Watch The New Negroes

The New Negroes is a unique comedy variety show that premiered on Comedy Central in April 2019. It is hosted by rapper and comedian Open Mike Eagle, and actor and comedian Baron Vaughn. The show is a platform for black comedians, musicians, and artists to showcase their talent and present their own unique perspectives on current events, politics, and culture.

The format of the show is part stand-up comedy, part music showcase, and part social commentary. Each episode features a different lineup of guests who perform for a live audience. The show aims to explore the diverse experiences of African Americans, from the struggles of everyday life to the joys of artistic expression, through comedy and music.

The New Negroes takes its name from a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, which sought to redefine black identity and challenge racial stereotypes through literature and other arts. The show continues in this tradition by highlighting the work of up-and-coming artists who are redefining what it means to be black in America today.

The show's hosts, Mike Eagle and Baron Vaughn, are both talented comedians in their own right. Mike Eagle is a critically acclaimed rapper and comedian who has released several albums and EPs, and has performed on shows like The Eric Andre Show and Adventure Time. Baron Vaughn is a stand-up comedian and actor who has appeared in shows like Grace and Frankie and Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return.

In each episode of The New Negroes, Mike and Baron take turns introducing the guests and performing short stand-up sets of their own. They also engage in witty banter with each other and the audience, often riffing on current events or personal experiences. These interludes serve to contextualize the performances that follow, and to add a layer of humor and social commentary to the proceedings.

The stand-up comedy portion of the show is where the real gems lie. The New Negroes features a diverse lineup of comics, from up-and-coming stars to established veterans of the comedy scene. Each comic brings their own unique perspective and style to the stage, but all share a commitment to exploring the complexity and nuance of the black experience.

The musical performances on The New Negroes are also a highlight of the show. The performers are typically up-and-coming artists from a variety of genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and soul. As with the comedians, their performances are infused with the distinct flavor of contemporary black culture, and often touch on themes like love, loss, and identity.

Throughout each episode, The New Negroes engages with issues of race, class, and identity in a way that is both insightful and entertaining. The show is a refreshing departure from the traditional late-night talk show format, which often feels stale and predictable. Instead, it offers a space for black artists to be themselves, to tell their own stories, and to showcase their own unique talents.

Overall, The New Negroes is a fascinating and entertaining foray into contemporary black culture. It is a show that celebrates the diversity and complexity of the black experience, and offers a much-needed platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. Whether you're a fan of comedy, music, or social activism, The New Negroes is a must-watch show that is sure to entertain and enlighten.

The New Negroes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between April 19, 2019 and on Comedy Central (US)