NPR

A New Documentary Calls Into Question The Simpson's 'Apu'

Comedian Hari Kondabolu's new documentary, The Problem with Apu, unearths an essential truth about Hollywood: "Success justifies everything." Even racism.

One of the most difficult tasks in Hollywood is to get someone who is successful to admit they are dead wrong.

That's a lesson comic Hari Kondabolu learned the hard way, while making his compelling, layered, highly entertaining documentary airing on truTV Sunday, The Problem with Apu.

On the surface, it's kind of a comedy primal scream: a passionate exploration of why the Indian character on The Simpsons, Kwik-E-Mart clerk Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, is racist.

Beneath that, a tension simmers, pulling viewers through the; Kondabolu wants to talk about Apu with the white man who has voiced the character for more than 20 years, actor Hank Azaria.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
The House Plans To Hold Separate Votes On Aid For Israel And Ukraine After Delays
Aid for Israel became more urgent after the weekend's attack, House Speaker Mike Johnson said. After months of delays, he is also putting forward a bill that provide additional aid to Ukraine.
NPR3 min readInternational Relations
Iran's Leaders Insist The Attack Against Israel Was A 'Victory'
Iranian officials have heaped praise on the attack, with a top lawmaker saying that "it humiliated the Israeli regime." But Israel says 99% of Iran's missiles and drones were intercepted.
NPR3 min readAmerican Government
What To Know About Iran's Strike On Israel; Jury Selection Begins For Trump Trial
Iran strikes Israel in retaliation for an attack that killed top Iranian officers at an Iranian consulate in Syria. Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to begin Monday in New York.

Related Books & Audiobooks