Jordan Klepper on surviving “bonkers” political news; Apple TV+ tightens its belt
Aug 2, 2024
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Jordan Klepper, a comedic force from The Daily Show, dives into the surreal landscape of political satire. He shares experiences from MAGA rallies, where he now travels with heightened security, reflecting on the dangers of modern journalism. Klepper discusses the evolution of late-night television and the need for accountability in political commentary. He also analyzes the shift in Apple TV+'s strategy amid stiff competition while revealing the challenges of producing impactful content in this chaotic climate.
Jordan Klepper highlights the surreal necessity of security at political rallies, emphasizing the increased risks for comedians in today's climate.
Apple TV+ is shifting its content strategy towards improved profitability and audience engagement by tightening budgets after extravagant spending.
Deep dives
Jordan Klepper's Evolving Interactions at Political Events
Jordan Klepper has navigated complex dynamics while engaging with voters at political rallies, particularly those supporting Trump. As an improv comedian, he finds it surreal that he requires extensive security to conduct interviews, highlighting the heightened risks in the current political climate. Klepper recalls significant past experiences, such as needing to be safely extracted during the January 6th Capitol riot, which escalated his awareness of security needs. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and safety when planning to interact with audiences in such charged environments.
Apple's Strategic Shift in Content Investment
Apple's previous approach to content investment exemplified a willingness to spend extravagantly, even on projects with limited viewership. Their recent decision to tighten budgets reflects a shift towards operating their streaming service more like a traditional business, focusing on profitability and audience engagement. The challenges faced by shows like 'Severance,' which exceeded original budgets due to complex production demands, underscore the difficulties of balancing creative ambitions with financial viability. Critics argue that Apple’s lack of a robust catalog for viewers hampers their potential audience growth, differentiating them from competitors like Netflix, who have leveraged comprehensive libraries.
The Future of Late Night Television Amid Industry Changes
The landscape of late night television is evolving, with audiences consuming content in diverse ways that challenge traditional formats. Jordan Klepper discusses how 'The Daily Show' adapts to modern viewing habits, incorporating timely digital content to respond to breaking news while maintaining its satirical commentary. Despite ongoing changes, he believes the demand for political humor and insight is more critical than ever, as it fosters communal conversations across different platforms. The show's resilience, amidst multiple shifts in hosts and external circumstances, reflects its capacity to engage audiences in a rapidly changing media environment.
Kim Masters banters with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw about the future of Apple’s place in the streaming landscape. Apple TV+ has produced some of the most expensive series and movies in recent years. Now, the company wants to reign in spending after struggling to grow their audience.
Plus, The Daily Show’s Jordan Klepper joins us to talk about mining comedy from the increasingly “bonkers” political news. These days, he travels with a security team to report on MAGA rallies, a situation he never anticipated as an improv comedian. Klepper also shares his thoughts on the future of late night television.
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