Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez will have the honor of being the show’s first-ever guest for the premiere episode on Thursday, February 21 at 11 p.m.
Ocasio-Cortez plugged her appearance in a new promo that almost sounds like a presidential announcement.
“Today, I am proud to announce that I will be forming an exploratory committee to be the first guest on Desus & Mero,” Ocasio-Cortez says at the beginning of the spot. Desus Nice and The Kid Mero then jump into the frame (talking about “explorin’” and forming “committees” and other things that politicians do) to remind viewers that their new series debuts next week.
“Desus & Mero February 21 on Showtime,” says Desus. “She’s gonna be there, you better be there. We’re her secret service. You don’t want these hands.”
Ocasio-Cortez, who represents the Bronx and Queens, has seen her prominence rise since defeating 10-term Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) in the 2018 primary.
She has appeared on other late-night programs including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Since becoming the youngest woman elected to Congress last November, the 29-year-old Ocasio-Cortez has been a staple in the headlines due to her messaging style and bold new progressive ideas, and the fact that she’s already proven that she is about that action.
Desus and Mero have interviewed several politicians, including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and former Attorney General Eric Holder, on previous iterations of their program that was on Viceland.
Desus and Mero will shine on their new platform. Bring a fellow iconic Bronx figure on the first episode was not only logical, but it also makes for great business. The Bronx brand is strong in 2019.
