Who Is America? (Channel 4), the new comedy from prankster Sacha Baron Cohen, was one of the most talked-about series of 2018 before a single episode had even aired. Now that one has, did it merit its billing as “the most dangerous show in TV history”? No. But it was gloriously funny to watch it fail. Made by US network Showtime, the seven-parter has been shot undercover and shrouded in secrecy – partly because it takes aim at the political elite. Sarah Palin and others have already railed against being duped. One suspects they’re more embarrassed than outraged. As creator of Ali G and Borat, Baron Cohen specialises in ambush interviews to take down high-profile targets. We met four new characters here: a conspiracy nut on a mobility scooter, an ex-con who painted with his bodily fluids, a painfully PC progressive and, best of all, an “Israeli” colonel who wanted to solve school shootings by giving guns to toddlers.<doc-sep>In her review, though, The Guardian's Lucy Mangan said it was "not always clear who or what the target is" and that its creator should "refine [his] scattergun approach".<doc-sep>The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Get the biggest TV headlines straight to your inbox Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice If the already bubbling outrage is anything to go by, it looks like Sacha Baron Cohen's new series will be just as controversial as the last. Following on from his previous personas Ali G, Borat and Bruno, his latest show had big boots to fill. And the comedian won't just be going after ordinary folk in This Is America - he is also targeting the likes of Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney. A new clip from the show, which debuts on Sunday July 15, shows him mocking an oblivious gun activist by suggesting various ridiculous toddler guns. (Image: SHOWTIME) Posing as anti-terror expert Col. Erran Moran, he talks to Philip Van Cleave. Van Cleave has previously outraged Piers Morgan with his pro-gun views. In the 10 minute clip, he manages to persuade the gun activist to help him conduct an instructional gun video for three-year-olds. (Image: SHOWTIME) The ridiculous clip shows them holding 'puppy pistol' as Van Cleave shows how to 'feed' the gun by putting in the ammunition. They then introduce 'gunnimals' including a 'gunny rabbit'. Yes really. So what else is happening in the series? And what's it all about? What is Who Is America? It is a half an hour satirical comedy series which debuts on Sunday July 15. This marks Sacha Baron Cohen's return to TV in almost a decade. The series is comprised of seven episodes and sees him interview various individuals while in disguise. (Image: SHOWTIME) Who does Sacha Cohen prank? As well as gun rights advocate Philip Van Cleave, Sacha has been filmed pranking former vice president Dick Cheney. In a brief clip shared online, the comedian asks the politician to sign his 'waterboard kit'. He also reportedly pranks the likes of Sarah Palin, Bernie Sanders and Alberto Gonzales. (Image: SHOWTIME) (Image: X01676) Palin was not happy and hit out at Cohen by accusing him of posing as a wounded soldier. In a Facebook post, she wrote: "Yup - we were duped. Ya’ got me, Sacha. Feel better now? I join a long list of American public personalities who have fallen victim to the evil, exploitive, sick "humor" of the British "comedian" Sacha Baron Cohen, enabled and sponsored by CBS/Showtime." What characters does Sacha Baron Cohen play in Who Is America? So far, only a few of Sacha Baron Cohen's characters have been confirmed. Anti terror expert Col. Erran Moran is seen in the gun activist clip. His other confirmed character is Dr. Billy Wayne Ruddick, the man who duped Palin. *Who Is America? airs tonight in the US and tomorrow in the UK on Channel 4<doc-sep>
Sacha Baron Cohen is finally returning to TV screens after an almost decade-long hiatus. His new TV show hasn't even aired yet and has already sparked controversy. In fact, Republican politician Sarah Palin labelled him "sick" after pretending to be an army vet. But where has he been for the past ten years? What has he been doing? And how much is he worth? (Image: PA) Who is Sacha Baron Cohen? Sacha is a 46-year-old British comedian who was born in east London's Tower Hamlets. He is Jewish and has two brothers - Erran and Amnon. He went on to study at Cambridge University went into presenting roles after graduating. He then went into comedy - which is where his career boomed and has won two BAFTAs (for Da Ali G Show), several Emmy nominations and even an Academy Award nomination for his Adapted Screenplay for Borat. (Image: PA) Fictional characters he has portrayed in the past include Ali G, Borat, Bruno, and Admiral Gerneral Aladeen. He has been married to actress Isla Fisher since 2010 and the couple have three children together. How much is Sacha Baron Cohen worth? Sacha Baron Cohen is reportedly worth an estimated $130million (£98million). In January 2018 he purchased his home in the Hollywood Hills, estimated to be worth around $19million. Back in 2015, he and his wife donated £670,000 towards Syrian refugees. What is Who Is America? about? It is a half an hour satirical comedy series which debuts on Sunday July 15. This marks Sacha Baron Cohen's return to TV in almost a decade. (Image: SHOWTIME) The series is comprised of seven episodes and sees him interview various individuals while in disguise. *Who Is America? airs tonight in the US and tomorrow in the UK on Channel 4