Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host known for his routine takes on American politics, decided to broadcast his brand of humor across the pond on British television with a festive twist. But alas, Kimmel couldn’t resist turning a simple Christmas message into a political jab fest, naturally aimed at President Trump. There’s something almost predictably tedious about how he used the opportunity to paint a dramatically bleak picture of American politics, calling it a banner year for fascism and tyranny. It’s somewhat ironic when you consider his show allegedly brimming with success despite the so-called tyranny he describes. But then again, logic never was a late-night comedian’s strongest suit, was it?
Viewers from sea to shining sea have long grown accustomed to Kimmel’s anti-Trump schtick, but taking the act overseas feels a bit like airing dirty laundry in public. For all his dramatic flair, Kimmel seems to forget that if America was the dystopian nightmare he described, broadcasters like him wouldn’t have the freedom to criticize the President night after night, let alone profit from it. But why let a little thing like reality get in the way of a good laugh?
It’s quite fascinating that Kimmel has now taken to apologizing for his fellow Americans on international platforms. Yet, when it comes to his own verbal missteps, like derogatory comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s untimely death, apologies aren’t as forthcoming. It’s telling how self-righteousness often skews one’s moral compass. And while Kimmel’s rhetoric about American intelligence, or lack thereof, gets chuckles from his audience, it’s worth noting the inherent contradiction — if his viewers are so gullible, what’s it say about his content?
Viewing habits must be considered, too. While his ratings have sparked in the past due to controversy, it appears more akin to a passing obsession rather than genuine loyalty. Like people slowing down to observe a fender bender on the freeway, folks tune in not out of admiration but out of morbid curiosity. In contrast, the likes of Greg Gutfeld shine with genuine viewership, reflecting a more sustained engagement rather than temporary sensationalism.
Finally, while Kimmel and his compadres in late-night comedy seem to thrive on political divisiveness, they’re unintentionally showcasing how out of touch they are with everyday Americans. People once turned to late-night shows to escape the burdens of life. Remember the days of Johnny Carson, when comedy was about the punchline, not the partisan jab? It’s quaint now, isn’t it? Kimmel’s overseas message demonstrates how he’s conflated comedy with a personal political crusade, inadvertently proving that maybe, just maybe, laughter doesn’t need to be laced with disdain to be genuinely funny.
