Jon Stewart is back with a new topical show and the weight of expectation alone nearly sinks it. He does seem a bit stiff during the topical intro segments but I admire the analytical format generally - even if the central panel discussions do tend to feel superfluous at best and downright awkward at worst. Where he really shines is interviewing the heavy hitters - his stunning wrong-footing of the Shell CEO in the first season was one of the highlights of the year for me. Ultimately "Problem" is lacking substance and for me sits in the shadow of the far superior (and sadly cancelled) "Problem Areas With Wyatt Cenac". More to that, at the end (or mid point) of the slightly leaner second season, he ditched the long-form analysis model and briefly re-entered contemporary critique again and the vibe was palpable. What I'm skirting around is that... perhaps the Daily Show man is best on some sort of... news show format. Is that mad?
39 Reviews
Really interesting
sanakamura2 February 2022
I love what Jon Stewart and his team are trying to do here. Outline really big, tough issues, meet some of the people directly impacted and also some people with power who need to use it to make change. Season with a dash of humour. It should work, right?!
Yet....somehow it doesn't quite seem to come together. The panels with the impacted parties seems a little too fast/glib and "show me your trauma" and the segments w/ the powerful people seem a little flat - maybe they need to get them all in a room to have a civil, but frank conversation? The segments with the writers are actually quite enjoyable.'
Will I keep watching? Yes, but i no longer wait for the next episode to drop.
Yet....somehow it doesn't quite seem to come together. The panels with the impacted parties seems a little too fast/glib and "show me your trauma" and the segments w/ the powerful people seem a little flat - maybe they need to get them all in a room to have a civil, but frank conversation? The segments with the writers are actually quite enjoyable.'
Will I keep watching? Yes, but i no longer wait for the next episode to drop.
The Problem With This Show
wildernessbarbie15 October 2021
I was ECSTATIC when I heard Jon Stewart was producing a new show. I am desperately in need of another news source that has just enough comedy to keep me from throwing heavy, pointy things at the screen in anger. This is *almost* it.
Laughter is what keeps despair away, despair that has loomed all too large these last many years, and my sense of humor is so dark Anish Kapoor wanted to co-opt it for his exclusive use. However there just wasn't the sharp, dry, cutting dark humor I was hoping for in the first episode.
They do an excellent job of laying out the issues, and presenting various aspects of a complex problem in a clear way... and then... that's it.
With not enough humor, a resolution, or a call to action, then it has the impact of a long format click-bait article that gets one all wound up and pissed off, and then left feeling impotent and powerless in the face of such a massive, systemic problem.
That's how I've been feeling far too often over the last 5? 50? Years (I've lost count, time lost all meaning once I started seeing pajama pants as acceptable to leave the house in and had to start genuinely helping my tween do math) and I desperately NEED to feel like I can do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. Send a mildly offensive postcard to someone, buy a sarcastic stuffed animal, tweet a snarky meme to help raise money, or just scan a QR code that pops up on the screen at the end that will auto deduct $10 from ApplePay for a related charity... SOMETHING.
You did a great job of bringing these issues to our attention Jon, and getting us all passionate about it, don't leave us here with activist blue balls... tell us how the people in your show need help so we can ALL have a "happy ending."
Laughter is what keeps despair away, despair that has loomed all too large these last many years, and my sense of humor is so dark Anish Kapoor wanted to co-opt it for his exclusive use. However there just wasn't the sharp, dry, cutting dark humor I was hoping for in the first episode.
They do an excellent job of laying out the issues, and presenting various aspects of a complex problem in a clear way... and then... that's it.
With not enough humor, a resolution, or a call to action, then it has the impact of a long format click-bait article that gets one all wound up and pissed off, and then left feeling impotent and powerless in the face of such a massive, systemic problem.
That's how I've been feeling far too often over the last 5? 50? Years (I've lost count, time lost all meaning once I started seeing pajama pants as acceptable to leave the house in and had to start genuinely helping my tween do math) and I desperately NEED to feel like I can do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. Send a mildly offensive postcard to someone, buy a sarcastic stuffed animal, tweet a snarky meme to help raise money, or just scan a QR code that pops up on the screen at the end that will auto deduct $10 from ApplePay for a related charity... SOMETHING.
