Ronny Sianturi
The Joy of the Argument: How Kareem Rahma’s Subway Takes Became a Viral Phenomenon and an Awards Contender
Kareem Rahma, the creator and host of the immensely popular web series Subway Takes, describes his childhood as one filled with an unusual passion: arguments. "I used to love arguing as a child and as a young man; I always found that to be my happy place," Rahma shares, a hint of a playful smirk crossing his face during a recent Zoom interview. "I can sit in the middle of an argument and have a conversation about something that I don’t care about for multiple hours simply because it’s fun." This innate fascination with debate and discourse, often fueled by a desire to explore differing viewpoints, has become the bedrock of his professional success, transforming a simple idea into a viral sensation that is now garnering the attention of the Television Academy.
For the past three years, Rahma has been channeling this enjoyment of spirited discussion into Subway Takes. The series features everyday New Yorkers, and increasingly, well-known personalities, sharing their most controversial opinions on a vast spectrum of topics, from pressing social issues to personal aesthetic choices like Botox and fillers. The unique setting for these candid exchanges is none other than a New York City subway car, where Rahma, equipped with a MetroCard clipped to a miniature microphone, engages his guests during their commutes. His approach to guest selection is refreshingly unfiltered. "There’s no [criteria] like, ‘Oh, they have this many followers.’ ‘They’re working on this movie.’ ‘You should meet them because of this thing,’" Rahma explains. "It’s, ‘Do I want to meet this person?’ That’s literally the test." This personal curation allows for an organic discovery of individuals with compelling perspectives, irrespective of their public profile.
The growing influence of Subway Takes is undeniable, evidenced by its impressive guest list and burgeoning follower counts. Just the day before his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rahma filmed episodes with notable figures such as Colin Jost, the head writer and anchor of Saturday Night Live, and Hannah Einbinder, the acclaimed star of the HBO Max comedy Hacks. These high-profile collaborations underscore the series’ ascent since its inception in July 2023. On social media, the show boasts a substantial following, with 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 945,000 subscribers on YouTube. Individual episodes, typically around 15 minutes in length, frequently achieve hundreds of thousands of views. Some episodes have even surpassed the million-view mark, including a particularly impactful segment featuring comedian Bill Burr, who argued that billionaires, not immigrants, bear the primary responsibility for low wages, and another with actor Riz Ahmed, who expressed his conviction that he should be cast as the next James Bond.
The Unassuming Production of a Viral Hit
Despite the rising profiles of Rahma and his guests, the production of Subway Takes remains remarkably consistent with its humble beginnings. The core crew is kept small, and the filming process adheres to a guerrilla-style, man-on-the-street methodology. "It’s a super-small footprint," Rahma emphasizes. "We get on the train, and sometimes we have to wait for seats to open up. Sometimes there’s a guy sleeping in the corner and I don’t want to disturb him. Sometimes we can’t sit down because it’s too packed, and sometimes the train’s delayed. We don’t get special treatment." This commitment to authenticity means embracing the unpredictable nature of public transit, mirroring the unfiltered environment in which the conversations unfold.
Rahma’s initial investment in the series was substantial, yet pragmatic. He personally financed approximately $14,000 worth of camera equipment, including Sony FX3s, using a credit card with a year of zero-interest. "I haven’t even gotten new batteries," he admits. "I bought all of that on a credit card. I said, ‘It’s zero interest for a year. If it doesn’t work out, I can always sell this stuff.’" This bold entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a belief in his vision, allowed him to establish a professional production standard without compromising the show’s raw, authentic feel. As the show’s popularity has grown, so too has the need for security, with Rahma now employing a bodyguard "just in case" due to his and his guests’ increasing public recognition.
From Cairo to Minneapolis to the NYC Subway
Rahma’s journey to becoming a recognizable figure in the digital content space is a testament to his unique background and creative evolution. Before the success of Subway Takes, he first gained traction with his TikTok show, Keep the Meter Running. In that series, he would ask New York City cabdrivers to take him to their favorite local spots, eliciting candid conversations and revealing hidden gems of the city. This prior success has contributed to his growing familiarity within New York. "I feel like the mayor," he jokes. "Everyone knows me, and it’s great. I love New York. I only felt like myself when I moved here."
This sense of belonging in New York contrasts with his upbringing. Born in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in a small suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rahma experienced a distinct cultural upbringing. He notes that certain cultural differences, which were significant for his parents, did not hold the same weight for him. This allowed him to cultivate a dual perspective: "That I could toggle between those two when I felt like it – a very observational person, but then, bang, right in the middle of the thing – is what led me to be a chameleon creatively." This ability to be both an observer and an active participant, to blend into the background while also commanding attention, has been instrumental in his success as an interviewer and host.
Awards Ambitions and Industry Recognition
Now, Rahma is setting his sights on formal industry recognition. He has submitted Subway Takes for consideration by the Television Academy in the categories of Outstanding Short-Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series and Outstanding Performer in a Short-Form Comedy or Drama Series. This move signifies a desire to elevate his work beyond the realm of digital content creation and into the established landscape of television awards.
Rahma expresses a clear distinction between his current professional identity and the labels often applied to digital creators. "I submitted for zero Webbys this year and the year before; I’m done with Webbys," he states emphatically. "I’m in the entertainment industry. I’m not a creator, I’m not an influencer, I’m an entertainer. I’m a creator of a show, I’m a producer of a show, I’m a writer of a show, I’m a talent of a show." This assertion highlights his ambition to be recognized for the multifaceted nature of his contribution to the series, encompassing creation, production, writing, and performance. He views potential Emmy recognition not just as a personal honor but as a broader signal of evolution within the industry. "Any recognition would be both ‘an honor’ and ‘a signal that the Emmys doesn’t have their head up their own ass,’" he says, suggesting that such accolades would indicate a willingness by traditional award bodies to embrace innovative and impactful digital programming.
Rahma concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the changing landscape of awards shows and the entertainment industry. "Awards shows are navigating things and changing, and I think it’s for the better," he observes. "You can’t put the genie back in the bottle." This sentiment reflects a broader industry trend where digital platforms are increasingly producing content that rivals and even surpasses traditional television in terms of reach, impact, and creative innovation. As Subway Takes continues to capture the public’s imagination, Rahma’s journey from a childhood fascination with arguments to a potential Emmy contender is a compelling narrative of how unique perspectives and authentic engagement can forge a path to mainstream success.
