Emil Wakim Signs Netflix Deal for Hour‑Long Comedy
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- Emil Wakim signed a deal with Netflix to produce his hour‑long comedy special, with filming slated for October and a premiere date still pending.
- Netflix will feature Wakim’s showcase as part of its “Is a Joke” festival on May 6 at the Pacific Electric venue in Downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown.
- Matthew Vaughan will serve as executive producer of the special on behalf of the production company Rotten Science.
- Emil Wakim became the first Lebanese‑American cast member on Saturday Night Live in 2024, appearing regularly on Weekend Update during Season 50.
- Emil Wakim has previously appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and was named a New Face at Just for Laughs Montreal in 2022.
- Emil Wakim is represented by United Talent Agency and Strig Artist Management and will also appear in A24’s upcoming comedy “Peaked.”
Why it matters: Emil Wakim’s Netflix deal gives the streamer a fresh, high‑profile comedy offering while giving Wakim a larger platform beyond SNL, potentially boosting his audience and reinforcing Netflix’s push for original stand‑up content. The move also highlights Netflix’s strategy to diversify its comedy slate amid competition.
