Subway Takes, the quick-bite talk series hosted by Kareem Rahma, has been nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy in the category Best Short-Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series, underlining how short, social-first videos are being recognised by legacy awards institutions.
Digital-first formats moving into awards orbit
The series, which has become a viral staple across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, is notable for its intimate, on-the-move conversations filmed on New York subway trains. Rahma — an Egypt-born former journalist — told Gold Derby that he rejects labels such as "new media" or "digital media", arguing the work should simply be regarded as media.
"It's literally the reality of what we do; anything that streams is a streaming show, and it's all digital video," Rahma said, according to Gold Derby.
The nomination marks a milestone for independent creators whose short-form series are increasingly competing alongside more traditional television formats. The Emmy statuette for the category will be awarded during the two-night Creative Arts Emmy ceremony on 5 and 6 September 2026.
High-profile guests, low-fi setup
Part of Subway Takes' appeal is its roster of high-profile guests who have embraced the format’s candidness. The show has featured celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson. Rahma told Gold Derby that the Harrelson episode, along with a conversation with Jason Bateman, were among the entries he submitted for Emmy consideration.
- Nomination: Best Short-Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series
- Ceremony dates: 5 and 6 September 2026
- Notable guests: Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson, Jason Bateman
Rahma framed the success of Subway Takes as part of a broader industry shift. He described a "flattening" of what entertainment is and what the work even means, saying that the contemporary landscape makes it an "exciting time" for creators who build outside traditional production and distribution systems.
Context and consequences for creators and industry
The recognition of Subway Takes by the Television Academy carries implications beyond a trophy. For creators, the nomination validates short-form, low-budget, platform-native storytelling as legitimate contenders for mainstream honours. For legacy media companies, it is another sign that established gatekeepers must continue to adapt to rapidly changing consumption habits and the influence of social platforms.
For audiences, the nomination signals continued blurring of the lines between what is considered television and what is digital content. As streaming and social platforms evolve, awards bodies are increasingly confronted with how to evaluate work created for feeds rather than schedules — and how to compare it fairly with longer-form productions.
Subway Takes’ Emmy recognition also showcases a model in which format and context become central to a series’ identity: intimate, mobile conversations captured in public transit spaces, often yielding spontaneous, personality-driven moments that differ sharply from conventionally produced talk shows. That difference has helped the series stand out in a crowded digital landscape and attracted celebrity guests willing to step into the unconventional setting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Subway Takes |
| Host | Kareem Rahma |
| Category | Best Short-Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series |
| Ceremony | 5 and 6 September 2026 |
As awards season approaches, the nomination of Subway Takes will be watched closely by creators and industry executives alike — not just for its chances of winning, but for what it signals about the future of storytelling in an era where platform, length and production scale are no longer the sole arbiters of cultural impact.
