Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedian shares his satirical take on current events.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj
What's the Story?
PATRIOT ACT WITH HASAN MINHAJ is a half-hour weekly news program fronted by acclaimed comedian Hasan Minhaj, who is the first ever Indian American Muslim to host a late-night show. (It's being marketed as a "late-night" show, although it airs on Netflix, where new episodes drop in the morning and can technically be watched at any time of day.) Unlike many similar offerings, Minhaj doesn't sit on a couch or behind a desk news anchor-style, he works in front of a live audience while roaming a stage that is framed by large screens showing graphics and video segments relating to whatever story he's covering. The show explores world issues and events using footage from various media sources, as well as his own satirical pre-taped bits.
Is It Any Good?
While the show isn't the first in this genre -- Samantha Bee and John Oliver's shows both spring to mind -- Minhaj's unique viewpoint and innate charisma make it one to watch. Mixing in-depth political critiques with comedy may not be a new thing, but the quality of the reporting (the show is staffed by journalists from the New York Times and ProPublica) and Minhaj's own under-represented perspective as an Indian American and a Muslim add a much-needed fresh voice to the late-night landscape. All that being said, none of this would work if its host weren't so funny -- but Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj wraps important information in a hilarious package, doing so in a way that feels both timely and long overdue.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj different from similar shows in this genre. How does the format and approach set this show apart?
Hasan Minhaj is the first ever Indian American and Muslim late-night host. How might his background and upbringing help him bring a different perspective to the world events he's covering in his stories?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 28, 2018
- Cast : Hasan Minhaj
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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