Why Emmy-Nominated ‘SubwayTakes’ YouTube Star Kareem Rahma Hasn’t Written Off Traditional TV Just Yet – Contenders TV Nominees Studio
Deadline
•Sun, 16 Aug 2026 19:40:00 +0000
📰 What Happened
Kareem Rahma, the host of the hit YouTube show 'SubwayTakes', learned he was Emmy-nominated while underground on the New York subway, mid-interview with a man called 'The Rizzler'. At Deadline's Contenders Television studio, he described celebrating with passengers at the news, and said the nomination made him take the show even more seriously and keen to grow and expand it.
🔍 The Backstory
Rahma built 'SubwayTakes' by interviewing New York subway riders, turning a humble slice of city life into a beloved digital series. Creators like him have increasingly broken through to traditional industry recognition, as streaming and awards bodies broaden to include YouTube talent. His Emmy nomination is part of that blurring of lines between digital creators and TV stars.
🎯 Why It Matters
The moment symbolises how a self-made YouTube creator can now stand alongside traditional television. It reflects the changing shape of the entertainment industry, where viral, authentic content gets the same prestige as established broadcast shows. For aspiring creators it is an encouraging sign that untraditional paths to success are increasingly recognised.
Kareem Rahma, the host of the hit YouTube show 'SubwayTakes', learned he was Emmy-nominated while underground on the New York subway, mid-interview with a man called 'The Rizzler'. At Deadline's Contenders Television studio, he described celebrating with passengers at the news, and said the nomination made him take the show even more seriously and keen to grow and expand it.
Rahma built 'SubwayTakes' by interviewing New York subway riders, turning a humble slice of city life into a beloved digital series. Creators like him have increasingly broken through to traditional industry recognition, as streaming and awards bodies broaden to include YouTube talent. His Emmy nomination is part of that blurring of lines between digital creators and TV stars.
The moment symbolises how a self-made YouTube creator can now stand alongside traditional television. It reflects the changing shape of the entertainment industry, where viral, authentic content gets the same prestige as established broadcast shows. For aspiring creators it is an encouraging sign that untraditional paths to success are increasingly recognised.