How ‘The Daily Show’ Host Search Became Such a Disaster
Dec 22, 2023
auto_awesome
Hasan Minhaj's 'emotional truths' disrupted The Daily Show's host search. Matt Rife's downfall as a TikTok-favorite stand-up. Nick Bargatze rises as a star in the comedy industry. Raquel Willis discusses her memoir as a Black transgender activist.
Hasan Minhaj’s 'emotional truths' disrupted The Daily Show's host search, highlighting the importance of authenticity and connecting with audiences.
The rise of comedian Nate Bargatze showcases the enduring appeal of non-political, self-deprecating comedy in contrast to controversial and edgy styles.
Deep dives
Comedy Podcast Party with Amazon Music
The podcast episode discusses how listeners of the comedy podcast can now enjoy ad-free listening on Amazon Music, which is included with their Prime membership. The episode highlights the convenience of accessing the latest episodes without interruptions and also mentions the availability of thousands of other ad-free shows for subscribers.
Interview with Trans Activist Raquel Willis
The podcast features an interview with trans activist Raquel Willis, who discusses her first book, 'The Risk It Takes to Bloom on Life and Liberation.' She shares her motivation for writing the memoir as a black trans woman committed to social justice. The podcast explores the importance of having richer discussions beyond the obsession with trans people's bodies and delves into topics like being openly trans in the workplace and navigating social justice movements.
Year in Comedy Deep Dive with Matt Willstein
In a crossover episode, comedian Matt Willstein joins the podcast to do a deep dive on the year in comedy. The discussion revolves around the ongoing search for a host for 'The Daily Show' and the varying guest hosts who have been trying out for the role. The episode also touches on the controversy surrounding comedian Hasan Minhaj, as well as the rise and impact of comedian Nate Bargatze and his recent successful hosting gig on 'SNL'.
Generational Differences in Comedy and Controversies
The podcast explores generational differences in comedy and the controversies that arise. It examines the case of comedian Matt Reif and his attempt to shift his comedy towards a male audience, which led to a controversial joke about domestic violence. The episode also discusses the comedy of Nate Bargatze, known for his non-political and self-deprecating style, which stands in contrast to the shock value and edginess pursued by some comedians.
In this week’s crossover episode between The New Abnormal and The Last Laugh, we break down how Hasan Minhaj’s “emotional truths” upended The Daily Show’s seemingly eternal search for a new host (or hosts), the downfall of TikTok-favorite standup Matt Rife, and the emergence of Nick Bargatze as a bonafide star of the industry. Plus, a conversation with author Raquel Willis about her new book, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, a memoir exploring her experiences as a Black transgender activist from the American South.