In a notable display of satire and social commentary, two prominent late-night shows—The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Daily Show—recently channeled the iconic style of filmmaker Ken Burns to address the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. These segments not only provided comedic relief but also shone a light on the serious issue at the center of current events.
The backdrop for this witty take was primarily the controversial deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles by the Trump Administration. Critics viewed this move as unnecessary, leading both programs to craft their interpretations of what a Ken Burns documentary might look like in this context. Their approach provided a unique lens through which to view both the absurdity and the seriousness of the situation.
The Late Show kicked off the laughter with a pre-taped cold open titled The Ice Protests: A Film by Ken Burns. This segment threw audiences back to a time when letter writing was a norm, as the scene opened with a quill writing a heartfelt letter. The narrator’s voice, filled with mock seriousness, expressed his confusion regarding the mission’s purpose: “My dearest Martha, it has been four days now since we’ve been deployed to Los Angeles. I still have no clue what our mission is.”
The absurdity escalated comically as the narrator shifted gears, unexpectedly interrupting his own saga with a casual mention of encountering Rod Stewart. This playful juxtaposition of military deployment with a celebrity sighting captured the essence of the show’s humor and criticism.
In a similar vein, The Daily Show opted to feature a segment presented by Desi Lydic, titled Ken Burns Presents: A Soldier’s Experience in Los Angeles. In her opening segment, Lydic referenced Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s proclamation about the armed forces’ deployment possibly lasting at least 60 days. She remarked dryly, “It’s going to make for a very weird Ken Burns documentary.” The humor highlighted the disconnect between the gravity of military deployment and the mundane experiences of the soldiers involved.
The narrative in The Daily Show’s piece excelled in securing laughs through its depiction of an ordinary life overshadowed by the pretense of upheaval. The narrator expressed sentiments such as, “I write from the not-at-all war-torn Whole Foods parking lot on Fairfax and 3rd, across from The Grove,” dramatically contrasting the idea of soldiers being in perilous situations with the reality of a luxury shopping environment.
As the segment unfolded, references to celebrities like Hailey Bieber and the high-end restaurant Nobu were sprinkled in, underscoring the incongruous lifestyle juxtaposed against the military theme. The narrator’s humorous lament about the loss of “Johnny,” who caught the “improv bug” and signed with UTA, further underlined the bizarre normalcy the troops experienced during this deployment.
While both shows exhibited parallel ideas and comedic insights, it’s not surprising that moments of shared creative direction voiced similar themes. Colbert and Lydic, coming from a shared comedic lineage—both being part of the broader Daily Show family—exhibited how humor can be a powerful avenue for critiquing political decisions and raising awareness, especially during tense societal moments like the current LA protests.
In sum, these late-night portrayals, while comedic in nature, exhibit profound layers of social commentary. They invite viewers to reflect on the reality of military actions, the absurdity of certain governmental decisions, and the stark contrasts that define modern America. Through the lens of satire, both The Late Show and The Daily Show encourage us to think critically about the circumstances surrounding us, reminding us how humor can serve as a viable tool for understanding serious issues.
The ongoing protests in Los Angeles, coupled with actions by the military and governmental bodies, present complex narratives that resonate deeply with the American public. Both shows have successfully harnessed the humor in this turmoil, putting a spotlight on the absurd nature of political decisions while simultaneously reminding us that moments of levity can be found even in challenging times.
Through the lens of Ken Burns-inspired retrospectives, they allow us a reprieve from the grind of daily news while offering keen insights. As we continue to witness unfolding events, comedians and late-night hosts play a crucial role in contextualizing these moments, bridging the gap between serious reporting and engaging entertainment. Their unique takes serve not just to amuse us but to provoke thought, stimulate awareness, and inspire dialogue around pressing societal issues.
