mschlat's review
4.0
Yeah, I wasn't not going to like this. It's (a) an oral history of (b) a creative endeavor of (c) a comedic nature. That's ecstasy enough, but add in the fact that I've watched the Daily Show since the Kilborn years (I'm old) and it's just an insta-read.
Smith covers most of the big political events of the Jon Stewart run (the presidential elections, the reaction to 9/11, the Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear, the imprisonment of Maziar Bahari) and talks to (almost) everyone. There's also a lot on show politics, starting with the transition between the Kilborn and Stewart writing staffs, the hiring of most of the correspondents, Jon's appearance on Crossfire, the summer of John Oliver, and ending with the advent of Trevor Noah and the joy of the last show.
Only two real quibbles (one small and one larger): First, I wish that Smith had talked with Wyatt Cenac. I understand it didn't happen, but I would have appreciated Cenac's take on the Herman Cain incident and the issue of diversity in general on the show. Second (and broader), I wish Smith had not focused so exclusively on the political aspects of the show. There are a few touches on the nonpolitical, but I would have liked to seen a little more on the interviews with nonpolitical figures. In particular, Stewart had a lot of interesting talks with comedians. Heck, you could have had a whole chapter on the Dennis Leary conversations!
Quibbles aside, a very engaging read.
Smith covers most of the big political events of the Jon Stewart run (the presidential elections, the reaction to 9/11, the Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear, the imprisonment of Maziar Bahari) and talks to (almost) everyone. There's also a lot on show politics, starting with the transition between the Kilborn and Stewart writing staffs, the hiring of most of the correspondents, Jon's appearance on Crossfire, the summer of John Oliver, and ending with the advent of Trevor Noah and the joy of the last show.
Only two real quibbles (one small and one larger): First, I wish that Smith had talked with Wyatt Cenac. I understand it didn't happen, but I would have appreciated Cenac's take on the Herman Cain incident and the issue of diversity in general on the show. Second (and broader), I wish Smith had not focused so exclusively on the political aspects of the show. There are a few touches on the nonpolitical, but I would have liked to seen a little more on the interviews with nonpolitical figures. In particular, Stewart had a lot of interesting talks with comedians. Heck, you could have had a whole chapter on the Dennis Leary conversations!
Quibbles aside, a very engaging read.
themtj's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book, it wasn't life-changing or full of brilliant insight. I've always been a casual fan of the show, but this book documents a few important shifts when that occurred as the show wrestled with its responsibility in light of growing cultural significance. In particular, they self-reflect on their contribution to the growing cynicism in the political realm in our country.
As I would have expected going in, most of the key insights come from Jon himself, but some of the best quotes in the entire book enter towards the end with Trevor Noah.
As I would have expected going in, most of the key insights come from Jon himself, but some of the best quotes in the entire book enter towards the end with Trevor Noah.
courthompson's review
5.0
I've always respected The Daily Show as politically engaging and smart comedy, but this book really opened my eyes to the impact this show had on our country and our government. Well researched, well put together. I loved this book
vee615's review
3.0
I enjoyed the various perspectives and the history of how the show came about, and the transfer over to John Stewart. My only problem with it was that it seemed to put John Stewart on a pedestal. It seemed to gloss over any criticism of him. However, I think people will enjoy this book that watched John Stewart on the Daily Show as it recounts some of their favorite monologues and stories.
joebuuz's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a real treat to listen to. Since I basically grew up watching Comedy Central I've been a viewer of The Daily Show from the beginning when Craig Kilborn was host. So I really enjoyed this nostalgic trip hearing the production of pieces I remember watching.