You did a great job of bringing these issues to our attention Jon, and getting us all passionate about it, don't leave us here with activist blue balls... tell us how the people in your show need help so we can ALL have a "happy ending."
Time has changed.
zhaoluyue7 June 2022
I remember a video by Hbomberguy about politics in video games had something like this:
"People don't dislike politics in video games, it depends on the kinds of politics you put in video games and if they like it."
I'm 26 this year. I remember watching Jon's daily show back in 2007. To me, Jon didn't change that much. Still passionate about the hypocrisies and inequalities in America. Still funny in many ways, even when talking about heavy topics. The topics he talked about did changed somewhat, but not that much. From Bush to Trump and Biden, but still all the hypocrisies. From "class warfare" (que world of warcraft parody) to ... still class warfare. From white privilege to structural racism. Frankly, it is quite astonishing to see a country that couldn't even try to fix its fundamental problems for such a long time, it is almost humiliating. Jon is still illuminating in his new show, bring carefully researched heavy hitting pieces to us, albeit in a slightly different format now.
What changed, then? Why do so many people hate Jon's new show now?
The most complain I see people make is that "there is no comedy, no jokes" here. Another one might be "people don't need to know more about the fundamental problems in this country anymore."
Both criticism have some legitimacy, but to sum it all up, it is that "Time has changed."
We no longer live in a society where carefully researched and funny political commentaries are so rare. We live in a society with a Infodemic problem, where information overload happens everywhere.
Jon's core audience, from both the past (40s~50s) and the present(10s~30s) understand the fundamental problems of America. We are constantly bombarded by the spillover of these problems everyday.
Mass shooting, discrimination, democracy rollback, having boomers controlling the vast majority of political sphere, inequalities, NIMBY attitudes. We all know that, and we all know we can do nothing about that. We all know America needs a revolution, a massacre, a bloodshed to change its core. However, Jon's previous core audience is no longer in the position of doing that now. They followed jon 20 years ago, but now they are in their 40s or 50s, and are the major money maker and consumer in this country. They don't want to be reminded of the dirtiness of their country, their work, because they directly benefit from it. They no longer have the wit, or wish, to change the society.
It is not, and I quote from ryardley-73707, that "he has turned in to the exact people he used to make fun of." It is that his past audience has become the exact problem he is criticizing.
It is not Jon using the same buzz word everyone is using that is "nothing insightful", it is they don't like the buzz word Jon's using.
It is not Jon is no longer funny. It is that the audience no longer find the issue funny.
Again to reiterate my point, Jon didn't change, the time has changed. Instead of listening to his fans from 20 years ago, I suggest listening to the people in their 20s now. What do they think about "The Problem with Jon Stewart"? The answer should be clear as day.
Although to be fair, this show is not perfect for everyone (thus the 9/10).
I'm 26 this year. I remember watching Jon's daily show back in 2007. To me, Jon didn't change that much. Still passionate about the hypocrisies and inequalities in America. Still funny in many ways, even when talking about heavy topics. The topics he talked about did changed somewhat, but not that much. From Bush to Trump and Biden, but still all the hypocrisies. From "class warfare" (que world of warcraft parody) to ... still class warfare. From white privilege to structural racism. Frankly, it is quite astonishing to see a country that couldn't even try to fix its fundamental problems for such a long time, it is almost humiliating. Jon is still illuminating in his new show, bring carefully researched heavy hitting pieces to us, albeit in a slightly different format now.
What changed, then? Why do so many people hate Jon's new show now?
The most complain I see people make is that "there is no comedy, no jokes" here. Another one might be "people don't need to know more about the fundamental problems in this country anymore."
Both criticism have some legitimacy, but to sum it all up, it is that "Time has changed."
We no longer live in a society where carefully researched and funny political commentaries are so rare. We live in a society with a Infodemic problem, where information overload happens everywhere.
Jon's core audience, from both the past (40s~50s) and the present(10s~30s) understand the fundamental problems of America. We are constantly bombarded by the spillover of these problems everyday.
