Tooning Out The News Season 1 Episode 1 4/7/20 BIG NEWS (Olivia Nuzzi)
- April 7, 2020
- 7 min
Tooning Out The News is an animated satirical news series created by Stephen Colbert. The show's format involves a collection of animated news correspondents delivering satirical news and commentary, with frequent guest appearances by real-life celebrities and political figures. In the season 1 premiere episode titled "4/7/20 BIG NEWS (Olivia Nuzzi)," the correspondents dissect the latest news and current events with wit and humor.
The episode opens with an introduction by the show's host, James Smartwood, who welcomes viewers to the first episode of Tooning Out The News. Smartwood then introduces the first correspondent, Sarah Sabo, who discusses the recent closures of national parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sabo quips that while national parks may be closed, local parks are still open for business, "if you're okay with a little murder swamp action."
Next up is Andy Tillett, who comments on the recent resurgence of the Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, despite his lack of wins in recent primary contests. Tillett jokes that Sanders has been living up to his campaign slogan of "not me, us" by continuing to fight for the Democratic nomination, even if it means his own defeat. Tillett also pokes fun at the Democratic establishment's efforts to coalesce behind Joe Biden, saying that "they've decided to put all their eggs in the 'unfit basket.'"
The show then welcomes Olivia Nuzzi, a political correspondent for New York Magazine, who discusses the recent political maneuverings surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Nuzzi shares her thoughts on the federal government's response to the crisis, as well as the various state-level responses. She also touches on the polarizing figures of President Trump and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticizing both for their handling of the pandemic. Nuzzi's commentary is sharp and insightful, providing a welcome dose of analysis to the show's irreverent humor.
The next segment features Tim Baltz as a correspondent reporting live from his own bathroom, which he has converted into a home news studio. In a hilariously absurd take on the current state of cable news, Baltz delivers updates on the toilet paper shortage, the recent spate of Zoom call mishaps, and other trivial news stories. Despite the ridiculousness of his premise, Baltz is a talented comedian who delivers his lines with expert timing and physical humor.
The final segment of the episode features the show's "Cartoon Trump," a cartoon version of President Trump hilariously voiced by Jeff Bergman. Cartoon Trump provides a commentary on the recent COVID-19 stimulus bill, which he characterizes as a win for his administration. Of course, his explanation of the bill is filled with nonsensical statements and blatant lies, as Cartoon Trump's trademark buffoonery takes center stage.
Overall, the first episode of Tooning Out The News is a strong debut for the show. The animation is slick and colorful, the humor is biting and absurd, and the guest appearances by real-life political figures add an extra layer of satirical commentary. The show's mission to "toon out" the overwhelming news cycle is a welcome one, and the talented comedians involved in the project ensure that it's a funny and entertaining watch.