The David Frum Show Why Has Comedy Become So Right-Wing?
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Dec 24, 2025 
Helen Lewis, a journalist and staff writer for The Atlantic, examines the unexpected rightward shift in comedy. She discusses how cultural changes and fears of 'cancel culture' have pushed comedians toward right-leaning ideologies. Lewis highlights the challenge of navigating authenticity and audience expectations, noting the complicity of both performers and audiences in this trend. They also explore the new ecosystems of comedy, including monetization through platforms like Patreon, and the moral responsibilities comedians face when engaging with extremist views.
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NATO Linked To Domestic Democratic Reform
- David Frum argues NATO defended Europe and promoted democratic reform at home after WWII.
- Weakening NATO invites authoritarianism and reverses social progress in the United States.
Riyadh Festival Observations
- Helen Lewis attended the Riyadh Comedy Festival and described rapid social change there.
- She noted visible migrant workers and a sense Saudi Arabia is "speed running" modernity.
Streaming Fueled Comedy's Reach
- Streaming platforms and huge budgets turned stand-up into stadium and global products.
- This commercialization helped comedy become a more central cultural and political force.