Kareem Rahma Targets Emmy for Subway Takes Series
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kareem Rahma, creator and host of the viral series Subway Takes, is aiming for Emmy recognition after three years of producing the show. The series, which launched in July 2023, features everyday people and celebrities sharing controversial opinions during a subway ride while Rahma holds a MetroCard clipped to a tiny microphone. Guests have included Colin Jost, Hannah Einbinder, Bill Burr, and Riz Ahmed, with some episodes garnering over a million views. Rahma said he invested $14,000 in camera equipment on a credit card and recently hired a bodyguard due to rising profiles. He personally books guests based on whether he wants to meet them, with no criteria regarding followers or projects. Rahma previously created the TikTok series Keep the Meter Running with New York City cabdrivers. He is now submitting Subway Takes for Emmy consideration in the categories of outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series and outstanding performer in a short form comedy or drama series.
What’s reported
Kareem Rahma created and hosts Subway Takes, a viral series where people share controversial opinions on a New York City subway.
He holds a MetroCard clipped to a tiny mic up to guests’ mouths.
Guests have included Colin Jost, Hannah Einbinder, Bill Burr, and Riz Ahmed.
The series launched in July 2023 and has 2 million Instagram followers and 945,000 YouTube subscribers.
Bill Burr’s episode and Riz Ahmed’s episode each received over a million views.
Rahma invested $14,000 in camera equipment (Sony FX3s) on a credit card.
He hired a bodyguard due to rising profiles of himself and guests.
The shooting process remains guerilla-style with no special treatment.
Rahma previously created the TikTok show Keep the Meter Running.
He was born in Cairo and raised in a suburb of Minneapolis.
He is submitting Subway Takes for Emmys in short form categories.
Rahma said he submitted for zero Webbys this year and the year before, stating he is done with Webbys.
He said any recognition would be “an honor” and “a signal that the Emmys doesn’t have their head up their own ass.”
Key figures
Kareem Rahma: creator and host of Subway Takes
Colin Jost: SNL cast member, guest on the show
Hannah Einbinder: Hacks star, guest on the show
Bill Burr: comedian, guest on the show
Riz Ahmed: actor, guest on the show
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter
