Sacha Baron Cohen has made a searing return to the small screen with his satirical comedy series Who Is America? which has garnered some passionate endorsements from a host of stars.
The 46-year-old London-born comedian, who is best known for his comedy characters such as Ali G, Bruno and Borat, has been secretly filming the seven-episode series for the past year and the show debuted on Showtime in the US on Sunday (July 15).
Baron Cohen went undercover using prosthetics and make-up as different characters while interviewing a series of American political figures such as Sarah Palin, Bernie Sanders and Dick Cheney.
The first episode saw the comedian dress up as a former Israeli army colonel, Erran Morad, who convinces several gun lobbyists to lend their support to his 'Kinder-Guardians' project which aims to protect children from gun-violence in school by arming kids aged 4 to 12.
The reaction to the show has been predictably polarizing on Twitter, but many high-profile names have gotten behind the show.
Actor Russell Crowe tweeted that the series is "breath taking", Get Out director Jordan Peele said it's "essential" viewing, Judd Apatow told his followers "you must see this", while actress Courteney Cox said it's "the best comedy of the year with incredible social commentary".
Sacha Baron Cohen , actor, showman, daredevil ... some kind of Marlon Brando , Richard Pryor , Evel Knievel hybrid ... this is breath taking ... https://t.co/lt4VuwPR9V
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 15, 2018
I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at Sacha Baron Cohen’s new show #WhoIsAmerica last night. Holy. Shit. It’s essential 🔥. @Showtime tonight. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) July 15, 2018
You must see this. Believe me. https://t.co/NT9mkuRUCc
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) July 15, 2018
You have to watch this show! It’s the best comedy of the year with incredible social commentary! @Showtime #whoisamerica pic.twitter.com/QweX4TtfB8
— Courteney Cox (@CourteneyCox) July 16, 2018
congratulations to @SachaBaronCohen for reminding us (hilariously) of how very very very stupid we are. That was just great. #WhoIsAmerica @Showtime
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 16, 2018
#whoisamerica proves once again that @sachabaroncohen is the most brilliant, ballsy comedian on the planet
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) July 16, 2018
This turned my mind inside out WTF??? @SachaBaronCohen does it again 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 😳😳😳 https://t.co/BmL45ksNos
— Thandie Newton (@thandienewton) July 16, 2018
I just watched a few episodes and it is equally hilarious and disturbing. Really holds up a mirror to the current state of our country and it ain’t pretty. But it is really funny. https://t.co/htCxDILxPv
— nick kroll (@nickkroll) July 15, 2018
I’ve seen every episode of this wonderful and horrifying show and I recommend you watch it as well. https://t.co/DIOz46Ytlj
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 15, 2018
@SachaBaronCohen you are a comic genius. I got to see #WhoIsAmerica last night. It is one of the bravest uses of comedy I have ever seen. It sparks a very deep moral conversation about the world we live in and it is HILARIOUS!! I am in shock and awe...OH MY GOD
— Annabelle Wallis (@WallisAnnabelle) July 15, 2018
At the screening for @SachaBaronCohen’s new show #WhoIsAmerica. It’s so funny, you must watch. @bjnovak pic.twitter.com/dEPA0bQ4TR
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) July 15, 2018
New @SachaBaronCohen show is mind blowing
— B.J. Novak (@bjnovak) July 15, 2018
The first episode of Who Is America? airs on Channel 4 at 10pm on Monday July 16.
