How SubwayTakes turned vertical video into Emmy-nominated television – YouTube Blog

Kareem Rahma on treating ordinary people like celebrities and bypassing industry gatekeepers. Aug 24, 2026 [[read-time]] minute read Listen to article Your browser does not support the audio element. Producer, comedian, poet, indie rock musician: Kareem Rahma will try his hand at almost anything. Except, that is, chasing perfection. For Rahma, the solution to creative paralysis is moving fast and using what’s right there in front of you. As he explains it, “doing what’s right right now.” That mindset was the foundation for creating SubwayTakes. Shot entirely on moving train cars with cinema-grade rigs, the popular comedy show puts everyday New Yorkers and A-list guests in the hot seat to argue their weirdest, most passionate takes. Despite launching on YouTube without studio backing, Rahma recently earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Short Form Series — a landmark recognition for a creator-led show. We caught up with Kareem to discuss creative constraints, legacy media and what, exactly, is right for him right now. I have to ask, how often in these interviews are you asked ‘What’s your take?’ Kareem: 90% of the time, but I usually decline. That said, I have a good one today. They should standardize sizing across
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