Ep 116. The Daily Social Distancing Show - September 17, 2020

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah has become a staple in the world of political comedy and satire. The show covers current events, politics, and culture in a humorous and informative way. The season 2020 episode 116, titled "The Daily Social Distancing Show - September 17, 2020", continues in this vein.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Noah and his team have adapted their show to the new reality of social distancing. The episode opens with Noah seated at his desk, surrounded by cardboard cutouts of his usual studio audience. He jokes about the challenges of performing without a live audience, but quickly gets down to business.

The first segment of the show tackles the topic of voter suppression. Noah breaks down the various ways in which voter suppression is being carried out in America, from gerrymandering to voter ID laws. He also highlights the disproportionate impact these tactics have on communities of color. In typical Daily Show fashion, Noah finds the humor in the situation without diminishing the gravity of the issue.

Next, the show turns its attention to the wildfires that have been devastating the western United States. Noah speaks with a resident of Oregon who had to evacuate her home due to the fires. She describes the fear and uncertainty she and her neighbors are facing. Noah then goes on to criticize President Trump's response to the crisis, calling out his denial of climate change and lack of action.

The episode also features an interview with Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist behind the New York Times' 1619 Project. The 1619 Project explores the legacy of slavery in America and its ongoing impact on society. Hannah-Jones and Noah discuss the controversy surrounding the project, as well as the larger issues of systemic racism and police brutality.

As is often the case with The Daily Show, the episode is not all serious. Noah and his correspondents also find time for some lighthearted comedy. A segment titled "Good News/Bad News" highlights some of the positive developments that have taken place in the midst of the pandemic, such as reduced carbon emissions and increased pet adoptions. However, the correspondents then pivot to the bad news, which includes a sharp rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Overall, the episode is a strong example of The Daily Show's ability to balance humor with hard-hitting journalism. Noah and his team tackle important issues without sacrificing entertainment value. The show's format may have changed to accommodate social distancing, but its mission remains the same: to provide insightful commentary on the state of the world.