The Daily Show (the Book): An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart, the Correspondents, Staff and Guests Hardcover – 22 Nov 2016
by Chris Smith (Author), Associate Professor Jon Stewart (Foreword)
For almost seventeen years, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart brilliantly redefined the borders between television comedy, political satire, and opinionated news coverage. It launched the careers of some of today’s most significant comedians, highlighted the hypocrisies of the powerful, and garnered 23 Emmys. Now the show’s behind-the-scenes gags, controversies, and camaraderie will be chronicled by the players themselves, from legendary host Jon Stewart to the star cast members and writers-including Samantha Bee, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Steve Carell, Lewis Black, Jessica Williams, John Hodgman, and Larry Wilmore-plus some of The Daily Show’s most prominent guests and adversaries: John and Cindy McCain, Glenn Beck, Tucker Carlson, and many more.
This oral history takes the reader behind the curtain for all the show’s highlights, from its origins as Comedy Central’s underdog late-night program hosted by Craig Kilborn to Jon Stewart’s long reign to Trevor Noah’s succession, rising from a scrappy jester in the 24-hour political news cycle to become part of the beating heart of politics-a trusted source for not only comedy but also commentary, with a reputation for calling bullshit and an ability to effect real change in the world.
Through years of incisive election coverage, Jon Stewart’s emotional monologue in the wake of 9/11, his infamous confrontation on Crossfire, passionate debates with President Obama and Hillary Clinton, feuds with Bill O’Reilly and Fox, the Indecisions, Mess O’Potamia, and provocative takes on Wall Street and racism, The Daily Show has been a cultural touchstone. Now, for the first time, the people behind the show’s seminal moments come together to share their memories of the last-minute rewrites, improvisations, pranks, romances, blow-ups, and moments of Zen both on and off the set of one of America’s most groundbreaking shows.
Product details
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (22 Nov. 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455565385
ISBN-13: 978-1455565382
Product Dimensions: 15.9 x 3.8 x 23.8 cm
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 36,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Review
“Zippy, smart.” New York (magazine)”
“Zippy, smart.”–New York (magazine)
“Readers of this compelling history will appreciate the sweat behind every joke.”–Washington Post
“Mr. Smith’s book feels like a visit to a distant time.”–New York Times
“[A] substantial, many-faceted oral history….This superbly well-edited choral work illuminates the enormous effort, creativity, collaboration, and hustle required for producing a hilarious, news-focused, four-times-a-week comedy show and the chutzpah necessary for taking on the powers-that-be.”–Booklist
“Sometimes our book dreams get answered….If you ever longed to be in the room for epic moments like Stewart’s post-9/11 on-air address, his grudge matches with Fox News, the famous Indecision presidential election coverage and more, this is your printed word moment of zen.–Detroit Free Press
“Deftly recount[s] the way Stewart’s sensibilities, political realities (and unrealities), defining events like 9/11, advances in technology and changes in the television news landscape moved the show from spectator to player.”–USA Today
“Smith digs deep into the show’s ascendance and cultural influence as if he was one of the show’s meticulous fact-checking news-tape researchers…Smith lets the show’s stars, crew, and guests tell the show’s unvarnished history. Fortunately, most every one interviewed-from Stephen Colbert to longtime showrunner Ben Karlin to Sen. John McCain-possesses an A-plus wit…it doesn’t flinch from digging into the show’s most contentious moments… in the Age of Trump, the time has never been better to delve into the minds of the masters who became a vital part of our democracy.”– Entertainment Weekly
About the Author
Chris Smith is a contributing editor at New York, where he has covered politics, sports, and entertainment. He lives with his wife, son, and daughter in Brooklyn.
Jon Stewart is a comedian, writer, actor, producer, director, bestselling author and former host of The Daily Show. He lives with his wife and children in New Jersey.
Great book which opens a world behind the scenes of …
By Dan Leedham on 22 Dec. 2016
Great book which opens a world behind the scenes of a show which challenged the politics and media coverage of the media through highs and lows. Some incredible insights into those off screen including writers, producers and members of the crew. The audiobook version is a little disappointing in that it is voiced by actors rather than using audio from our beloved contributors and politicians – those voices that we know so well.