Comedian Hasan Minhaj will depart his “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" correspondent slot to host his own weekly comedy talk show.
Netflix announced yesterday (March 1) that it ordered 32 episodes of a still-untitled show from Minhaj. The program, which will debut some time in 2018, makes him the first South Asian-American comic to host a comedy talk show. The news comes almost year after he hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner—another first for a Desi performer.
"Minhaj’s comedy show will explore the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity," reads a Netflix statement, which also includes a Hindi-language translation of the announcement. "Each week, Minhaj will bring his unique comedic voice and storytelling skill to investigate the larger trends shaping our fragmented world." Minhaj will work on the program after leaving "The Daily Show" in late July.
Never one to miss a joke, Minhaj sent up the stereotype of prefered South Asian career tracks in a tweet confirming the news:
Phew. My LSAT score just expired. https://t.co/ctIKknr8BB
— Hasan Minhaj (@hasanminhaj) March 1, 2018
Minhaj ridiculed the state of the nation in his brief statement: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Netflix family as the country braces for another election season—and like you, I cannot wait to find out who Putin picks this time."
"I’ve been a big fan of Hasan’s for many years," added Netflix vice president of content Bela Bajaria. "He’s a phenomenal writer with a distinct point of view. He is a brilliant performer, who is hilarious both onstage and off. And, more importantly, he isn’t afraid to share his thoughtful voice and unique perspective. We are so excited to bring his new talk series to Netflix members around the world."
Netflix and Minhaj previously collaborated on a filmed version of his one-man show, "Homecoming King," where he discussed the events that define his experience as a Muslim and an Indian-American.
Denizens of #DesiTwitter celebrated the new show:
Dinesh D’Souza and Ajit Pai is what happens when Brown boys give in to the Dark Side. Hasan Minhaj and Riz Ahmed is what happens when they follow the Force. Brown parents, be vigilant.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) February 21, 2018
Hasan Minhaj is singlehandedly achieving every artsy brown kid’s dream. https://t.co/ThwqewmlwP
— Sonia Rao (@misssoniarao) March 1, 2018
YAAAASSSSSS go brown people Netflix Orders Weekly Talk Show From ‘Daily Show’ Breakout Hasan Minhaj (Exclusive) https://t.co/pCLOZU1jQa via @thr
— Aneeka Kalia (@neeks_kalia12) March 1, 2018
https://t.co/pPxnnh8fkh@hasanminhaj and chill anyone??
Come take a walk down memory lane with me and take a look at some of Hasan’s best moments!!
— Vaidehi Gajjar (@vgajjar95) March 2, 2018
So effing proud of @hasanminhaj and his achievements. From a breakout comedian of 2017 to hosting his own frigging show, you are killin’ it. #NewBrownAmerica #HasanMinhaj @NetflixIndia @netflix https://t.co/VYy1rrm2or
— Monica Yadav (@MonicaYadav08) March 1, 2018
I second these congratulations. You’ve done your big brothers proud. https://t.co/XJBFwnwRys
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) March 1, 2018
Yassss! Desi boy is taking over. Can’t wait for it. #hasanminhaj https://t.co/uFbGgJIuaA
— Amena (@Fashionopolis) March 2, 2018