Sacha Baron Cohen asks Who Is America?

After weeks of teasing promos, news dropped that Showtime and Sacha Baron Cohen have teamed up to produce a thirty-minute satirical snapshot of political entities named Who Is America?

Showtime has been teasing an unidentified show for weeks (which has now been revealed to be Who Is America?). Showtime promos dangling the July 15 premiere of “perhaps the most dangerous show in the history of television” with a lead character that is “shameless”, “unhinged” and “cold-blooded”  have built the suspense.

On July 4^th, Cohen tweeted in a video that  he would “soon” be “back as you’ve never seen him before.” Cohen’s reputation as a brutally honest, no-holds-barred artist lends credibility to Showtime’s foray into the political commentary market dominated by HBO’s Bill Maher, John Oliver, and Wyatt Cenac.

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Showtime has opted to seek a larger voice in the conversation regarding present-day America. Choosing to have Cohen, formerly the star of Ali G and Borat, is a bold but wise choice.

If all goes well Showtime will be able to take all the praise for given Cohen a chance. Should this new venture receive poor reviews, Cohen has proven adept at being a conduit for criticism without his antics affecting others.

Per Showtime president and CEO David Nevins:

"“Sacha is a comedic genius who shocks you with his audacity, bravery and inventiveness. He is the premier provocateur of our time, but not for the sake of ‘gotcha’ moments. Behind the elaborate setup is a genuine quest for the truth about people, places and politics. Nobody knows how to cause a stir like Sacha Baron Cohen, and it’s going to be fascinating to watch what happens when Who Is America? is released on the world.”"

Cohen, serving in writing and directing roles, “will explore the diverse individuals, from the infamous to the unknown across the political and cultural spectrum, who populate our unique nation.”

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The first episode will air this Sunday, July 15 at 9 PM EST. Seven episodes are expected to comprise the first season.

Cohen’s Who Is America? aims to give brutally honest yet humorous observations about what makes America the America it is, and not the 1950’s facade of American morality.

Cohen has yet to shy away from a controversial angle or question. In this new project, he will have ample opportunity to point out the ridiculous quirks of red-blooded American culture.

Source: Deadline