Ziwe Showtime Announces Premiere Date In May For New Variety Show

In the official pre-panel announcement, Showtime said the upcoming season, spanning six episodes, “will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches and more – including unscripted and unpredictable interactions with everyday people.” “Ziwe” will draw on its star’s talent as a writer (she previously worked on “Desus & Mero” when hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero made jump to Showtime) and a musician (her seven-song debut album dropped at the end of February). In addition to hosting the series, Ziwe also serves as showrunner.

A preview of the series shown at the panel included a collection of guest stars for the sketches in “Ziwe.” “Really, really funny people like Jane Krakowski, Jeremy O. Harris, Cristin Milioti, Laura Benanti. Just expect a bunch of really talented performers who are ready to play,” Ziwe said, noting that Cole Escola, another of the on-air interview subjects, is also a writer on the show. “We lead with improv improvisation here, just because those are my roots as a comedian. So it really will feel loose and fun and fresh because we’re making it up as we go along.” In addition to her recent on-camera work, Ziwe has been busy in the last few years as a writer. Her writing credits in addition to the first season of “Desus & Mero” include “Dickinson” and another Showtime series: “Our Cartoon President,” where she provides the voice for the show’s animated version of Vice President Kamala Harris. “Ziwe” joins the growing list of TV shows produced by A24, alongside “Ramy,” “Moonbase 8,” “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” and “John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch.” “Random Acts of Flyness” producer and writer Jamund Washington and fellow “Desus & Mero” alum Hunter Speese are executive producers on the upcoming series, along with Ziwe herself.