The Daily Show: A Synopsis

I have chosen The Daily Show to analyze for my Mass Media project. In a breakdown of a typical show, I have found the following facts:

Each show usually follows a certain layout. In the opening, an announcer cites the date of the episode (which is always the title of the show as well) and introduces the host, Jon Stewart. After the music (and audience) simmer down, Stewart tells the audience of the upcoming special guest of the show, then goes straight into the main story of the day. This session is all Jon Stewart-oriented. No other cast members take part in this portion of the show. Clips of other news casts are featured, and Stewart proceeds to make fun of them. There is much satire and comedic language. This makes up roughly the first 10 minutes of the show.

After the first set of commercials, the second portion of the show can vary. It will either focus on a secondary story or further analyze the first, fitting in less important news as a joke. This section brings in the rest of the cast. Some common members are John Oliver, Samantha Bee, and Jason Jones. This section lasts approximately 5 minutes. Then, the second set of commercials follow.

The final portion of the show (which lasts another 5 minutes approximately) is the anticipated guest speaker. The speaker is greeted with applause from the audience, and then Stewart talks with them about their book, career, movie, or whatever the case may be. The speaker's thoughts on the main story may also be inserted here. With the conclusion of the speaker's 5 minutes is the last set of commercials.

The final minute of the show is meant to inform the viewer of the next day's guest speaker, and send a personal goodbye and good night to the fans. Then, The Daily Show's signature music plays, and the camera fades out of the studio.

Now that I have analyzed the basics of how the show is set up, I will begin to analyze certain shows to prove or disprove my thesis.