Breaking Down the Bodega Boys Beef: A Closer Look at Desus Nice and The Kid Mero's Split

The Bodega Boys, the dynamic duo comprised of Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, have long been known for their hilarious banter and unfiltered commentary on culture and current events. The pair first rose to fame following the release of their wildly popular podcast, Bodega Boys. The comedic duo later pivoted to television with the late-night talk show Desus & Mero – which aired for five seasons on Showtime.

However, just when it seemed as if the two were in it for the long haul, they announced that they were going their separate ways.

“Desus Nice and The Kid Mero will be pursuing separate creative endeavors moving forward,” Showtime said in a statement. “Showtime’s late-night talk show Desus & Mero will not be returning for a fifth season. Its final episode aired Thursday, June 23.”

Rumblings suggested that all may not be well within the Bodega, despite their unified front. As fans speculate about a potential feud between the beloved hosts, let’s break down what really happened between Desus and Mero.

Months after it was announced that the Desus & Mero show would be ending after five seasons, Desus appeared on SiriusXM’s Basic! podcast and suggested that he did not have any beef with his former co-host.

“As far back as June of last year we were both pitching or looking to join existing projects as individuals,” Desus said. He added, “It wasn’t like I’m breaking up with my girlfriend on the phone, you know what I mean? It was a strategy and it was one that we all agreed on.”

Mero, whose real name is Joel Martinez, explained that creative differences with Showtime ultimately led to the show’s cancelation.

“There were people we thought could have helped us turn the show back to what it was at Vice, where it felt fresh and way more edgy,” Mero said during an interview with Blackbird Spyplane, adding, “Showtime was not trying to do that.”

Reports also surfaced about the behavior of the group’s longtime manager, Victor Lopez. According to Puck News, Lopez was a tyrant on the set of Desus & Mero and was eventually banned from the tapings. The outlet further suggested that Mero wanted to stay loyal to Victor while Desus agreed with Showtime’s decision.

Shortly after the Bodega Boys announced their split, Mero began his next creative venture.

He launched his own podcast, Victory Light with The Kid Mero, in partnership with iHeat Media. “I'm back,” the comedian tweeted, “And I brought some pals with me! Subscribe, follow, whatever they call it…cuz im comin' in f--kin' hot!”

On the biweekly show, Mero discusses everything from pop culture to politics alongside his cohosts, Liz and Rainey.

Meanwhile, Desus has partnered with brands like BET and Vh1, pushing comedy content, interviews, and other hilarious bits for his fans. He guested hosted Comedy Central's The Daily Show and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!