The Colbert Report Season 9 Episode 1

Ep 1. Jimmy Wales

  • January 7, 2013
  • 6.5  (11)

Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of the non-profit organization Wikipedia, makes an appearance on this episode of The Colbert Report's ninth season. As always, Stephen Colbert opens the episode with his signature satirical news coverage, but quickly gets down to business with Wales.

The two men discuss the origins of Wikipedia and how it has grown to become one of the largest sources of information on the internet. Colbert takes a humorous approach to the conversation, asking Wales how he feels about potentially causing the downfall of traditional encyclopedias. Wales responds with humility, stating that it was never their intention to replace other forms of information, but rather to create a new, accessible platform for knowledge sharing.

The conversation then turns to the accuracy of Wikipedia and the responsibility it holds in the dissemination of information. Colbert challenges Wales with a trivia question, asking him to name the first African-American astronaut. Wales stumbles and guesses incorrectly, but Colbert reveals that the correct answer is actually a disputed topic on Wikipedia. This leads to a discussion on the importance of verifying sources and the difficulty of maintaining accuracy on a platform that can be edited by anyone.

The interview takes a lighter turn when Colbert asks Wales about his love for Monty Python and his role in creating the online Python community. Wales jokes about his own lack of programming skills, but emphasizes the importance of open forums for fans to connect and share their passion.

The episode also includes a satirical segment called "Thought for Food," in which Colbert highlights the absurdity of America's obsession with fast food and unhealthy eating. He presents a mock advertisement for a fictional chain restaurant called "Double Downs," which serves double fried chicken sandwiches with bacon and cheese.

Overall, this episode of The Colbert Report offers a mix of humor and insight into the world of online information sharing, featuring an engaging interview with one of the most influential figures in the digital age.

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Description
  • First Aired
    January 7, 2013
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (11)