Zainab Johnson has filmed her first original comedy special.
The actress and stand-up comedian recently taped the solo debut, Zainab Johnson: Hijabs Off, and it will start streaming on Prime Video this fall. Johnson is a gifted and daring comedian who effortlessly blends relatable stories, sharp wit, and thought-provoking social commentary into her unique style of stand-up comedy. The Oct. 24 premiere date is fortuitous for both Johnson and the streamer, as it follows the third season premiere of her series (Upload) by only four days.
Hijabs Off finds Johnson leaning on her unique identity — namely growing up a Black Muslim woman in a Harlem house where she was one of 13 children. Johnson has been a working stand-up for years.
Johnson’s comedy is based on her unique point of view, which was shaped growing up in Harlem. After getting a degree in education and math and taking a job as a teacher, she quickly learned that she had a different calling. Johnson is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series Upload from Greg Daniels, she is one of the hosts for Netflix’s show 100 Humans, and starred as Dr. Hanniel in the brilliantly written web series Avant-Guardians. She has performed at the Just For Laughs (JFL) Comedy Festival in Montreal, first as a “New Face of Comedy,” then as one of “Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch,” and, most recently, on the longest-running JFL show, “Just for the Culture.” She is a regular at The Comedy Store, The Improv, and Laugh Factory.
She vyed on late NBC reality competition Last Comic Standing, appeared in HBO’s All Def Comedy and has performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers, in addition to her regular club work.
In addition to her series regular role on Upload, Johnson’s acting resume includes Ramy, A Black Lady Sketch Show, American Koko and Private Practice. She is also a stand-out panelist on NPR comedy quiz show Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!.
The special is produced by Amazon Studios and All Things Comedy, with Johnson and Mike Bertolina serving as executive producers.
