Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell was a show five years ahead of its time

The New York Times

Bell, now host of CNN's United Shades of America, had a Chris Rock-produced FX (and, later, FXX) late-night talk show that ran for two seasons, from 2012 to 2013. Yet its legacy lies in the rising stars it showcased, including comedians Guy Branum (now host of Talk Show the Game Show), Hari Kondabolu (of The Problem with Apu fame) and Aparna Nancherla (who is "everywhere right now") -- not to mention Bell himself. As Jason Zinoman notes, Totally Biased's "legacy has only grown thanks to the success of its on-air talent, particularly its crew of progressive, diverse stand-up correspondents, many of whom got their first major national exposure on the show." Bell's show, Zinoman adds, was unlike other shows at the time: "Less wonky, more polemical and eager to engage in debate. Unlike many hosts, he was not afraid to cede center stage, putting the spotlight on an exchange about rape jokes between Lindy West and Jim Norton, for instance." ALSO: W. Kamau Bell discusses his new Netflix special, Private School Negro.