The Daily Show (The Book): An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart, the Correspondents, Staff and Guests

Nothing can come close to this man and nothing can come close to the team he assembled to do what he did. The start of what is now stupidly called ‘Woke’. An excellent book, perfectly written. Btw - Do NOT miss the audiobook of this.

I can’t tell you exactly when Jon Stewart became unmissable, appointment TV for me. But sometime in the wake of 9/11, as The Daily Show started to become the institution that it did, I found myself going out of my way to never miss an episode, recording every night’s episode onto an increasingly battered VHS tape, and never letting an evening’s show go unwatched. And as the show evolved, I stuck with it, finding it a voice of reason and sanity in insane times, and no doubt shaping my opinion in so many ways. It was funny, yes, but it was barbed, and heartfelt, and thoughtful, and incisive. It was satire in a time that needed it, and at a time where it was easy to feel like an outcast in Bush’s America.I say all of this at the outset because there’s no way I can give you a review of The Daily Show (The Book) that’s not through the eyes of a fan of the show (and Stewart). If you didn’t watch this show throughout the years, watch it evolve from the snark and condescension of the Kilborn era into the earnest, trenchant powerhouse it became, I don’t know whether you’ll find this book as fascinating and compelling as I did. Yes, there’s something rich about hearing all of these creators opine about the show and its evolution, but there’s no denying that it’s more resonant, more interesting, for those of us who love the show already.So what is The Daily Show (The Book), exactly? It’s an oral history of the show, one that starts back with the inception of the original series and follows it to the end of Stewart’s tenure, with chapters around almost every major event of the series – the Crossfire appearance, the Cramer confrontation, Indecision 2000 (and 2004 and 2008…), the love/hate tension with John McCain – all of it is covered and more. But what’s more, by making this an oral history with undeniable range, author Chris Smith allows us to hear this all from the people involved, both in front of the camera and behind. What’s more, while Smith undeniably loves the show, he allows people to be honest throughout, whether it’s McCain explaining why he quit going to the show, hearing former correspondents and staff speak with bitterness about their experiences, or diving into some of the show’s controversies (think that infamous Jezebel post about sexism in the show’s staff, or the Wyatt Cenac blowup). Even Tucker Carlson and Glenn Beck are allowed to get some digs in, making their points and giving them a chance to respond to the show’s (or Stewart’s) treatment of them.For all of that, though, this is a history for those fascinating by how a little show on a neglected cable network became a political powerhouse, a launching point for careers, and a series that literally changed legislation and policy with its voice. It’s also a history of what it takes to make a show like this, and how the things that represented The Daily Show – contradictory video clips, correspondent pieces, hatred of Fox News, Stewart’s interview techniques – were first conceived.It’s also, though, a wonderfully funny book, because these are funny people. From John Oliver and John Hodgman trading jabs about whiskey to correspondent pranks to further evidence that Stephen Colbert is one of the funniest people alive, the book is laugh out loud funny, with these people sometimes unable to restrain their glee and disbelief at the things they did and got away with. And sometimes, it’s a reminder that the show was funniest when it was silliest – stories of Steve Carrell’s wonderful “Produce Pete” character, or how puppets became part of the show, are just as important as the creation of The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.In short, I can’t give you an entirely objective review of this book – I’m too big of a fan, too emotionally connected to these times and these memories to be objective. It’s a bit skewed towards the show’s reputation, I think, and tends to let the questioning voices be overpowered. But as a history of a show I loved, and a reminder of the people that shaped so much of my political and personal views, it’s a blast – funny, thoughtful, compelling, and just a great read. Highly recommended for any fan of the show – and if you’re not a fan of the show…what’s wrong with you?

This was a gift for my other half, and he loved it, he said it was hilarious and really well written.

I have been a big fan of the Daily show since 2001, so I was already in the target demographic for this book. I really enjoyed it! It was a great behind the scenes look at the journey of the show. Highly recommend.

It's great book to relive those early years of daily show. It's gives a great insights into the writers, producers, correspondents, and into the making of the show. I think it's best book for people who have not been following the show but would like to take a walk down the memory lane of those early years of such a great show.

I love long oral history books on a variety subjects (and they are good value for the money, lots of content), and was a fan of the Daily Show (but my personal favorite was The Colbert Report). Lots of cool details and stories here for fans of the show in its best era. I'm only about 1/2 through it and it's good -- I must say a few things seem a bit dated already, particularly some of the stuff about the Bush era, in light of who the President is now and events in general since that time.They are open in this book that the crew and show are biased to the liberal side -- I do think Jon Stewart did a reasonably good job of jabbing both sides, obviously with more against the right. Loved when he went after the media talking heads and news biz as a whole, both sides. But I personally would prefer a little bit more balanced approach for a show like this, making fun of both sides and pointing out all their hypocrisy and bs, which they both have in spades.