live series, Baited. Of the comedy live-stream that embarked into the unknown of this virtual era of comedy, Baited with Ziwe was lightning that struck louder and bigger every time with her interview format involving race baiting questions and deeper explorations of the biases of comedians, celebrities, influencers, many of which had been “cancelled”. Several hundred and sometimes thousands would tune in on the jankiest of all live-stream platforms, IG Live, and revel in Ziwe’s balance of poise and the iconic looks she would strike based on people’s answers or, in many cases, attempts at answers.

Even, Vulture started to recap it like it was an actual TV series (a mark, which no other live-stream, to our knowledge can really claim).

Without a doubt, it was one of the best things in comedy in 2020 and Showtime made a real smart move in giving Ziwe her own show that not only plays up her iconic ambitions (even evident in these opening credits for the show), but played to the core strengths of Ziwe’s uber-satirical sense of humor and of Baited’s devil-may-care-ish picking apart of one’s biases. The premiere of Ziwe, having just aired on Showtime this past Sunday, was brilliant and that just almost seemed inevitable.

Check her interview with Fran Lebowitz, this wonderfully bizarre American Girl Doll sketch, and her panel discussion with women all named Karen and their feelings on the pejorative term, Karen to see Ziwe’s panache and verve that makes her really stand out from the rest of the crowd (whether it be late night, talk shows, or sketch). Truly, we can’t wait to see wait what the self-styled icon does next over almost anything else on television.

american girl doll: imperial wives collection is not NOT for lesbians pic.twitter.com/9fNFeQXIz8

— ziwe (@ziwe) May 11, 2021

ZIWE airs every Sunday at 11PM on Showtime and, like we said above, you and the rest of the world best be watching (even if it means having to add Showtime to your streaming services/cable package).

ZIWE’s Official Trailer Is Here (Stop What You’re Doing/Watch/Share)

April 9, 2021

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When all is said and done with this COVID-19 era of comedy, one name will shine brightly as a undeniably fiery star that rose through the trials and travails of having to do comedy virtually while the world stayed at home, fearful of what they might catch outside.

That name, of course, is the now iconic mononym, Ziwe.

Her name was already one that was on the minds of comedy circles around the country before lockdown. Ziwe was writing on Desus & Mero, put together some satirical bangers, and had done the YouTube version of her now famous, Baited. The IG Live version of the show shot her to fame as the undeniably iconic IG Live show of 2020 (even though it only ran weekly for a few months). Cornering comedians and celebrities alike with race-baiting questions was so deftly and hilariously handled by Ziwe that it scored her a book deal and the eponymous Showtime series that is set to premiere next month.

You’ll be absolutely thrilled to know that there’s more Baited to come on Ziwe (her guests include Fran Lebowitz, Adam Pally, and Cole Escola to name a few) as well as a great mix of sketches and interviews that is both the comedy that America needs AND deserves.

Get your first taste and get hooked (if not already) here. Then, set a reminder for the iconic time of Sun. May 9th at 11PM to watch the series premiere of Ziwe on Showtime.

Pick of the Day: Vanity Fair Cocktail Hour 4/13-4/15

April 8, 2021

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amanda seyfried, cecily strong, judith light, kathryn hahn, laura dern, maya rudolph, movie picture television fund, phoebe robinson, sacha baron cohen, vanity fair, ziwe

Vanity Fair is trying, with as much as they can muster, to put as much glitz on a virtual fundraiser festival in support of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, and, for what they’ve got lined-up, it’s pretty damn nice.

Billed as The Vanity Fair Cocktail Hour, it will be three days worth of “inspiring conversations, innovative gatherings, and irresistible beverages, all experienced in the comfort of your home.” Yes, there’s a tier of tickets that you can buy a “Grey Goose Essences Cocktail Kit”.