Mass shooting, discrimination, democracy rollback, having boomers controlling the vast majority of political sphere, inequalities, NIMBY attitudes. We all know that, and we all know we can do nothing about that. We all know America needs a revolution, a massacre, a bloodshed to change its core. However, Jon's previous core audience is no longer in the position of doing that now. They followed jon 20 years ago, but now they are in their 40s or 50s, and are the major money maker and consumer in this country. They don't want to be reminded of the dirtiness of their country, their work, because they directly benefit from it. They no longer have the wit, or wish, to change the society.
It is not, and I quote from ryardley-73707, that "he has turned in to the exact people he used to make fun of." It is that his past audience has become the exact problem he is criticizing.
It is not Jon using the same buzz word everyone is using that is "nothing insightful", it is they don't like the buzz word Jon's using.
It is not Jon is no longer funny. It is that the audience no longer find the issue funny.
Again to reiterate my point, Jon didn't change, the time has changed. Instead of listening to his fans from 20 years ago, I suggest listening to the people in their 20s now. What do they think about "The Problem with Jon Stewart"? The answer should be clear as day.
Although to be fair, this show is not perfect for everyone (thus the 9/10).
Jon is back!
brpfwtqb30 September 2021
From the first episode Jon immediately reminds you how passionate, clever and funny he still is about the issues he cares about. The great part about the show is the focus on the issues puts the show closer to Last Week rather than the Daily Show, so there's no celebrity fluff or promotion.
Can't wait for more!
Can't wait for more!
The Problem with Jon Stewart is a fantastic show
johnblithe13 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Problem with Jon Stewart is a fantastic show that can be used as a tool to help you understand about the real issues of society. Although, if you stop at the first 3 episodes then you won't get much out of the show. However, it is important to note that this show is not a way of telling the world what to do. Instead, it is meant to present views about issues in our society. This is why you will see that there are many different people on the show. You can see that there are different views about different issues. You can see different sides to the same issue. This gives you a better understanding of all sides of the issues and how different people see them differently. In addition, you will see that there are multiple perspectives on each of these issues. This allows you to get a better view of what the issues are and how they affect people in society. This shows you how important it is to take time to understand each side so that you can make more informed decisions on how to act in response.
Love it!
hinafarooqui13 June 2022
I really like the format of this show and how diverse the team is. Its nice that we get to see the team discussions. And its really fresh to see not just one person running it. I like how even the people being interviewed really take the discussion forward. All in all very interesting! Just don't watch it with the lens of the daily show.
Retired as The King, returned as the fool
ryardley-7370728 March 2022
What a nose dive. I watched a lot of John Stewart in my 20's and it opened my eyes to the absurdity of politics and punditry. Now it seems he has turned into the exact people he used to make fun of. There are no jokes here. There is nothing insightful here. Just a list of the same talking points as everybody else, using the same buzz words as everybody else.
Should have stayed away and so should you.
Should have stayed away and so should you.
Heart, empathy, true journalism, sprinkled with humor
tyvo792 October 2021
When you invest as much time and energy as Jon Stewart has in helping people who he personally didn't know until he heard of their plight and have been absolutely screwed over by the government at large that placates to the average voter about how much they care but doesn't deliver on their so called intent to honor those who ended up paying untold sacrifices, then you can criticize. I found the opening episode extremely informative and the humor wasn't pointed and belittling as is the case with most shows of this ilk and Jon's previous gig. Odds are if you are so critical of Jon Stewart and his position, you've never sacrificed your time and reputation to truly help an entire group of people who suffered through horrendous injuries because they selflessly gave their time to help others and who have been forgotten by a society that claims to care for them.
This landed with a thud.
nillabop14 November 2021
I am a HUGE fan of Jon Stewart -- watched TDS almost from the very beginning and had nothing but the utmost respect for how thoughtful and well balanced the reporting was, and how reverent he was even when he interviewed people with whom he thoroughly disagreed. The man could do no wrong, period.
I stand corrected.
