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Johannesburg - Trevor Noah is set to make his debut as the host of The Daily Show on 28 September. While he has been getting massive support from his fellow South Africans, not everybody shares the same enthusiasm.
OSN, a Dubai-based broadcaster and arguably the biggest TV subscription service in the Middle East and North Africa, has taken the decision not to broadcast the show on its network ahead of its premiere, because it believes Trevor wont be a fan favourite.
According to The National, OSN's vice-president confirmed the news on Monday. "We don't believe that Noah will hold for our target audience," said Kholoud Abu-Humus. "We have amazing programming announcements with new shows that are stronger and more appealing to our audience."
The move has been met with confusion by South Africans living in Dubai and across the Middle East. In 2009, a report indicated that there were at least 50 000 South Africans living in Dubai alone, with it being nicknamed 'South Africa's 10th province.' It's a number that has since increased dramatically.
Trevor's popularity across the UAE is also evident in his sold-out gigs, with the funny man set to return to Dubai in late October to perform at the Dubai Comedy Festival.
In fact, Trevor was in Dubai on his way to an event when he got the call about The Daily Show. "When I got out the car I had to sit, just for a moment, to take it all in. I was in Dubai and I was with two of my friends," he said during an interview earlier this year.
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah will start airing on 28 September in the United States and start showing from Tuesday 29 September in South Africa on Comedy Central (DStv 122), with episodes broadcast Tuesdays to Fridays at 21:00.