Those conversations will be between the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen, Ziwe, Kathryn Hahn, Cecily Strong, Judith Light, Phoebe Robinson, Laura Dern, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Seyfried, and so many more stars, intriguing voices, etc. along with host Radhika Jones. Of the conversations that you’re privy to these days, you really might not want to miss these. You can get a full schedule/details here.

This Vanity Fair Cocktail Hour is set to go live throughout Apr. 13th-15th and tickets range from $19-$49 (depending if you want an all access pass or not). Go snag them here.

Ziwe Premieres May 9th on Showtime, So Clear Up Your Schedule Already

February 23, 2021

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showtime, ziwe

Self-styled icon Ziwe famously rose to fame at a time when we all, famously, we’re stuck at home, probably in despair via her IG Live series, Baited. To this very day, it’s probably one of the very best things that has ever been done on IG Live and it’s very likely that anything else doesn’t even come close to how vital, pointed, and hysterical it was.

From there, Ziwe had a banner year, made all the lists, got a book deal, and, famously, was bestowed with her very Showtime variety series.

The show, appropriately titled, Ziwe, is set to premiere on Sun. May 9th on Showtime. We’d highly recommend using this time until then to prepare for such a date, especially when it comes to making sure watching Ziwe’s premiere being the only thing on your schedule that Sunday.

Oops. Sorry to leave you on read. How does May 9th sound? https://t.co/ZAL3BJBDss

— SHOWTIME (@Showtime) February 23, 2021

YouTube Originals’ Black Renaissance to Highlight Desus & Mero, Nicole Byer, and Ziwe Fumudoh

February 16, 2021

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black history month, desus and mero, nicole byer, youtube originals, ziwe

YouTube’s move for Black History Month is to have an entire special to shining a light on the black innovators and leaders of our time, Black Renaissance: The Art and Soul of our Stories. So many different black folks will be have their story told in what should by a highly and tightly produced showcase of black excellence now and what it will very likely be in the near future.

For comedy, the special will be focusingn on late night disruptors Desus & Mero, beloved multi-hyphenate Nicole Byer, and upstart icon Ziwe Fumudoh, all four of which are some of our absolute favorites in comedy and should be more touted and awarded and hired than they currently are (which is quite a bit).

Look for Black Renaissance: The Art and Soul of our Stories to premiere on YouTube’s YouTube Originals channel on Feb. 26th (right before Black History Month ends) and get a taste of what’s to come in this trailer here.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 40: 2020 Wrap-Up/Best of/Looking Forward (w/Joel Mandelkorn)

December 30, 2020

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2020 wrap up, aparna nancherla, baited, comedy crossing, corporate, dana donnelly, eddie pepitone, hot Tub, how to with john wilson, joel mandelkorn, laurie kilmartin, sara schaefer, super serious, what we do in the shadows, ziwe

2020. Was it the year that comedy took a “little nap”? Was it a year where the effects of the pandemic will forever change the business dynamics and artistic direction of the art form of comedy? Were the latest seasons of Corporate and What We Do In The Shadows some of the year’s best TV?

As it’s the last week of 2020, TCB’s Jake Kroeger gets to the bottom of all these questions in a very special, year-end wrap-up episode of the TCB Field Report. He’s joined by one of the sharpest minds in comedy, veteran indie comedy producer Joel Mandelkorn to shout out their favorite/most sturdy/noticeable things in comedy in 2020 as well as what lies ahead for comedy in 2021 if the world hasn’t sunk into total mayhem at that point.

Shout outs to: What We Do In The Shadows, Corporate, How To With John Wilson, Baited with Ziwe, Eddie Pepitone: For the Masses, @aparnapkin, @danadonly, @saraschaefer1, Comedy Crossing, and Laurie Kilmartin.

Follow Joel @cleftclips & Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen @hottub_show and please get Super Serious: An Oral History of Los Angeles Independent Stand-Up Comedy

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

Get First Look at Amazon Comedy ‘Eulogy’ Special “Yearly Departed”

December 14, 2020

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Though eulogies don’t really cross into the territory of comedy specials, this year hasn’t been a time for anything normal. Actually, 2020 is the focus of said special entitled, “Yearly Departed” and is a good-riddance send-off to the year that has and continues and will traumatize all of us living through it.

