America Needs Good Political Satire

Hollywood and politics are a bitter cocktail for conservatives. And when served in the glass of the entertainment industry, it is pungent and progressive but rarely entertaining or thought-provoking.

Yet the industry could be playing a more productive role in politics. Television, in particular, has the potential to fill a gaping hole in the cultural landscape with a national political satire. There’s a civic good here: A study by Amy Becker of Towson University showed that exposure to such satire increases the likelihood that people, especially young people, will participate in politics. So, as many disengage over polarization, comedy could serve as a possible corrective. But there’s also a market motivation. Where is such a show right now? There isn’t one.

AS

About the Author

Arjun Singh

Arjun Singh is an editorial intern at National Review.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Washington D.C.

Hollywood and politics are a bitter cocktail for conservatives. And when served in the glass of the entertainment industry, it is pungent and progressive but rarely entertaining or thought-provoking.

Yet the industry could be playing a more productive role in politics. Television, in particular, has the potential to fill a gaping hole in the cultural landscape with a national political satire. There’s a civic good here: A study by Amy Becker of Towson University showed that exposure to such satire increases the likelihood that people, especially young people, will participate in politics. So, as many disengage over polarization, comedy could serve as a possible corrective. But there’s also a market motivation. Where is such a show right now? There isn’t one.