Khaby Lame wants to be a Hollywood star, and he’s ready for his close-up.
The most-followed creator on TikTok, who reaches more than 162 million followers with his wordless comedy videos, is the star of a new Tubi series. Khaby Is Coming To America is a three-part travel show that depicts its titular star’s travels across the United States.
Each 20-minute episode of Khaby Is Coming To America takes place in a different U.S. city. Lame’s Tubi show contains the hallmarks of a typical travelogue: There are quirky local characters, regional delicacies, famous locations, and guest appearances from notable residents of the chosen cities. The Italian TikToker hangs out with soccer player David Beckham in Miami, joins sports pundit Stephen A. Smith in New York, and meets up with musician Jon Batiste in New Orleans.
Subscribe for daily Tubefilter Top Stories
Alicia Keys also appears in Khaby Is Coming To America. In an interview, Variety asked Lame to share his impressions of his celebrity co-stars. “Nobody surprised me,” Lame replied. “These people were really fun. Meeting them was like I thought it would be.”
The show’s title harkens back to a 1988 film starring Eddie Murphy, and that similarity is no coincidence. Like Prince Akeem, Lame is introducing himself to Americans in pursuit of a greater goal. TikTok’s biggest draw described his Tubi series as “training” for future Hollywood projects.
Lame has been clear that he intends to become a Hollywood star. He reiterated that desire to Variety and added that he wants to be a “full actor” who is known for more than just comedy.
On his path toward that dream, Lame has directed a short film and gotten the green light for a spy comedy called 00Khaby. In contrast with that upcoming role, Lame’s new travel show feels like an appetizer.
Khaby Is Coming To America is co-produced by media and advertising company Group Black alongside consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble. Several P&G brands receive product placement in the show. Lame’s American odyssey is available exclusively through Tubi, the free, ad-supported streaming hub acquired by Fox in 2020.
