Fusion has hired gifted impressionists Anthony Atamanuik and James Adomian to play Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, respectively, in “Trump vs. Bernie,” a new cross-platform video series that will see the Republican billionaire and the Democratic socialist senator argue over the issues driving the 2016 presidential election, TheWrap has learned.
The series will follow Atamanuik and Adomian over the course of the presidential campaign in character as two of the most popular presidential candidates.
To kick things off, the comics’ Trump and Bernie take in the Super Tuesday results tonight during a special Facebook live-stream at 11 p.m. ET — all from the comfort of the hotel room they’ve wound up sharing.
Installments of “Trump vs. Bernie” will live across Fusion’s OTT platforms, Facebook, YouTube, and FComedycom, the digital hub for Fusion’s comedy and satire content.
In addition, Fusion will air a one-hour sketch special this spring featuring the greatest moments from their campaign tour and a second primetime broadcast featuring a debate between the two candidates.
The digital series and corresponding television specials will be produced by Serious Business, an Emmy-winning production company that created and executive produces Comedy Central’s late-night show “@midnight.”
“Our show is comedic activism and an opportunity to present the best cutting political satire of the 2016 election cycle. We are certain that, partnered with Fusion, Trump vs. Bernie will be a much needed indictment of the Clown Car politics of this year’s primary season. Trump vs. Bernie is a scathing delivery of truth as comedy in a media sea of confusion and collusion to maintain the status quo,” said Atamanuik.
“We are beyond excited to be bringing our Trump vs. Bernie debate series to Fusion. The crowd response to our live tour has been fantastic, and the opportunity to now do it for a wider audience on TV and the internet is exactly what we want,” said Adomian. “Anthony and I have been playing Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders respectively for a while and I can’t describe the pure fun it has been touring together – it’s almost like an evil vs. good pro wrestling event. Doing fun but dangerous political satire like this in the middle of a national election for a big audience is a lifelong dream.”
“James and Anthony are two of the most brilliant satirists we’ve seen. Through their outrageous takes on Trump and Sanders, they’re holding a mirror up to an election that is shaping up to be the biggest circus yet,” said Bryan Carmel, head of comedy and VP of development at Fusion. “We are thrilled to have this talented duo coming to Fusion to satirize the political process. Idealogues on both sides of the political spectrum are in for a treat.”
The digital series and specials will be an extension of a live tour that Anthony and James have embarked on through the early voting states. The duo recently performed live on the F-Comedy stage at Riot LA to rave reviews.