It seems that in the world of late-night comedy, there’s more drama than on a soap opera these days. The once-revered tradition of making audiences laugh through clever and unbiased humor seems to have taken a sharp turn. The recent episode of Fox News Saturday Night brought in Joe Piscopo, a veteran comedian who has been around long enough to remember a time when late-night hosts like Johnny Carson reigned supreme with charm, wit, and a sense of fairness that appealed to millions.
Piscopo reminisces about the days of Johnny Carson, a time when the goal was to entertain all, regardless of their political inclinations. Carson was a maestro in crafting humor that didn’t pander to one side at the expense of the other. These days, it appears some comedians have forgotten that golden rule. Piscopo observes that late-night programs have turned into a complaint session rather than a comedy showcase. One can’t help but chuckle wondering if these hosts believe they’re running a nightly funeral instead of a comedy hour.
The conversation takes an amusing turn when Piscopo and the host discuss the decline of viewership for certain shows. The reference to comedians and their on-stage antics triggers a humorous comparison to a strip club where, contrary to expectations, dancers add layers instead of shedding them. It’s a cheeky metaphor for how comic routines have become exercises in adding unnecessary drama rather than providing light-hearted escapism.
Not to be left behind, Piscopo reels off anecdotes from his own experiences. Back in the day, he encountered producers more interested in their extracurricular habits than in comedic content. These tales of yesteryears bring a wry smile, as comedic timing and a good punch line seem to have been trumped by everything but the quintessential task of making people laugh.
In today’s comedy landscape, the suggestion seems clear: reignite the spirit of inclusiveness in humor. It’s a call to travel back to a time when jokes were crafted for the joy of everyone, not just aimed as darts. Piscopo highlights a point worth pondering: if you must make people take sides, it should be about whether they laughed until they cried, not which side of the political aisle they’re on. In this case, the wisdom of the past might just be the blueprint for a more united future in comedy.
