The Chris Gethard Show Season 2 Episode 25 New York vs. the World

The Chris Gethard Show season 2 episode 25, titled "New York vs. The World" takes viewers on a wild ride as host Chris Gethard welcomes a panel of guests to debate the age-old question: Is New York City really the cultural epicenter of the world? The discussion gets heated as Gethard, along with his panel of comedians, journalists, and musicians, passionately argue for and against the idea.

The episode begins with Gethard introducing his panel and setting the stage for a lively discussion. The panelists include seasoned comedians and New York natives like David Cross, Todd Barry, and Janeane Garofalo, who argue that no other city can compete with New York's rich history, diversity and cultural significance. However, they will face fierce opposition from guests, including comedian Eddie Pepitone and musician Har Mar Superstar, who argue that other cities, such as Los Angeles and London, also have a significant impact on global culture.

As the debate unfolds, Gethard gives each of the guests a chance to make their case in a series of mini debates. These segments are full of witty one-liners and passionate arguments, as the panelists try to outdo each other. The episode is filmed in front of a live studio audience, and their energy adds to the excitement of the show.

To change the pace of the conversation, Gethard includes a game show segment where panelists compete to guess the country of origin of obscure cultural references. This segment, called "Cultural Exchange Rate," adds a fun competition element while also emphasizing the diverse impact of culture around the world.

Returning to the debate, Gethard ensures that all sides get a fair chance to make their case. He also includes a musical performance by The Julie Ruin, the rock band fronted by punk icon Kathleen Hanna, adding an extra layer of cultural significance to the episode.

The episode concludes with the panelists still unable to agree on the debate topic, but this isn't a failure of the show. In fact, the debate itself is an example of how culture is constantly evolving and adapting, with different cities playing key roles in shifting trends and ideas.

Overall, "New York vs. The World" is a perfect example of what makes The Chris Gethard Show so great. The show is unapologetically weird and quirky, but it also features intelligent and thought-provoking discussions that are relevant to its varied audience. The guests are an eclectic mix of creatives, and their energy and insights create a fun and fascinating viewing experience. Ultimately, the show reminds us that whether it's New York or another city, culture is a constantly changing and complex concept that defies easy definition.