Once upon a time in the land of mainstream news, CNN decided to venture into the unpredictable world of comedy by interviewing Tim Dillon, a comedian known for his bold and often controversial takes. It’s a curious choice for CNN, considering their usual lineup of polished anchors and carefully curated news segments. But hey, maybe they were hoping for a splash of that elusive YouTube algorithm magic.

So, in rolls Tim Dillon, not your typical CNN guest. This guy’s more at home bantering on endless podcasts than playing nice in a suit and tie. Yet, here he is, engaging with CNN’s Elle Reeve, who, let’s just say, might have bitten off more than she could chew. The conversation allegedly spanned an hour, touching on topics ranging from left-wing comedians to the power of podcasters, and whether folks like Tim and Joe Rogan are part of some new establishment. Spoiler alert: Tim politely disagrees.

Now, you’d think an hour-long dive with a comedian of Tim’s caliber would be pure entertainment gold. But alas, CNN opted for a quick snip and tuck, airing only a minuscule fraction of their chat on broadcast TV. The internet, however, demands full disclosure, and they got their wish when CNN released the unedited interview online. It didn’t take long before the full version was riding high on clicks and comments, with viewers savoring every unfiltered moment.

The responses were predictably hilarious, with viewers reveling in the role reversal of having Tim Dillon effectively share his platform with CNN. Comments poured in about how this was the first time people willingly clicked on a CNN video—or how this interview felt like CNN asking someone from Joe Rogan’s kingdom what it’s like in the wild world of non-mainstream media. The cultural divide has never been more palpable, with Tim representing a breed of comedians who channel candidness and irreverence over the usual polished politeness.

What makes this scenario even more fascinating is how it shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape of comedy and media. Today’s rising stars aren’t just cracking jokes on stage; they’re diversifying through podcasts, connecting with audiences on a personal level, and often, stepping right into the political fray. The left has dominated comedy for years, but here we see a turn in the tide, with comedians who aren’t afraid to tackle the sacred cows of politics and society.

In the end, CNN might want to rethink their game plan. Trying to control and package the volatile essence of real talk only highlights the stark difference between scripted news and the raw edge of new media. If anything, the Tim Dillon saga perfectly illustrates the bravery of embracing, rather than fearing, the chaos. Because let’s face it, if you’re not part of the joke, you just might be the punchline. Just ask CNN.