In an exclusive conversation with TooFab regarding the Prime Video animated series, the South Park co-writer and producer, Pam Brady, shared her journey of how a serendipitous encounter with Ramy Youssef sparked the creation of a comedy that resonates deeply with his experiences growing up in an Arab-American Muslim household post-9/11. This narrative aims to shed light on both the humor and challenges of such a unique background.

“I have always been a huge admirer of his work. I truly enjoy watching Ramy and appreciate his perspective. I believe he possesses one of the most courageous and intelligent comedic voices of our time. So, I eagerly sought a meeting, driven by the desire to connect with him and understand his creative process. This initial meeting was like a dream come true, especially since he had an animated concept ready,” Brady explained to TooFab. “My primary goal was simply to meet him as a fan and delve into how his mind operates, which is where this exciting journey began.”

The initial meeting took place before the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by inevitable delays and extensive effort, ultimately leading to the widespread release of #1 Pleased Household USA on Prime Video, which has now captivated audiences for over five and a half years with its two-season run.

Unlike Youssef’s acclaimed Hulu series Ramy, which also navigates his personal journey as a first-generation Egyptian-American in New Jersey, #1 Pleased Household USA boldly explores the post-9/11 landscape, a time that presented unique challenges and fears for Arab-Americans. This series focuses on the character Rumi Hussein and his family, capturing the relatable struggles of surviving middle school during the early 2000s, a period marked by significant cultural tensions.

For Pam Brady, Ramy Youssef, and fellow executive producer Mona Chalabi, this shared experience of navigating cultural identity is a theme they were determined to convey in their animation project.

“We aimed to ensure that the style, rhythm, pacing, and overall texture of the show felt familiar and comforting to viewers. As we pushed the boundaries in terms of subject matter, we wanted the visuals to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of popular shows from the past. We desired viewers to think, ‘Oh, I recognize that style!’ and feel a connection to their own childhood experiences. That was our goal,” she elaborated.

Brady further emphasized, “We dedicated significant time discussing color palettes to ensure the visuals did not resemble typical modern animated productions. We aimed for a distinct look that would resonate with our audience, spending considerable effort to refine this aspect of the show.”

Partnering with an animation studio from Malaysia, Animasia, provided the team with a unique experience that blended Chalabi’s artistic vision with the studio’s distinctive style, resulting in a cohesive and engaging animated series.

“They already had a recognizable style. When we were exploring different animation studios, Animasia presented us with a captivating design based on our initial ideas that felt right for our project,” she described. “It truly was a fortunate opportunity to collaborate with such talented artists.”

While the show intricately examines the complexities of being a Muslim, Arab-American immigrant family striving for assimilation in a post-9/11 world, Brady emphasizes that its themes are universally relatable, appealing not only to Middle Eastern viewers but also to those who can see their own families reflected in the Husseins’ experiences.

“The key is to use specific experiences to connect with a broader audience. For instance, Ramy shared personal anecdotes about his childhood. Shortly after 9/11, an FBI agent moved in across the street from him. While it might have been a coincidence, it sparked Ramy’s imagination, leading him to question why that agent was always outside and why he was befriending his father. I believe the emotional core of the show centers around Ramy’s feelings of being an outsider, a sentiment many people can relate to,” Brady reflected.

“The joke I often make is that everyone felt that way as a child, except Mandy Moore,” she joked about the singer-actress, who voices Rumi’s middle school teacher, Mrs. Malcom, whom he has a crush on. “Mandy Moore has always been effortlessly cool.”

Another central theme explored is the concept of code-switching, as the Husseins strive to assimilate and become more acceptable to their New Jersey community in the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks.

“Everyone understands that feeling of code-switching. It can be much more pronounced for someone who is Egyptian and trying to fit into a predominantly white community, but we all adapt our behavior in different contexts,” Brady emphasized.

Brady believes that even viewers who may not directly relate to the Husseins’ experiences will find universal themes within the show that resonate with their own lives.

“Understanding family dynamics is a universal theme. Every culture has an overbearing grandma character, for instance. We aimed to present a humorous family dynamic, rather than solely focusing on the fact that they are an Arab family. Instead, we wanted to showcase a wonderfully funny family that could resonate with everyone, regardless of their background,” she stated.

Brady added, “When you connect with a character and find relatable aspects of their journey, it enhances the overall experience. Everyone has felt like an outsider at some point. This connection is especially strong with Rumi, as Mona and I aim to portray the experience of living in a world that doesn’t fully understand you. However, it’s crucial to be specific in storytelling— the more specific the narrative, the more authentic it feels and the easier it is for audiences to relate.”

In addition to voicing Rumi, Youssef portrays his father, Hussein Hussein, who operates a Halal cart in New York City. While the character was originally meant to be voiced by someone else, Brady advocated for Youssef to take on both roles.

“He is an exceptional performer—warm and incredibly funny. In my experience, he is one of the best I have ever worked with, capable of bringing depth to both characters. His ability to convey complex emotions and perspectives makes him perfect for these roles,” Brady praised, highlighting her insistence on Youssef’s involvement in both roles.

Youssef isn’t the only notable voice in the series. Alongside Mandy Moore, Alia Shawkat voices Rumi’s older sister, Mona, while Kieran Culkin lends his voice to the character of Dr. Riley, a dentist. Additionally, Timothy Olyphant voices an FBI agent named Dan Daniels, and the show features guest appearances from stars like Bradley Whitford as the school principal.

“The best part is that we have assembled such an incredible cast. When Ramy reaches out to someone, they’re usually eager to participate. For example, Kieran Culkin plays the dentist who humorously tries to adopt Sharia-compliant practices, even wearing a headband without realizing its potential offensiveness. It’s a comedic approach to how everyone is trying their best,” Brady shared about the star-studded cast.

As for Season 2, which is already in development, viewers can expect the narrative to expand in exciting new directions for young Rumi.

“We’ll just say it escalates significantly. Rumi becomes involved in the broader context of the war on terror. It’s almost like we’re transitioning from personal narratives to political ones in the second season. We will delve into George Bush’s policies, explore the surveillance state, and the implications of the Iraq War,” Brady disclosed. “The storyline takes on absurdity and grandiosity, leading to a truly unique viewing experience.”

Additionally, Culkin’s character will undergo significant development.

“We will explore his deeply troubled childhood, revealing experiences no child should have to endure. We’ll uncover what happened to his parents, leading to surprising revelations,” she added, hinting at the dramatic shifts in character arcs.

The first season of #1 Pleased Household USA is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, inviting viewers to enjoy its rich storytelling and engaging characters.