Ramy Youssef talks Gaza, religion in comedy ahead of new special

Fresh off his awards season high after attending the Oscars with his fellow “Poor Things” co-stars — and presenting — Ramy Youssef is heading back into more familiar territory. The actor and comedian will premiere his latest stand-up special March 23 on HBO and Max. In keeping with much of his previous work, “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings” doesn’t shy away from fraught topics, including religion, the upcoming presidential election and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Although Youssef says he is “constantly interrogating” whether tackling these subjects through comedy is a good use of his time, he thinks there is enough reason to keep doing it — for now. (March 19)