The problem with The Problem is, what exactly is this show? Is it supposed to be a comedy? Because most of the jokes are anemic rehashes of his "greatest hits" of self effacement. Is it supposed to inspire a new woke generation who has somehow missed all that's legitimately wrong in this country? Because that is already the demographic who's watching! So who is this show for, and what does he hope to achieve? Unlike John Oliver's rapid fire 20 minute delivery of in depth reporting (which, especially since Covid, has actually become pretty heavy handed with the preachiness) where he makes a valiant effort to unravel miles of whatever red tape he's reporting on, Jon's show has only struck me as a drawn out beating over the heads for people who already agree with him.
And can I just say, I am horrified at how patronizing he has been to at least three of his female guests. Amy Jo Hutchinson very appropriately brought up Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Jon jumped out of his chair like an idiot gleefully declaring what boiled down to "Oh! Look who has a bachelor's degree!" which actually left her defending that she had an education! Go back and look at that segment and tell me if I'm wrong. And then when he asked the two women with horrifying lifelong traumas from their domestic abuse nightmares "what's next for the dynamic duo?" I actually cringed. WTF, Jon? Way to absolutely minimize what these women have been through like they're Thelma and Louise. And, oh yeah, the add on funny segments really aren't funny, unless you happen to be a 12 year old.
I still agree with at least 99% of what Jon Stewart has to say, but this show in its current iteration makes me believe that his eloquence and dynamism may have been part of our past, and sadly not our present or our future.
I stand corrected.
The problem with The Problem is, what exactly is this show? Is it supposed to be a comedy? Because most of the jokes are anemic rehashes of his "greatest hits" of self effacement. Is it supposed to inspire a new woke generation who has somehow missed all that's legitimately wrong in this country? Because that is already the demographic who's watching! So who is this show for, and what does he hope to achieve? Unlike John Oliver's rapid fire 20 minute delivery of in depth reporting (which, especially since Covid, has actually become pretty heavy handed with the preachiness) where he makes a valiant effort to unravel miles of whatever red tape he's reporting on, Jon's show has only struck me as a drawn out beating over the heads for people who already agree with him.
And can I just say, I am horrified at how patronizing he has been to at least three of his female guests. Amy Jo Hutchinson very appropriately brought up Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Jon jumped out of his chair like an idiot gleefully declaring what boiled down to "Oh! Look who has a bachelor's degree!" which actually left her defending that she had an education! Go back and look at that segment and tell me if I'm wrong. And then when he asked the two women with horrifying lifelong traumas from their domestic abuse nightmares "what's next for the dynamic duo?" I actually cringed. WTF, Jon? Way to absolutely minimize what these women have been through like they're Thelma and Louise. And, oh yeah, the add on funny segments really aren't funny, unless you happen to be a 12 year old.
I still agree with at least 99% of what Jon Stewart has to say, but this show in its current iteration makes me believe that his eloquence and dynamism may have been part of our past, and sadly not our present or our future.
Exactly what you'd expect from Jon Stewart
geeboy-488544 October 2021
This really is the Daily Show to the next level but be ready for a way more serious tone....and rightfully so considering how F*&%ED up things are. I see a lot of reviews on here saying "its not funny enough" well thats not entirely it's intention. Yes he adds humor to the show but thats actually brilliant since these topics are way easier to digest when you can laugh here and there. Anyone who thinks the world and more specifically the US govt isnt completely backwards is probably going to give this show a bad review.
Intense
m-rugen1 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Such intense subject matter. I was expecting more stuff along the lines of The Daily Show or Last Week Tonight but damn, Jon Stewart really left me speechless during the first episode. It's weird, I'm looking forward to every episode now but at the same time I'm not, because I feel like I'm going to be floored each time. Even if you're not a fan of Jon Stewart or programs like The Daily Show or Last Week Tonight, this is truly eye opening material and I think everyone needs to watch it. And for anyone reading this who thinks it may be too political, there wasn't a single mention of democrats or republicans in the first episode. Obviously it focused on a governmental issue on a nationwide scale but this needs to be viewed by everyone regardless of political affiliation.
