Who Is America?

Who Is America? is a provocative satirical television series released by Showtime in 2018 that seeks to explore the diverse individuals who make up the United States. This show is the brainchild of British comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who is well-known for his bold and controversial characters such as Ali G, Borat, and Bruno. Cohen, ever the master of disguises, reprises his role as prankster extraordinaire in this series. Using a range of unique, carefully crafted personas from across the political and cultural spectrum, he interacts with unsuspecting individuals and groups, all part of his venture to explore the American political and cultural scene. It's often as cringe-inducing as it is audacious. However, it’s through this that Cohen uncovers an array of perspectives and attitudes ranging from the expected to the shocking that truly encapsulates the diversity of America. The series is sure to leave no stone unturned, featuring interviews with a wide variety of subjects, including high-profile politicians, fervent conspiracy theorists, famous artists, and everyday people from across the country. Cohen's remarkable talent for embodying outlandish characters allows him to uncover unfiltered opinions and responses from his interview subjects that might not ordinarily be shared with mainstream media. Through seven episodes, each roughly half an hour long, Cohen introduces four new exaggerated characters: Dr. Nira Cain-N'Degeocello, a liberal democratic activist; Rick Sherman, a recently released convict; Billy Wayne Ruddick Jr., a far-right conspiracy theorist; and Erran Morad, a former Mossad agent turned anti-terrorism expert. These characters each embody a segment of American society, explore their respective corners of America, posing sometimes absurd, sometimes challenging, questions to the subjects they encounter. By disguising himself and delving into different subcultures and societal norms, Cohen is able to examine stereotypes, biases, and prejudices arguably prevalent in America. The juxtaposition between the character interviews, and how people respond to them, often results in uncomfortable moments that lay bare the divisions and connections that define the U.S. The series is infused with Cohen's particular brand of confrontational humor, and it's worth noting that the show has garnered quite a bit of controversy. Many of the individuals pranked on the show have publicly expressed their outrage at being duped. This series is far from a light watch; it is humor with a purpose and point, aiming to hold up a mirror to American society in all its complexities. It is also worth noting that the technical aspects of the show, from the set design to the makeup and prosthetics used for Cohen's various personas, are incredibly impressive. No detail is spared in achieving the believability of these characters, further enabling Cohen to slip convincingly into these different landscapes and cultures. Potential viewers should be prepared for moments of deep discomfort, as Who Is America? often blurs the line between parody and reality, bringing to fore the widest and wildest range of beliefs that exist across the country, and the ideologies that drive them. Ultimately, the core of the show is its exploration of contrast; the contrast between who Cohen presents himself as, and who he truly is; the contrast between public politeness and private prejudice; the contrast between how people want to see America and how it truly is. It's a hard-hitting exploration that certainly isn't for everyone, but for those willing to grapple with the difficult questions and unsettling realities it presents, Who Is America? offers a unique window into the American psyche in 2018. This, above all else, cements its place not only as a potent work of satirical comedy, but also as a fascinating sociocultural study. In conclusion, Who Is America? provides an impactful, albeit controversial, reflection of American society, painted in broad strokes of humor, satire, and unflinching reality. It is a show that will make you laugh, cringe, question, and perhaps reconsider your understanding and perceptions of America.

Who Is America? is a series categorized as a new series. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 7 episodes, the show debuted on 2018. The series has earned a mostly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 8.3.