STAND UP PLANET
Comedy as Soothsayer
A Gates Foundation funded documentary TV show that looks at global development issues through the lens of stand-up comedy. Hosted by Hasan Minaj, (Daily Show, the Morning Show) he visits life in some of the toughest places on Earth in parts of India and South Africa to see how comics shed light on issues not easily discussed.
GATES FOUNDATION, KCET | TV SHOW & SOCIAL PLATFORM
CHALLENGE
How do you make a TV show that entertains, while at the same time teaches viewers about social justice issues around the world? More importantly, how do you get audiences to care about the people impacted by them? Could comedy be the great connector?
SOLUTION
Show global development issues through the lens of stand up comedy. Host Hasan Minhaj (Daily Show, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, The Morning Show) follows the jokes and personal experiences of the funniest international comics deep into some hard truths — the toughest global poverty issues of our time. Yes, it’s okay to laugh. The documentary TV show, transmedia series and digital campaign showcases life in some of the toughest places on Earth – in parts of India and South Africa – through the lens and experiences of stand-up comics. At the center of Stand Up Planet is a U.S.-based host—Hasan Minhaj, on a quest to find some of the best humor coming from corners of the developing world. Starting from his own personal story – Indian American kid to Hollywood comic – Hasan embarks on an epic journey of discovery to find some of the funniest stand-up comics in the most unlikely places: the bustling city of Mumbai, India, and the neighborhoods of Johannesburg, South Africa. Along the way, Hasan follows the jokes and personal experiences of the funniest international comics deep into the hard truths and the promise for change in some of the toughest global poverty issues of our time. Along with a posse of comedian friends, Hasan invites comedians from India and South Africa to take part in the biggest night of their lives – performing in a Hollywood international comedy showcase and television special.
FORMAT
1 hour long TV show, a Comedy Showcase, and over 30 webisodes for a potent social program. Airing on Link/KCET and Pivot TV.
A Gates Foundation funded documentary TV show that looks at global development issues through the lens of stand-up comedy. Hosted by The Daily Show’s Hasan Minaj, he visits life in some of the toughest places on Earth in parts of India and South Africa to see how comics shed light on issues not easily discussed.