Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” has been on-air for almost thirty years, garnering 26 PrimeTime Emmy Awards and several Peabody Awards for its writing and execution. Many are familiar with the show’s blend of current news commentary and informational journalism from comedians like Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, John Oliver, Samatha Bee, Roy Wood, Jr, Rob Riggle, Jordan Klepper, Wyatt Cenac, Hasan Minhaj, Larry Whitmore, Lewis Black, Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng, Michael Kosta, and a bevy of others. “The Daily Show’s” audience has grown up alongside the show, with viewership now skewing in higher age demographics than the coveted 18-34 bracket it dominated during its inception. That maturity is reflected in the current iteration of the show, with Stewart hosting on Monday’s while the rest of “The Best F**king News Team” fill in the remainder of the week.
“The Daily Show” is a bit of a misnomer as the show broadcasts nightly on Comedy Central (or Paramount+ for those living in the streaming age) from Monday to Thursday. I suppose “The Intermittent Show” just doesn’t have the same ring to it. “The Daily Show” is not unique in its position as a satirical news program, however it remains the definitive iteration of the format. Everyone knows about “The Daily Show,” love it or hate it. A foundational pillar of the show’s ubiquity and popularity is in the writing and execution of the show, which stands head and shoulders above its contemporaries.
I was honored to speak with senior writer Daniel Radosh and editor Lauren Beckett Jackson recently to discuss the show, the tug-of-war between comedy and information, accusations of left-leaning bias, and the care and attention that make the magic happen.
The hard work of these dedicated professionals assures that “The Daily Show” will continue to remain relevant in the spheres of both comedy and journalism for years to come, and I firmly believe we’re all the better for it. The news cycle is bewildering, sobering, and unfortunately constant, creating a need for levity to ease digestion. I’m no doctor, but I suggest you take a dose of “The Daily Show” and call me in the morning. You just might feel better.
Until next time, take care.
-McEric, aka Eric McClanahan-
