Everything You Need to Know About 'Stand Up Planet'
So what is this show about?
"Stand Up Planet" is a documentary TV show and digital series that showcases life in some of the toughest places on Earth through the lens and experiences of stand-up comics. Hollywood comedian Hasan Minhaj takes you to bustling Mumbai and India to meet up-and-coming comedians. Their humor helps you learn about their homelands in striking ways. It's equal parts reality TV, documentary and travelogue. Check out the trailer to see Minhaj and the other comedians in action:
How can I watch it?
The two-hour "Stand Up Planet" special premieres Wednesday, May 14 at 9 p.m. on KCET. (The first hour is the documentary following Minhaj as he travels abroad. The second hour is the comedy showcase, which Minjah hosts and which features a variety of comedians performing at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.) You can also watch it on Link TV -- premiering 7 p.m. on May 14 -- and on Pivot -- premiering 10 p.m. on May 14,
Pivot, KCET and LinkTV.
(Check future broadcast times here.)
What comedians does "Stand Up Planet" feature?
In addition to Hasan Minhaj, you'll see two Indian comics (Aditi Mittal and Tanmay Bhat), three South African comics (Mpho Popps,Loyiso Gola and Kagiso Lediga). Also expect American stand-ups James Adomian, Nate Bargatze and Michelle Buteau as well as comedy legends Norman Lear, and Carl Reiner.
What kind of humor are we talking about?
Like any comedians in the U.S., comedians abroad make light of the stuff they encounter on a day-to-day basis. But what's interesting about "Stand Up Planet" is how it helps you understand what constitutes a part of everyday life in India or South Africa. Take Aditi Mittal's literal take on bathroom humor, for example. Did you know that 40 percent of the world's population doesn't have access to a toilet?
HIV and AIDS are widespread in South Africa. But did you know men can reduce their chance of contracting HIV by 60 perfect just by getting circumcised? That decision isn't so easy, of course. Listen to Mpho Popps' take on "going to the mountain:"
So it's just a comedy show and special?
As Hasan embarks on an epic journey of discovery to find some of the funniest stand-up comics in the most unlikely places, he follows their jokes and personal experiences deep into the hard truths and the promise for change in some of the toughest global poverty issues of our time.
From rural villages and urban communities in India to the streets of Soweto in South Africa, Stand Up Planet brings you the stories and perspectives of individuals and organizations on the frontlines of social change. Learn more about SUP's heroes and allies here. And get all the latest information about "Stand Up Planet" -- the broadcast show as well as the web-original content -- on the show's official website.
