Watch Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj

Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj is a critically acclaimed talk show on Netflix, hosted by the talented comedian and social commentator, Hasan Minhaj. The show premiered in October 2018 and ran for six seasons until its cancellation in June 2020. Each episode of Patriot Act focuses on a specific topic related to politics, culture, or society and explores it through a combination of humor, research, and interviews.

Throughout its run, the show covered a wide range of subjects, from the rise of China to the impact of the gig economy, from the dangers of vaping to the role of the press in a democracy. However, what set Patriot Act apart from other talk shows was its unique perspective on these topics. Hasan Minhaj is a talented storyteller who is not afraid to take on difficult and controversial issues, and his personal experiences as a child of Indian immigrants and a Muslim American inform his perspective.

Patriot Act episodes typically began with a comedic monologue by Minhaj, in which he would introduce the episode's topic and provide some context or background. Minhaj's monologues were always insightful and entertaining, using humor to lighten the mood and make complex issues more accessible to the audience. One of the most innovative aspects of Patriot Act was the use of visual aids, such as charts and graphs, to explain data and statistics in a way that was both informative and engaging.

The bulk of each episode was devoted to a deep dive into the topic at hand. Minhaj would use a combination of interviews with experts, news clips, and archival footage to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, often shedding light on lesser-known facets or angles. For instance, in an episode about the impact of Amazon on the economy, Minhaj interviewed former Amazon employees who spoke candidly about the company's intense work culture and the pressure to meet unrealistic goals.

One of the great strengths of Patriot Act was its ability to highlight stories that were often overlooked or marginalized by traditional news outlets. For example, in an episode about the Indian election, Minhaj interviewed a Dalit activist who spoke about the challenges faced by India's lowest caste, and the ways in which they were excluded from the political process. In this way, Patriot Act was able to provide a platform for voices that are too often silenced, while also illuminating the complex interplay between power, society, and culture.

Despite its in-depth coverage of serious topics, Patriot Act was never didactic or preachy. Minhaj's skill as a comedian allowed him to inject humor into even the most daunting subjects, making the show both informative and entertaining. That being said, Minhaj was never afraid to take a firm stance on issues that he believed were important. In an episode about the Saudi government's human rights abuses, Minhaj condemned the regime for its treatment of dissidents and spoke out against the US government's cozy relationship with the Saudis.

All in all, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj was a groundbreaking show that gave voice to marginalized perspectives and tackled complex issues in a smart, accessible, and entertaining way. The show was a reflection of Minhaj's unique talent as a comedian and social commentator, and it will be remembered as a highlight of Netflix's original programming.

Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (42 episodes). The series first aired on October 28, 2018.