Can fake news generate even more laughs?

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert have perfected the fake news formula on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” so I’m a bit uneasy about the breakup of the duo with the debut of Colbert’s spinoff Monday. But judging from Colbert’s description of his character on “The Colbert Report,” it sounds as if the two have figured out a way to extend the laughs another half hour.
“I don’t think he’s necessarily a Republican or Democrat,” Colbert told The New York Times. “He is part of the ‘Blame America Last’ crowd. Mostly, he just wants to get those bastards — whoever they are. They know who they are, and they know they’re going to get gotten.”
Posted by Melissa Cooley

11 Comments

  1. janabanana
    Posted October 14, 2005 at 7:19 am | Permalink

    The Daily Show isn’t “fake” news, it provides a “spoon full of sugar so the medicine will go down”. It is the truth with a twist.People want to be lied to.People don’t want the truth.If you can make people laugh when you are telling them the truth, it is easier to digest.Jon Steward and Steven Colbert are giving this country exactly what we need…our medicine.

  2. Damoon
    Posted October 14, 2005 at 8:47 am | Permalink

    Agreed!

  3. Joe Williams
    Posted October 14, 2005 at 9:26 am | Permalink

    I must be the only person who does not watch it. People rave about John Steward, but I haven’t seen one episode, newscast, or whatever it is called.

    As far as humor in political current events, I do however like to watch Bill Maher, and when it was around, Dennis Miller on HBO and CNBC. But he keeps on losing his gigs.

  4. Galahad
    Posted October 14, 2005 at 1:51 pm | Permalink

    Dennis Miller has this problem as a comedian.

    He’s not funny.

    I feel like The Daily Show is the only newscast with the guts to tell the truth . . .

  5. janabanana
    Posted October 14, 2005 at 5:48 pm | Permalink

    It is also good that the Daily Show gives equal grief to both sides. They make everyone accountable.Joe, if you like Bill Maher’s show, you would like the Daily Show.

  6. TRACY
    Posted October 15, 2005 at 9:43 am | Permalink

    Miller’s style, the log rant similar to some posts right here, is not necessarily meant to be funny.Lewis Black’s rants are meant to be funny.Miller’s style reminds me of Lenny Bruce, a legend but not always funny.

  7. NoJoCo
    Posted October 15, 2005 at 10:05 am | Permalink

    Gal, Dennis Miller is a conservative, that’s why you don’t laugh at his humor. I don’t find Maher humorous – he’s a turd.

  8. NoJoCo
    Posted October 15, 2005 at 10:05 am | Permalink

    Gal, Dennis Miller is a conservative, that’s why you don’t laugh at his humor. I don’t find Maher humorous – he’s a turd.

  9. NoJoCo
    Posted October 15, 2005 at 10:07 am | Permalink

    Gal, Dennis Miller is a conservative, that’s why you don’t laugh at his humor. I don’t find Maher humorous – he’s a turd.

  10. Galahad
    Posted October 15, 2005 at 10:32 am | Permalink

    Miller’s conservative and not popular and Maher is liberal and immensely popular.

    Ruh-roh!

  11. J M Wlaker
    Posted October 17, 2005 at 4:36 am | Permalink

    Dennis miller talks down to people, that’s why he’s a loser. Bill maher at least talks to people, and he’s more libertarian that either dem or rep.