In the Land of Late-Night Lamentations, where the bright glow of the television once promised a peaceful wind-down at the end of a hard-working American’s day, a curious, yet predictable phenomenon has made itself at home. Tune in to any of these comedy shows after dinner, and instead of chuckles or the occasional belly laugh, you might find yourself the subject of a pointed finger and an accusatory laugh track—or so it would seem to those who were hoping for a light-hearted escape rather than a verbal drubbing. It’s as if a hidden talent show were giving out awards for the best impersonation of intellectual snobbery, complete with a heavy dose of condescension.
As the screen lights up, Americans are met with an all-too-familiar routine from the lineup of late-night jesters who seem to have confused their jokes with jury summons. These comedy captains lay down verdict after verdict about who is “in” and who is “out” based on their political tastes. It appears that the American Dream of watching someone monologue about goofy things that happen in Hollywood or meaningless banter about the weather has been replaced with recycled punchlines about political figures, seasoned with enough sneers to rival a Dickensian villain. Those who dared to enjoy the policies of a certain former president might find themselves the unwitting punchline.
Yet, here lies a curious development: the opening of a cultural door for a new wave of entertainers. It seems the stage is set for a fresh chorus of voices willing to decorate the world with comedic wit from another perspective. Rather than silencing the jesters of today, wouldn’t it be splendid to have a full roster—an ensemble cast of jesters who cater to all sides of the aisle? Imagine a world where turning on the TV after a long day at work didn’t feel like stepping into a colosseum, bracing for attack, but rather an opportunity to laugh with—or at—whichever absurdities are dancing through the news with equal opportunity jesting.
And so, with the golden spotlight dimming on the old guard, producers of comedy might consider the untapped goldmine that lies within acknowledging that humor doesn’t have to come with a political headlock. By tossing aside the one-size-fits-all approach to humor, late-night producers could unearth comedians who can take a jab at everyone, managing to entertain those who are tired of being told they’re the punchline while laughing along at life’s rich tapestry of political absurdity.
Thus, in this rejuvenated landscape, comedy wouldn’t be wrapped in partisan fanfare. Instead, it celebrates the genuinely ludicrous—from the unintentionally funny acts of politicians on both sides to the bizzaro antics of everyday people. A truly diversified comedic culture can offer a refreshing breath of air in a room that has been, until now, stale with the smell of the same-old jokes. As they say in showbiz: “Support all the jesters; life’s stage is big enough for everyone.” Isn’t it time they found new voices to tickle the nation’s funny bones without picking sides in end-of-day monologues?
