Amazon signs Ramy Youssef prodco Cairo Cowboy, orders toon comedy with A24

Amazon Studios has agreed a first-look deal with US actor and comedian Ramy Youssef’s Cairo Cowboy, in addition to commissioning two seasons of an animated comedy produced by the production company alongside New York-based studio A24.

Ramy Youssef

Cairo Cowboy will create and produce content to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Youssef, who fronts the comedy-drama series Ramy for Hulu, runs Cairo Cowboy alongside Andy Campagna, who was formerly the senior VP of television for Esmail Corp.

The as-yet-untitled animated comedy series, co-created by Youssef and Pam Brady (South Park, Lady Dynamite), explores the experiences of a Muslim-American family that must learn how to code-switch as they navigate life in the early 2000s. Executive producers on the project are Youssef, Brady and journalist and illustrator Mona Chalabi.

“Amazon Studios has committed to making a show with me that I never could have dreamed of getting made, let alone explore for two seasons. Anchored by Pam Brady and Mona Chalabi, we’ve brought together a special group of experienced and first-time writers to make something that I hope will be a genuine contribution to the animated space, and television,” said Vernon Sanders, head of global TV at Amazon Studios.

“Ramy has only scratched the surface of his incredible creative gifts. With perfectly measured and heartfelt comedic candor, his work penetrates culture, and we are so fortunate to be working with him and his team.”

For A24, the news comes on the heels or a pair of big announcements. Earlier this week, the company revealed it had secured a US$225m equity investment to fund its strategic growth. Last week it announced it had hired the BBC’s director of drama, Piers Wenger, and director of film, Rose Garnett.