Staff Reports
Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night talk show host known for his sharp humor and political commentary, has taken his jabs at President Trump across the pond to British television. While many might have expected a festive Christmas message, Kimmel instead chose to deliver what could only be described as a political tirade. He proclaimed that 2023 has been a “great year” for “fascism” in the United States, setting the stage for a holiday message that felt more like a political rally than a warm, cozy evening of seasonal cheer.
Tom Bevan, a political analyst, found the situation both amusing and perplexing. He pointed out the irony in Kimmel’s assertions. If America is indeed gripped by tyranny, then how is it that Kimmel’s show is experiencing a surge in viewership? One could almost hear Bevan chuckling as he dissected the contradictions in Kimmel’s message. A host claiming “fascism is on the march” while simultaneously enjoying robust ratings doesn’t quite add up. It’s as if Kimmel wanted to have his cake and eat it too—delivering a dreary outlook on America while basking in the glow of his newfound viewership.
Even more bizarre was Kimmel’s apology for being American. This remark seemed to resonate poorly, especially given that he never directly addressed the controversial comments made about the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. While he criticized his fellow Americans as lacking intelligence, he certainly didn’t seem to consider that he’s the one receiving a spotlight—albeit a dim one—because of that very intelligence gap he lamented about.
As one might expect, ratings for late-night shows have been on a downward trajectory, with a notable exception being Greg Gutfeld’s program, which has fared much better than the rest. Bevan pointed out that if Kimmel’s assertions of “booming” tyranny in the U.S. held any truth, then how, pray tell, is he allowed to persistently critique the president? If tyranny truly ruled the land, wouldn’t Kimmel’s career have met an unfortunate end? Instead, there he was, lampooning the commander-in-chief with quips about his eating habits and holiday behavior, seemingly thriving in a “free” America.
In a time when political commentary pervades all corners of entertainment, it’s hard to ignore the discomfort of blending humor with politics. Many nostalgia-filled fans long for the days of Johnny Carson, when late-night television provided an escape rather than a commentary on the latest political fiascos. Yet today, viewers are inundated with political musings from hosts like Kimmel who seem hell-bent on reminding everyone that laughter often comes at the expense of the political figures they dislike.
As discussions shift towards a recent incident involving a concert cancellation over a name change at the Kennedy Center, critics claim that once again, politics intruded into realms where they don’t belong. The cancellation of a cherished annual concert exemplifies how the political landscape has seeped into entertainment, transforming events that should foster joy into political statements. Those who had looked forward to the concert now find themselves deprived, thanks to decisions made by those seeking to express their disdain for Trump and everything associated with him. This dissatisfaction reflects a broader trend in which political conflicts overshadow the simple pleasures of life, showing that in the world of entertainment, politics is never truly off the table.