Based on first episode
matthewhecker1 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's great to see Jon Stewart back, and very much enjoyed this first episode. Knowing many veterans and hearing the horror stories of the VA, it's amazing to know Jon is using his platform to shine light on the faults in healthcare systems for vets. And for the kissmyasthma guy who gave this a 1 star, saying that Jon should actually do something instead of just talking about it, maybe they could do a little research and see what Jon has done for the first responders of 9/11, and rethink his review.
Relevant and Smart
wpczrcv30 March 2023
I've watched five episodes at this point. Many will say that Jon is coming at this with a clear bias, what I'm seeing is that he is coming at these topics with a clear opinion, but he is backing his points with actual data.
Many talking heads these days have an agenda and care way more about their ratings than facts. This is Jon's attempt to inform the public and make the world better. If people actually listen with a willingness to learn and accept data, they world would be better off.
My opinions are better informed after watching. If you don't like it, ask yourself why you don't like it. Is it because he isn't backing the viewpoints you already hold? Everyone needs to step out of the echo chamber sometimes.
Many talking heads these days have an agenda and care way more about their ratings than facts. This is Jon's attempt to inform the public and make the world better. If people actually listen with a willingness to learn and accept data, they world would be better off.
My opinions are better informed after watching. If you don't like it, ask yourself why you don't like it. Is it because he isn't backing the viewpoints you already hold? Everyone needs to step out of the echo chamber sometimes.
Sad, just sad
InVinoVerita26 March 2022
I had enjoyed his humor in his past series, respected many of his views, and regularly found common ground in his causes.
After trying to get through the first episode on this series, I found that he uses the same tactics as shock-jocks to pit guests against each other, shuts down people while they are speaking with whom he doesn't agree, attacks and insults guests (not in line with his view) at a personal level versus addressing the topic at hand. Regularly uses vulgarities to emphasis his point, and laughs at his own comments... I guess to let the audience know it was supposed to be funny.
I certainly don't mind the occasional outburst or obscenities in a show, but 40+ minutes of ad-nauseum self-righteousness emphasized by foul language just doesn't do it for me. It's unfortunate that he's lowered himself to such levels. Maybe he took cues from our last President on how to make yourself more popular. As another reviewer who gave him 10 out of 10 stars titled his review "JS Making TV Great Again", how ironic indeed. And, maybe that's the problem with Jon???
After trying to get through the first episode on this series, I found that he uses the same tactics as shock-jocks to pit guests against each other, shuts down people while they are speaking with whom he doesn't agree, attacks and insults guests (not in line with his view) at a personal level versus addressing the topic at hand. Regularly uses vulgarities to emphasis his point, and laughs at his own comments... I guess to let the audience know it was supposed to be funny.
I certainly don't mind the occasional outburst or obscenities in a show, but 40+ minutes of ad-nauseum self-righteousness emphasized by foul language just doesn't do it for me. It's unfortunate that he's lowered himself to such levels. Maybe he took cues from our last President on how to make yourself more popular. As another reviewer who gave him 10 out of 10 stars titled his review "JS Making TV Great Again", how ironic indeed. And, maybe that's the problem with Jon???
No, it's not the daily show
captaintetanus31 March 2023
Jon quit doing the daily show because he didn't want to be doing the daily show anymore, so I don't know why so many people are expecting this show to be like the daily show. That show was great while he was happy doing it, and now he's happy doing this one and it's great too. Don't expect him to stay the same, don't expect that of anyone. People grow and change. If you're not growing and changing as life goes by, what's the point?--So I think this show is good because Jon is enjoying doing it, and his enthusiasm is what's needed to make it great. He's addressing serious problems with his honest, sensible, and open mind. He asks questions that should be asked and he listens to the answers -- Watch this show with an open mind. Don't live in the past.
Only for a few not many
mike-cochran519 October 2021
I find Jon funny and smart, but this show is sometimes funny, occasionally smart and almost always smarmy. The focus is make fun of what he disagrees with, be little people through a narrow world lens and then pander to those who already agree. Just not entertaining or effective we have cnn for that minus the funny but my guess is the rating will be similar after the audience misses the old daily show Jon.
