Ramy Youssef’s #1 Happy Family USA Tackles Muslim Life Post-9/11

NEW YORK, Feb. 17 — Comedian Ramy Youssef is blending humor with a poignant exploration of Muslim life in America in his new animated series, #1 Happy Family USA. Set to premiere on Prime Video on April 17, the show portrays the Hussein family on the eve of the September 11 attacks, showcasing a unique blend of South Park-style comedy and a critical look at the aftermath of national trauma.

In an interview at a downtown Manhattan hotel, Youssef, 34, emphasized the need for comedy to provide relief during tense times. “The more messed up the climate, the stupider television must be,” he stated, reflecting on the current sociopolitical landscape. “You need something dumb to cut through the tension.”

Youssef noted the parallels between his series and significant historical moments, like the premiere of MTV’s Punk’d just days before the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003. “Maybe my stupid new show is perfect for how messed everything is right now,” he added.

The series features a young protagonist, Rumi, navigating a pre-adolescent world filled with both personal and global crises, all set against the backdrop of the impending terror events of 2001. “It’s hard to avoid the obviously dramatic things in it,” Youssef said, acknowledging how the cartoon allows for humor amid heavy subjects, much like how South Park influenced his own upbringing.

Rumi’s adventures touch on the complex realities of being a Muslim American, including familial dynamics and societal perceptions. The show’s humor plays out in absurd scenarios, such as Rumi’s mother meeting an undercover FBI agent at the mosque, and his uncle being humorously branded by a news network as “Halal Harry.”

“I didn’t smoke then,” Youssef quipped about Rumi’s antics, “but I had the tension of a smoker as a middle schooler.” However, Youssef also addressed the trauma that comes with the narrative, revealing the anxiety and paranoia that came with growing up in a post-9/11 America.

Born in Queens to Egyptian parents, Youssef recounted how the shifting cultural landscape affected him personally. “Looking back, I can see the huge impact on my family as culture and politics shifted,” he said. His experiences of scrutiny and fear shaped the material he later explored in his stand-up routines and television shows, including Ramy.

After 9/11, he faced internalized fears related to his identity, leading to a deeper understanding of self and community during his college years. “I joined the Muslim Student Association,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of finding a community of shared experiences. Yet, even in college, Youssef discovered his group was being monitored by the NYPD, which prompted him to start writing to explore his identity without repercussion.

His journey as a Muslim showrunner reflects a shift in narrative representation on television. “There’s such little representation of our communities on TV, but now I’ve put that aside,” Youssef said. “Creating shows that reflect personal experiences can open doors for more diverse narratives.”

Amidst feeling the weight of responsibility for representation, Youssef expressed a desire to expand his creative palette beyond these themes. “It’s fun to widen the palette of what I’ll do with that,” he stated, alluding to his work in various film and television projects.

As the political climate changes, Youssef shared concerns about the potential challenges his show could face in today’s contentious environment. “This feels like a glitch, honestly,” he said of the current television landscape. “If I walked in and pitched this today, they’d say no.”

Youssef’s latest animations are a response to the present-day issues, as he feels the industry may resist explorations that challenge the status quo. Despite these challenges, his intention is to provoke thought while entertaining audiences, blending laughs with discomfort in a unique style.

“I hope people laugh, but also feel gross, sweaty, and confused,” he remarked, aiming for a mix of humor and critical reflection in #1 Happy Family USA. As he prepares for its release, Youssef is optimistic about the conversations the show could ignite.