Comedian Hasan Minhaj, host of the Peabody-winning Netflix talk show Patriot Act was clearly super excited to play Celebrities in Danger! on Sunday 30 October, but not everyone was on board with his enthusiasm.
Minhaj tried to keep it fun and upbeat, overreacting to categories and answers, and adopting a boastful style of play. While the show’s host Mayim Bialik favored the first Daily Show correspondent, many viewers watching at home soon grew tired of his over the top antics.
“This guy is honestly one of the most annoying, obnoxious people I’ve ever seen, and Alex [Trebek] would be so ashamed of me,” wrote one Twitter user, while another added: “I had to stop watching. He drove me crazy – so annoying!!”
“He sucked the life out of this episode,” another viewer tweeted. Can’t someone out there tell these celebs that this isn’t the place for one of their stand-up bits? I’m not a purist, but this was annoying and I’m glad he’s not coming back.”
This guy is honestly one of the most obnoxious, obnoxious people I’ve ever seen, and Alex would be so ashamed.
I had to stop watching. He drove me crazy – so annoying!!
No, he sucked the life out of this episode. Can’t someone out there tell these celebs that this isn’t the place for one of their stand-up bits? I’m not a purist but this was annoying and I’m glad he won’t be back.
Even fans on the less reactionary Danger! Reddit forum found Minhaj’s approach frustrating to watch. “I like Hasan, but he was so obnoxious tonight,” one person wrote, while another said, “Someone has surpassed Iliza [Shelsinger] as most obnoxious on Celebrities in Danger … Seriously, who finds his antics funny in this setting? ”
Despite his confidence, Minhaj only had $1,200 on hold for Final Jeopardy! and ended up with a zero balance. He was beaten by Liars actress Troian Bellisario and Big Bang Theory alum Wil Wheaton, who got to share a reunion with his former co-star Bialik.
Though he ended up with nothing, Minhaj’s charity, International Rescue Committee, will still receive a $30,000 donation, and he doesn’t regret how he played. “Scared money doesn’t make money,” he said. “Guns shoot. Go hard in the paint. I have no regrets, Mayim.”