LOL at those complaining of "wokeness"!
critic-97-41765724 November 2021
Who are these people who are so insulted when confronted with their own privileged existence? They realize that the term "woke" is used to describe people who are fighting for rights and equality, right? But somehow, that's now a bad thing and being "woke" is an insult. LOL!
It really is quite sad.
It really is quite sad.
Jon Stewart Making TV Great Again
fleck05IMDB5 October 2021
The opening show is solid - and looks at a problem anyone with family members that served in Afghanistan know about - burn pits. Jon Stewart is great at breaking down a problem into simple, understandable terms using incredible empathy sprinkled with a dusting of humor. I rarely agree with Stewart's politics, but I always watched him (on The Daily Show) because he's smart, funny and has a heart. When he shamed politicians into doing the right thing for 9/11 first responders, he got a fan for life. Now taking on the burn pit issue - I might have my first man crush.
Even when he starts doing shows with a point-of-view I disagree with... and he will... I'll still be watching.
Even when he starts doing shows with a point-of-view I disagree with... and he will... I'll still be watching.
A quality first showing. Surprisingly hard-hitting discussion.
softdrinkpigeon4 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I have to admit, I was skeptical of how quality Jon's return would be especially after reading a less enthusiastic review on "The Problem" via The New York Times. Fortunately, it was better than I expected. It's a good-flowing format that provides a neat piece of investigative coverage and touches on heavy topics while also remaining palatable, and I think it's commendable of a creative like Jon (who could have pursued any venture in life at this point) to try and put it together. A welcomed return for Mr. Stewart.
"The Problem" treads a line of comedy and journalism (probably significantly less comedy than most viewers will expect, but it's still there) and Jon is a good host for it, especially as he gets older and has seemingly matured and looks to take on a more critical and analytical role. This is surely not as satiric as his role on "The Daily Show". "The Problem" shies away from late night talk show comedy vibes and goes for a more sober intimation, and it feels like it genuinely wants to take a closer look at things. Still, the show never takes itself too seriously and strikes a satisfying balance. Jon said he sees "The Problem" as being a way to amplify issues, and provide comfort, support, entertainment, and insight. This biweekly show is a deeper dive then, well, the daily "The Daily Show". It being biweekly and on Apple TV gives it more time to plot and more freedom to do what it wants, which is a good place to be, although less people are likely to watch it due to the subscription. The show was put together well. I was illuminated about burn pits and thought deeper and differently about the topics, and I think that's a quality service in that format for a lot of people today especially if it continues to bring that spotlight to a range of problems. I presume the show will only get better once Jon and the team get in the groove and get their legs under them. I wasn't sure it was a show I'd see myself watching regularly, but after watching the first episode, it's a show I'd always be down to watch if it's in front of me and that I'd maybe even seek out.
The first episode starts with a monologue. Then Jon introduces the topic--burn pits, which are a method the US military uses overseas to dispose of everything from day-to-day trash, uniforms, chemical waste, and feces, all in close proximity to the troops' living quarters. Whatever it is, throw it in the pit and burn it! The problem is that troops breathe in the toxic, black smoke from the burn pits and get severe health problems from it ranging from asthma to cancer and everything in between. When they try to get health coverage from the VA afterwards, the VA essentially bails on them by stalling, ignoring, or requesting more data from them. Jon speaks with a panel of veterans who share their experiences. It's very open, like a town hall session, with the veterans airing their grievances. Their stories are unjust and touching. Next, Jon goes to the Department of Veteran Affairs to conduct what is edited down to a roughly 12 minute long interview with the Secretary of Veteran Affairs himself, Denis McDonough. It's a solid portion of the show, around one third of the runtime after skits and breaks in segments. It felt impressive and actionable that he went straight to the Secretary right away. The interview was surprisingly uncompromising, with Stewart aggressively pressing McDonough for answers. I've heard in the next episode he speaks with Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary, so it will be a recurring point of the show to speak to the "stakeholders" (veterans) and someone with the power to make a change (Secretary of Veteran Affairs). Finally, at the end of the episode there are some closing remarks. This along with a few whimsical, prerecorded, comedy bits at breaks make up the runtime.
