“Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” premieres at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 on Comedy Central. (Photo: Danielle Levitt/Comedy Central)
Jan. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Straphangers who ride the 7 train will be hearing the voice of Awkwafina every time the subway pulls into a station.
The conductor announcements will feature the recorded voice of the Golden Globe-winning actress from today through Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Awkwafina arranged the deal to voice the subway intercom system to promote her upcoming show– “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens” — which premieres on Jan. 22 on Comedy Central.
The actress, whose real name is Nora Lum, will add some humor to the announcements with bits like, “Please remember to use headphones when listening to music — even if your playlist is straight fire.”
It’s a good day to ride the 7 train @awkwafina pic.twitter.com/nDb1JlpAIX
— Jonathan Sperling (@JonSperling) January 16, 2020
She will announce all 22 stops from Flushing – Main Street to 34th Street – Hudson Yards and provide other prompts.
In one audio clip, Awkwafina reminds straphangers to stop “manspreading.”
i never thought the mta would bring me any delight, but @awkwafina was the automated voice of the 7 train this morning, and everyone in the train car was smiling. ☺️ pic.twitter.com/7NnLVRMn3k
— sarah baker (@bakerbk) January 16, 2020
The announcements stem from a deal struck by The MTA with Comedy Central, which is looking to promote the new series.
“What better way to celebrate the premiere of “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” on Comedy Central, than having Nora herself voice the train that runs through the heart of Queens,” said Josh Line, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Creative and Digital for Comedy Central.
The series is a half-hour scripted comedy created by Awkwafina and inspired by her own life growing up in Forest Hills. Awkwafina stars as Nora Lin, who is raised by her dad and grandmother in Queens.
The celebrity train announcements — piloted by Awkwafina — are something the MTA hopes to continue.
“We are exploring new and different ways to generate much needed revenue, while also surprising and delighting customers,” said Sarah Meyer, Chief Customer Officer at MTA New York City Transit. “Our focus will always be to run the trains safely and on time, and if a well-known voice can bring attention to in-car messaging, we are all for it.”
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7 Comments
That explains it. I was riding the 7 train into Manhattan last month and after leaving Vernon-Jackson, right as we were heading into the tunnel I heard this ridiculous message over the intercom about how we’re all now going underwater now. A fellow strap hanger and I looked at one another like, wtf, seriously? Did we really just hear that? It beyond not funny and very inappropriate for children or the mentally challenged. Heck, it completely unnerved me and I’ve been riding NYC subways for 60 years . Do we really need to get this stupid?
I would have preferred Curly Howard making the announcements. Soitenly!!!
The show might be fun/funny (to some), however this ‘advertising’ campaign
that makes no mention of it or the person doing the talking during the announcements seems to be a miss. Same goes for the actual TV ads for this – not funny and at best – annoying.
I’ve already said celebreties like Awkwafina and Trump should do announcements. DUM Blasio’s policies have led to some announcers’ voices being harsh to the sensitive ear.
Really? I find it grating. Some of the announcements are inappropriate for mixed company, young children and those of a delicate nature (69th street).
No, just no.
I find your reference to 69th Street sexual and offensive.
She mentions the reference.
No child needs to hear that.