Bassem Youssef (Photo: Still from the Daily Show with Jon Stewart)
Egyptian surgeon-turned-satirist Bassem Youssef has signed a deal to present a news show titled The Democracy Handbook, to be aired in spring on the American digital platform F-Comedy.
The F-Comedy website is the new comedy digital hub for the channel Fusion, and The Democracy Handbook will be part of the channel’s 2016 election coverage.
The comedy show will follow Youssef’s move to America as he learns and exposes democracy in America. It is produced by former Daily Show producer Kathy Egan.
Youssef's weekly show on Egyptian television was cancelled in 2014, and he has since moved to the states, where he filmed the documentary Tickling Giants.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Youssef said “discussing, exposing and satirising the political scene here in the States is something I am very excited about and hopefully I will be able to get Fusion in trouble along the way. Between issues like guns, white supremacist militias and Donald Trump, I am certain we won't be lacking in any material."
Bryan Carmel, Fusion’s head of comedy, reportedly called Bassem one of the most astute and therefore dangerous satirists, expressing his eagerness to see what material Youssef will unveil for the show.
Youssef’s political satire falls much in line with F-Comedy’s vision, which according to Carmel “is dedicated to challenging the status quo and trying to provoke shifts in the way people look at the world around them.”
Youssef recently signed a deal to be represented by two major American channels, UTA, and Anonymous Content.
UTA has recently signed two deals with two regional rising directors, Majid Al Ansari, director of Zinzana, and Naji Abo Nawar director of Oscar nominated film Theeb.
Anonymous Content is the independent production company behind Oscar contenders Mr. Robot and the Revenant.
It recently signed on a creative consulting relationship with MBC Group, a prominent regional TV network and production company. The deal allows MBC access to Anonymous' creative experience and know-how, and in some cases, its talent roster.
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