It's a nice development from Jon. He maybe isn't the most prototypical, legitimate journalist and you get the impression that he's still learning to adjust to the new approach, but kudos to him for stepping out and trying something new. As he said, his whole run on the Daily Show he never really sat down and conducted a separate interview like he did already on the first episode of the new show with the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. I think it did shed a light on things and give veterans a platform. At the very least, he made coverage of ill veterans an oddly comforting 43 minutes of television. The problem of burn pits certainly is a problem, so the premise of the show is valid. I'm looking forward to more episodes and hoping Jon can grow into this role and provide more genuine coverage for a long time to come. Glad he is back.
"The Problem" treads a line of comedy and journalism (probably significantly less comedy than most viewers will expect, but it's still there) and Jon is a good host for it, especially as he gets older and has seemingly matured and looks to take on a more critical and analytical role. This is surely not as satiric as his role on "The Daily Show". "The Problem" shies away from late night talk show comedy vibes and goes for a more sober intimation, and it feels like it genuinely wants to take a closer look at things. Still, the show never takes itself too seriously and strikes a satisfying balance. Jon said he sees "The Problem" as being a way to amplify issues, and provide comfort, support, entertainment, and insight. This biweekly show is a deeper dive then, well, the daily "The Daily Show". It being biweekly and on Apple TV gives it more time to plot and more freedom to do what it wants, which is a good place to be, although less people are likely to watch it due to the subscription. The show was put together well. I was illuminated about burn pits and thought deeper and differently about the topics, and I think that's a quality service in that format for a lot of people today especially if it continues to bring that spotlight to a range of problems. I presume the show will only get better once Jon and the team get in the groove and get their legs under them. I wasn't sure it was a show I'd see myself watching regularly, but after watching the first episode, it's a show I'd always be down to watch if it's in front of me and that I'd maybe even seek out.
The first episode starts with a monologue. Then Jon introduces the topic--burn pits, which are a method the US military uses overseas to dispose of everything from day-to-day trash, uniforms, chemical waste, and feces, all in close proximity to the troops' living quarters. Whatever it is, throw it in the pit and burn it! The problem is that troops breathe in the toxic, black smoke from the burn pits and get severe health problems from it ranging from asthma to cancer and everything in between. When they try to get health coverage from the VA afterwards, the VA essentially bails on them by stalling, ignoring, or requesting more data from them. Jon speaks with a panel of veterans who share their experiences. It's very open, like a town hall session, with the veterans airing their grievances. Their stories are unjust and touching. Next, Jon goes to the Department of Veteran Affairs to conduct what is edited down to a roughly 12 minute long interview with the Secretary of Veteran Affairs himself, Denis McDonough. It's a solid portion of the show, around one third of the runtime after skits and breaks in segments. It felt impressive and actionable that he went straight to the Secretary right away. The interview was surprisingly uncompromising, with Stewart aggressively pressing McDonough for answers. I've heard in the next episode he speaks with Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary, so it will be a recurring point of the show to speak to the "stakeholders" (veterans) and someone with the power to make a change (Secretary of Veteran Affairs). Finally, at the end of the episode there are some closing remarks. This along with a few whimsical, prerecorded, comedy bits at breaks make up the runtime.
It's a nice development from Jon. He maybe isn't the most prototypical, legitimate journalist and you get the impression that he's still learning to adjust to the new approach, but kudos to him for stepping out and trying something new. As he said, his whole run on the Daily Show he never really sat down and conducted a separate interview like he did already on the first episode of the new show with the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. I think it did shed a light on things and give veterans a platform. At the very least, he made coverage of ill veterans an oddly comforting 43 minutes of television. The problem of burn pits certainly is a problem, so the premise of the show is valid. I'm looking forward to more episodes and hoping Jon can grow into this role and provide more genuine coverage for a long time to come. Glad he is back.
We Love Having You Back
jakeccurtis1 October 2021
A show that is not political...so far
SirDipjol1 October 2021
Update: After watching a few episodes. I have changed my views. Jon is very cautious about what he says. He just utters what his left leaning writer would write for him.
