‘That’s the slogan for aliens’: Youssef does not come in peace in TV special
▶ Comedian to broadcast new show in region first, writes
RI’m done apologising. I’m done saying that we’re peaceful. For 20 years we’ve had to prove to people that we’re safe RAMY YOUSSEF
Comedian
amy Youssef will use his latest comedy special to tackle topics ranging from the “unexpected perils” of charitable giving, the US presidential election and prayer to a childhood book report that “changed the course of his life” and being a Muslim in the West.
“I’m done apologising,” the American-Egyptian comic says in the trailer for Ramy Youssef: More Feelings.
“I’m done saying that we’re peaceful. For 20 years we’ve had to prove to people that we’re safe, right? Every time you turn on CNN, there’s just like some Arab dude talking about how Islam means peace.
“You know that guy? But he’s always shouting it. He’s always like: ‘We come in peace!’ You’re like: ‘Bro, that’s the slogan for aliens. That’s what aliens say before they take over the planet, bro.’ I’m done. I’m done saying sorry.”
More Feelings was directed by Chris Storer, creator of The
Bear, for HBO and will hit regional screens first. It will be available on OSN+ from Sunday, one week before it reaches the US on HBO Max (March 23).
The highly anticipated standup show will be his second with HBO, following the critically acclaimed Feelings, which first aired in 2019.
The special will be released days before Youssef appears on Saturday Night Live to host the sketch comedy show for the first time. Rapper Travis Scott has been billed as the musical act for that episode.
Youssef is perhaps best known for spearheading the Hulu show Ramy.
The hit series, which released its third season in 2022, follows an Egyptian-American family in New Jersey as they confront spiritual, social and political challenges.
While Youssef had previously appeared in shows and films, including Mr Robot with Oscar winner Rami Malek, it was
Ramy that propelled him to international fame. It has earned three Emmy nominations.
More recently, Youssef starred as Max McCandles in the film Poor Things, appearing alongside Emma Stone, who won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance.
All jokes aside, Youssef uses his growing status as a platform to call for peace. He joined other celebrities wearing an Artists4Ceasefire pin at the recent Oscars. The pins call for a ceasefire in Gaza and seek to bring attention to the ongoing war. “We’re calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” Youssef told Variety on the red carpet. “We’re calling for peace and justice, lasting justice for the people of Palestine.
“I think it’s a universal message for ‘let’s stop killing kids’. Let’s not be a part of more war. No one has ever looked back at war and thought a bombing campaign was a good idea. To be surrounded by so many artists who are willing to lend their voices ... the list is growing, a lot of people are going to be wearing these pins tonight.
“There are a lot of talking heads on the news. This is a space of talking hearts.”
When asked whether he was hopeful for a ceasefire, Youssef said: “There has to be. It’s just taking so long. The [US] president has called for it.”