Showtime has ordered its first-ever weekly late-night talk show, starring TV and podcast personalities Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, the network announced Monday. The half-hour series will premiere in 2019 and include guests at the intersection of pop culture, sports, music, politics and beyond.
“We have waited a long time to enter the talk-show space, and we were only going to do it if we felt like we had the next big thing,” said president and CEO of Showtime Networks David Nevins.
“Desus and Mero feel like exactly that: They have knockout comedic voices, they’re brilliant interviewers and they always have a unique take on culture both high and low,” he continued. “They have a loyal and devoted fan base that will only multiply, and we can’t wait to see them take it to the next level on Showtime.”
“We’re honored and excited to be joining the Showtime family,” said Desus Nice. “The brand is stronger than ever and we look forward to continuing to make amazing authentic television that will make your wiggington explode.”
“I’m excited to be joining a network with such a strong foundation and track record of producing fuegooooo and to break new ground with a late-night comedy show!” added The Kid Mero.
The duo has had a talk show on Vice, “Desus and Mero,” since 2016, which will air its final episode on June 28. Desus and Mero, real names Daniel Baker and Joel Martinez, respectively, are also known for appearing on MTV’s “Guy Code,” podcast “The Bodega Boys” and web series “Desus vs Mero.”