Bassem Youssef is an Egyptian comedian, writer, producer, surgeon, physician, media critic, and television host. His groundbreaking political satire YouTube show, AlBernameg, eventually became the first online series to make its way to national television in the Middle East becoming the most watched program in the region with nearly 30 million viewers tuning in each week.
Dubbed the “Jon Stewart of the Arab world,” an arrest warrant was issued for Youssef in 2013 for his outspokenness on ruling powers in the region and other content deemed controversial on his show. Regardless, he even hosted Jon Stewart himself as a guest before AlBernameg was cancelled due to political pressures.
Since then, Youssef was featured as The Daily Show’s senior Middle East correspondent, has been named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people, been awarded the International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists, written a book about his experience, and has gone on to serve as a resident fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University’s John F Kennedy School of Government and voiced characters in Disney’s reboot cartoon series “DuckTales”.
Before his foray into comedy and political satire, Youssef majored in cardiothoracic surgery, passed the United States Medical License Exam (USMLE) and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS).
About Top Secret Comedy Club:
Top Secret Comedy Club New York is a premier destination for live stand-up comedy in the heart of Manhattan, bringing the raw energy and underground spirit of New York City’s comedy scene to the East Village. Known as a true comedy cellar for discovering both rising talent and world famous acts, Top Secret Comedy Club NYC delivers world-class live stand-up comedy every night of the week.
With an intimate room, electric crowds, and a reputation for surprise celebrity drop-ins, the club has quickly become one of the top-rated comedy clubs in New York City. Audiences can expect sharp, unfiltered stand-up from comedians who perform on the biggest stages in NYC and beyond.
Whether you’re an East Village local or visiting Manhattan, Top Secret Comedy Club is the go-to spot for the best stand-up comedy in NYC, where tomorrow’s stars and today’s legends share the same stage. And we are only a 4 minute walk from Katz’s Deli.
