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Showtime Gambled On ‘Desus & Mero’ And So Far They’re Winning

Showtime Gambled On ‘Desus & Mero’ And So Far They’re Winning

Desus & Mero
Desus Nice, left, and The Kid Mero, hosts of the Showtime talk show “Desus & Romero,” pose together for a portrait during the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

There’s a new late-night talk show in town and it’s making waves with audiences. On Feb. 21, Showtime made its first foray into the late-night talk show arena, debuting the new version of “Desus & Mero” featuring the Bronx duo, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero of former Viceland fame.

Real names Daniel Baker and Joel Martinez, the native New Yorkers, also known as The Bodega Boys, are staying true to form and doing late-night TV their way. Instead of tailored suits and polished dress shoes, they sport comfortable hoodies, snapbacks and sneakers. Instead of comedic monologues, they deliver off-the-cuff jokes and dozens.


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Mero told Variety, they’re happy with their new network because Showtime allows them to be authentic. Desus told NPR their show is “late-night for the people” because it gives people of color a chance to see themselves reflected in it. That reflection is resonating.

In late 2018, Nancy Dubuc, the new CEO of Vice Media, didn’t seem to have much faith in the future of the “Desus & Mero” show, whose departure to Showtime was a blow to the brand.

“They’re going to a platform that their audience doesn’t pay for,” Dubuc told Elle contributor Carrie Battan. “I told them, ‘You can always come back.’”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the first Showtime episode was viewed by over a million people. It featured popular political newbie Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The second episode featured renowned actor Don Cheadle.

Showtime has placed the first episode on YouTube for viewers to see. The show airs Thursdays at 11 p.m. on Showtime.