Kareem Rahma, the artist who failed several times before creating ‘SubwayTakes,’ the first social media talk show nominated for an Emmy

Before social media, entertainers would travel to television studios to promote their latest projects. Today, their appearances can be found on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where they participate in short-form talk shows tailored for vertical viewing. The format of these shows has evolved to be more creative and designed for the small screen.

One such show, "SubwayTakes," asks celebrities to share their opinions, whether they are unpopular or deeply personal. Filmed on the New York subway, the show has garnered 750 million views across nearly 760 episodes since its launch in 2023 and has earned a nomination for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series.

"So, what's your take?" is the question that opens the show, with guests answering in a single sentence before host Kareem Rahma decides if he agrees or disagrees. Kareem Rahma, a 40-year-old journalist, comedian, actor, and content creator, was born in Cairo but grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis before moving to New York. After failing in marketing for Vice and The New York Times, he returned to New York to pursue comedy, with his first social media show created after exhausting other ideas. The show's simple format and lack of rehearsals are believed to contribute to its success.