Argument Analysis: The Daily Show

Words: 1260
Pages: 6

Comedy is one of television's most apparent categories. Hundreds of comedy shows exist on a wide platform of networks, some solely dedicated to humor and some covering a wide range of genres. However, many people criticize such programs for their offensive nature and indecency as well as their ability to influence viewers with biased viewpoints. In “The Good, The Bad, and The Daily Show”, author Jason Zinser addresses concerns and advantages regarding “fake news” given by the very satirical news program known as The Daily Show. In “Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious”, author Antonia Peacocke points out that although the show Family Guy is indeed offensive, it has certain virtues and quality humor that cannot …show more content…
To counter this argument, Jon Stewart reiterates the claim that “The Daily Show is a comedy, not a news show” (Zinzer 374). Although it uses real events, The Daily Show is simply meant to entertain. Even after putting the bias and humor aside, the program does not go into enough detail on the topics it covers to be considered a credible source of knowledge. This distinguation allows The Daily Show to carry out its role as a comedy, rather than having to direct unnecessary attention to the credibility portion of its …show more content…
After each episode airs, complaints sporadically appear on social media, publications, and even in the mailbox of creator Seth MacFarlane himself. Due to the offensive content presented in each episode, it comes as no surprise that certain groups of people feel insulted when a sensitive subject matter arises. Having been categorized as a comedy television show, Family Guy does not exist solely to offend people, but rather to entertain. Offensive content is simply what makes Family Guy an original and popular show, and without it, a void would be left to fill. The creator of the show,Seth MacFarlane, acknowledges that some material is too startling to be included in the show, as it would be deemed incredibly offensive by certain groups. However, he states that “he wants only to amuse,” and stays the course when combining culture with humor that may aggravate the masses (Peacocke 307). Both shows make it clear that the main goal is to put a smile on the viewer's’ face, and this is how they have succeeded in becoming well renowned comedy programs that continue year after