Sat Apr 12 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Ramy Youssef’s New Animated Series Tackles 9/11 Aftermath with Dark Humor

**NEW YORK, NY** – Comedian and actor Ramy Youssef is tackling the sensitive subject of Muslim life in America post-9/11 through the lens of dark humor in his new animated series, “#1 Happy Family USA.” Premiering April 17th on Prime Video, the show follows the Hussein family, whose lives are irrevocably altered by the September 11th attacks.

Youssef, known for his Golden Globe-winning show “Ramy,” describes “#1 Happy Family USA” as “stupid” – a deliberate choice to counter the current political climate. He posits that in times of heightened tension, audiences crave escapist, albeit darkly comedic, entertainment. The series, created in part to confront his own childhood anxieties surrounding the attacks, uses the perspective of 12-year-old Rumi to explore the complexities of identity, fear, and prejudice.

The show’s humor is reminiscent of “South Park,” juxtaposing absurd situations with the painful realities faced by the Muslim community in the aftermath of 9/11. From encounters with undercover FBI agents to appearances on Fox News, the show satirizes the cultural and political climate while exploring the personal trauma experienced by the family.

Youssef, who was 10 years old on 9/11, draws heavily from his own experiences and the shared stories of his writers’ room. He notes the impact of post-9/11 Islamophobia, particularly the self-doubt and fear instilled within him and his community. He highlights the importance of community in helping him process these experiences, juxtaposing this with the later surveillance of Muslim student organizations.

The series’ timely release coincides with a renewed sense of unease, echoing the anxieties of the post-9/11 era. Youssef acknowledges the risks of creating such a politically charged show, noting that a similar pitch today might be rejected as too “polarizing.” Despite the challenges, he remains committed to using his platform to address important social issues through humor, urging audiences to engage with the uncomfortable truths alongside the laughter.

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