Great to see that the legends has return.
The show separates itself from what the talk shows has become in the last 5-6 years.
Shows the real problem of the society w/o choosing a political side. Reminds me of how great The Daily Show and Colbert Report used to be.
Great to see that the legends has return.
The show separates itself from what the talk shows has become in the last 5-6 years.
Shows the real problem of the society w/o choosing a political side. Reminds me of how great The Daily Show and Colbert Report used to be.
I never understood the popularity of Stewart..... Until now.
bluesman-9674714 October 2021
I came to The Daily Show when Trevor Noah took over but it seemed that the ghost of Stewart loomed large and that he was an obvious American treasure.
But watching past clips I was still not taken by his general sense of humour, so I guess I was in the can't please all the people all of the time camp.
Then I took note o what he did in scolding congress when it came to 911 vets and I was hugely impressed.
I expected this new show to be an 'I'm back' daily show knock off, so was going to give it a miss but I was just intrigued enough to give it a whirl.
Boy was I surprised in a hugely impressive fashion.
Traditionally it seemed that few Americans ever looked at the worst of their nations deeds and faced truths, instead deciding to do the God Bless America/Greatest county in history/most powerful/best democracy blow the trumpet, wave the flag, freedom, don't tread on me thing in order to escape facing realities.
But from the first 2 episodes, Stewart pulls no punches in exposing the very worst, not with a view of being unpatriotic, just to show the freedom of truth.
I have no doubt that the stereotypical freedom toting, Fox news/MAGA worshipping types will not go near this for fear that they may discover shame and a conscience. Likewise, the typical all in capitalist that also tries to avoid the socialist nature of so much o America's culture. Ted Nugent will like soil his pants (again) at the very thought of looking into the mirror.
But I also wonder how many others will watch an then forget.
Still, as a real journalistic piece of truth it is is truly remarkable. If only CNN/MSNBC hosts were to show the same level of scrutiny in their daily breakdown of the news.
I am hooked and although from the other side of the pond, salute Stewart for something that is worthy of a Ken Burns award and should resonate across the globe, if only people were to watch an learn from their own nations failings.
But watching past clips I was still not taken by his general sense of humour, so I guess I was in the can't please all the people all of the time camp.
Then I took note o what he did in scolding congress when it came to 911 vets and I was hugely impressed.
I expected this new show to be an 'I'm back' daily show knock off, so was going to give it a miss but I was just intrigued enough to give it a whirl.
Boy was I surprised in a hugely impressive fashion.
Traditionally it seemed that few Americans ever looked at the worst of their nations deeds and faced truths, instead deciding to do the God Bless America/Greatest county in history/most powerful/best democracy blow the trumpet, wave the flag, freedom, don't tread on me thing in order to escape facing realities.
But from the first 2 episodes, Stewart pulls no punches in exposing the very worst, not with a view of being unpatriotic, just to show the freedom of truth.
I have no doubt that the stereotypical freedom toting, Fox news/MAGA worshipping types will not go near this for fear that they may discover shame and a conscience. Likewise, the typical all in capitalist that also tries to avoid the socialist nature of so much o America's culture. Ted Nugent will like soil his pants (again) at the very thought of looking into the mirror.
But I also wonder how many others will watch an then forget.
Still, as a real journalistic piece of truth it is is truly remarkable. If only CNN/MSNBC hosts were to show the same level of scrutiny in their daily breakdown of the news.
I am hooked and although from the other side of the pond, salute Stewart for something that is worthy of a Ken Burns award and should resonate across the globe, if only people were to watch an learn from their own nations failings.
Where's the humor?
dropkickc30 September 2021
It's like a watered down, worse written version of the daily show that lacks humor. The lack of humor is really the killer for me. I LOVE Jon and was a die hard Daily Show fan but so far (1st episode) this came across as wayyy too preachy and really struggles for laughs. John Oliver has his preach moments which is fine if it's supplemented by humor which his show is and this show is not. Skip it, watch John Oliver instead.
Welcome back!!!
wilresto3 October 2021
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