TV Shows That I Love – The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

It’s not the norm for me to like a show that’s currently running, but it does happen (the already covered Doctor Who being another example). In the case of The Daily Show, it has a very clear advantage over most television shows, since it’s been on the air for well over a decade, most of that time with the ever-brilliant Jon Stewart at the reins. So, the fact that there’s always new shows and material to catch is always a prime factor in why I watch it.

I was introduced to The Daily Show in mid-2004, while I was in library school. After watching the show take current news and put a slant on it that was both comedic and accessible, I quickly came to respect Stewart’s penchant for political satire. It became a nightly staple of my television rotation at the time, and in the lead-ups to the 2004 election, rarely missed a single episode, all-too-eager to see the latest barb about Bush’s bid for re-election or Kerry’s comically wooden attempt to unseat him.

Then came Stewart’s appearance on Crossfire in October. Now, I didn’t see the appearance live, but I sure as hell watched it on the Internet after he mentioned it the following Monday, and it pretty much sealed the deal for me. I’ve never really cared for opinion shows, particularly those with a political focus, but I honestly didn’t think I could articulate why I found them distasteful until I saw Stewart come on and basically say, ‘Shows like this replace honest debate with loud, vitriolic showboating.’

I also don’t think, at that point, I’d ever seen the host of one TV show go onto another TV show and make that show’s hosts look like complete and total morons, which was pretty remarkable.

From pithy insights and snarky quips about the issues of the day to creatively hilarious subversions of pop culture with some of their headlines (“Queer and Present Danger” and “Gaypocalypse Now” are two fairly recent ones), The Daily Show consistently does a good job of taking issues, personalities and events that the general public may not know or care much about, and through satire and humor, raising their visibility in a way that might prompt someone to think, “Hmm, this could be important.” That’s not an easy feat to accomplish, particularly on a regular basis for such a long stretch of time, but The Daily Show continues to deliver, lampooning and soliciting laughter without preaching.

Now, I know the show is considered a liberal bastion by some, but this really matters very little to me. I am liberal in probably most ways, conservative in some. I still find it funny when the Democrats get mocked and berated for not being able to pass legislature with a majority in both houses. But the right, it seems, has simply provided more fodder over the years, and The Daily Show seems to go after whoever the moron of the day happens to be. It may not do so on a strictly equal basis, but I’m more interested in entertainment than political enlightenment when I watch this show, and as long as it delivers, I’m happy.

The Daily Show has grown and changed considerably over the years, spawning a television spin-off, The Colbert Report, and two books, America (The Book) and Earth (The Book). It has been a major springboard for the careers of its many comedian correspondents, including Stephen Colbert, Jon Hodgman, Steve Carell, and John Oliver. It’s won scads of awards, which I won’t even bother naming here; it just reinforces my belief that I know how to choose good TV.

If I had to choose just one particular trait of The Daily Show that really appeals to me, it would probably have to be Jon Stewart’s ability to put down the comedy when the situation calls for it. One of the most unforgettable clips I’ve ever seen from him was the first broadcast of the show after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. He spoke frankly about the event, showing vulnerability, dignity, and finally, resilience to his audience, something they doubtlessly needed at the time. He has admitted, very somberly and on the air, to making stupid remarks on his show, apologizing when he acknowledges them. These situations speak volumes not only to Stewart’s ability as a performer, but to his integrity and character as a man and citizen of both his country and his industry.

Of course, there’s also the sheer wit that goes into the show he runs. Be it the personalities of the correspondents (or Stewart himself), the off-the-wall observations, commentaries, or focuses on particular issues, The Daily Show never fails to make me laugh, and in some cases, even think more about what’s just been satirized. Even during the 2007-2008 Writers’ Strike, The Daily Show cleverly acknowledged their absence by temporarily re-branding itself A Daily Show, with Stewart taking any opportunities presented to voice his support for the striking writers, as well as engage in a fairly funny three-way mock rivalry/brawl with Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien, whose shows were also continuing without any writers.

With its combination of satirical wit, social commentary, The Daily Show is one program that I hope will continue on for as long as possible. Its creator is hands-down one of my favorite comedians, who seems to handle most situations with humor, grace, and believe it or not, dignity. I know it’s a team effort, helped by writers, production staff, and many others, and his many public acknowledgments of their contributions guarantees that, for me, anything he writes or produces, I will support.