For 2020 getting kicked to the curb, this special has a marvelous and feisty line-up of comedy folks including Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Patti Harrison, Natasha Legerro, Sarah Silverman, Natasha Rothwell, Ziwe, and Phoebe Robinson hosting for the evening.

It’s a roast of 2020 at 2020’s funeral and it sure looks like the socially distanced party had a hell of a time letting 2020 know what they thought of it (even though we’ll have to likely deal with so much of 2020 for a good chunk, if not most of, 2021).

Get your first look at YEARLY DEPARTED with its trailer here, then look for it to stream on Amazon Prime on the Eve of New Year’s Eve, Dec. 30th.

Ziwe Scores Her Very Own Variety Series at Showtime

October 21, 2020

News

baited, showtime, variety series, ziwe

At the point, even if you’re trying to actively not look up the name Ziwe after seeing it repeatedly posted all over the place (justifiably so for many, many great reasons), it’s a name that simply can’t ignore. The comedian and writer (and aspiring pop star) found herself in the limelight via IG Live with her weekly interview series, Baited with Ziwe, while also working as a staff writer at Desus & Mero.

That has scored her numerous comedic accolades in quarantine, a book deal, and, as should have happened already by now, a show of her own. Showtime has officially ordered a variety series that will essentially let Ziwe do whatever she wants. As it’ll “feature interviews, sketches and more – including unscripted and unpredictable real-world rendezvous between everyday people,” we can only imagine what Ziwe has hidden in her very stylish ensemble for us all.

Perhaps, a version of Baited that’s a little like Billy on the Street (when we can talk to each other not at a distance on the street because of COVID-19)? Maybe there will be a bit of her rocking out her single Universal Healthcare?

Whatever Ziwe’s show ends up being, you can be assured a good percentage of the world/Internet is looking forward to it more than whatever just got postponed/unrenewed by a network or studio.

Ziwe Fumudoh Scores Deal for Book of Personal Essays

August 12, 2020

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Since Ziwe Fumudoh‘s rise with her IG Live show Baited (again, it’s the only thing you should be watching on Thursdays at 5PM PT/8PM ET @ziwef), we’ve been wondering when, not if, the industry would be begin bidding wars over developing something with her.

Finally, some of that is starting to happen as Ziwe has just signed a book deal with ABRAMS Books for a book of personal essays that will also probably be a pretty good guide to being a guest on an episode of Baited. Ziwe is underway on writing the book, but a release date is TBA for the time being.

In the meantime, you can get your Ziwe fix with her album Generation Ziwe, watching any and all of Baited (including the original YouTube episodes), and catch Desus & Mero.

I'm writing a book with @ABRAMSbooks pic.twitter.com/O0MnAlTheU

— ziwe (@ziwe) August 12, 2020

Please Enjoy the Music Video for Ziwe Fumudoh’s Banger “Universal Healthcare”

July 24, 2020

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As more of the world gets acquainted with the brilliance of Ziwe Fumudoh every week with her IG Live interview show, Baited with Ziwe (again, we’ll say that it might be the series going right now regardless of platform), it should stand to reason that you should explore the rest of her work

That includes her musical comedy album, produced by Amar Ibrahim, Generation Ziwe (streaming wherever you get music) features biting satire about such crucial issues like Universal Healthcare. In fact, one of the tracks is indeed called “Universal Healthcare” and Ziwe goes in hard on America’s horribly flawed healthcare system. There’s a delightful, Daria-inspired, accompanying music video, animated by Mary Houlihan, released this week.

Bop your head to the song and music video here (and, in case it wasn’t clear, get into everything that Ziwe does and watch Baited on Thurs. 5PM PT/8PM ET @ziwef on Instagram)