Year 2016 hasn’t really been the best of years, in my opinion. The world is looking bleaker and somewhat more scary and unpredictable than a year ago. Events abroad and in Finland have not given me hope that the future will be better and more peaceful. My personal day-to-day worries over course work and deadlines seem trivial compared to what might happen if the trends of 2016, like climate change denialism at the highest levels of power and increased xenophobia at all levels, continue into the new year.
There are a few things that keep me afloat, however. The witty comments of these political satire show hosts manage to simultaneously make me laugh and cry when they’re dealing with serious topics. They also give me some hope for the future!
1. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver’s in-depth investigation into injustices of all stripes raises important issues often overlooked in public. His irreverence and comic skills have earned him huge success and helped raise awareness of issues such as the prisoners of Guantánamo Bay, voting rights, and LGBT discrimination. His latest take on the president-elect Donald Trump and the awfulness of 2016 brings much-needed catharsis to these dark November days!
Here’s the YouTube channel of Last Week Tonight…:
https://www.youtube.com/user/LastWeekTonight
… and if you want to see what he has to say about the new American president, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu-PmK2t-1I
2. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
It took me a while to start appreciating Stephen Colbert’s style, but now that I do, I can’t live without it. Originally part of Jon Stewart’s the Daily Show posse, he went on to have his own show in 2015. He was devastated by the election results, and seeing him try to cope with that has been extremely therapeutic.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtFAi84ehTSYSE9XoHefig
3. Late Night with Seth Meyers
Seth Meyers’ ‘Closer Looks’ dig deep into critical issues of current affairs to unravel the craziness and, sometimes, scariness of political events. A recommendation to anyone interested in knowing what might be going on under the surface.
https://www.youtube.com/user/LateNightSeth
4. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
It was hard saying goodbye to Jon Stewart, the king of parody-news, and his successor on the Daily Show, Trevor Noah has had some trouble filling Stewarts’ shoes. This was expected, and by no means am I suggesting that Noah’s doing terrible job. His background in stand-up comedy and an outsider’s view on the US (he’s originally from South Africa) make the Daily Show worth watching still.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWhs_6x42TyRM4Wstoq8HA
5. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Last but definitely not least, Samantha Bee. Like many of the people above, she was also working with Jon Stewart before getting her own show and becoming one of the few women in the Late Night industry. She hasn’t shied away from controversial topics either, and has managed to create her own personal take on things. Hail proud #nastywomen!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC18vz5hUUqxbGvym9ghtX_w
None of these shows claims to not have a viewpoint, and they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But in these strange times that we are living, having shows like these that are not afraid of ridiculing and criticizing political leaders, is more crucial than ever.