List of The Daily Show episodes (2026)

Jon analyzes U.S. forces' capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and how Donald Trump and his administration went from "America First" to "going full conquistador" in claiming Venezuela's resources and threatening the likes of Colombia and Cuba;^[2] Senator and former Navy combat pilot Mark Kelly defends his recent message that service members can refuse illegal orders (the reason the Secretary of Defense is censuring him), and discusses Trump's "major ego problem" and the need for Democrats to win Congress and put the president in check; "Your Moment of Zen" (Senator Lindsey Graham's wish that "2026 will be the year that we make Iran great again").

"America's Noble War for Freedom in Venezuela Presented by ExxonMobil" (Nicolas Maduro and his wife appear in court, while Stephen Miller and MAGA try to justify their capture); the rush to buy the same Nike fleece jacket Maduro wore during his apprehension inspires an ad for "Strongmen's Wearhouse" ("We've got the looks from all the countries Donald Trump is threatening to invade"); the worry over microplastic pollution inspires a second ad, for "Vitamin Plastic Water" (vitamins in plastic bottles dumped into the-lake-to-fish-to-human food chain); with Ronny not needing Ken Jeong for an interpreter (the guest brought his own), Director Park Chan-wook discusses developing an American novel into a Korean film, satirizing capitalism, and how movie struggles' demise also threatens filmmaking;^[3] "Your Moment of Zen" (Trump on how his wife thinks his dancing is "not presidential").

"America's Noble War for Freedom in Venezuela Presented by ExxonMobil" (Donald Trump demands Venezuela's oil while becoming its new leader and eyeing other territories to conquer, namely Greenland); Michael Kosta applauds Trump's mafia-like nation extortions; Jordan Klepper profiles Benny Johnson's rise from plagiarizing journalist to White House press pool member in "News to Meet You";^[4] Stephen J. Dubner discusses how he and co-author Steven Levitt combined judgement-free storytelling and data in Freakonomics, and offers some economic insights for 2026.

Ronny dissects reactions to ICE's killing of a Minneapolis woman, in particular the Trump administration's narrative that the victim was the agitator; he also questions how ICE's aggressive recruiting push led to unqualified agents "acting less like law enforcement and more like a lawless militia"; it leads to an ad offering enticements (e.g. PlayStation boxes, YouTube Premium accounts) to recruits who don't join ICE; Michael Kosta and his dog, Walter, visit a pet psychic in Maine; after another actor named Liu makes a surprise entrance, Lucy Liu comes out to discuss the years-long challenge to make Rosemead and the film's intense familial themes.

Jon asks "What the f**k is happening in this country?" after a busy week of Donald Trump coveting Greenland, threatening Iran, siccing the DOJ on The Federal Reserve chair, and divvying up oil from Venezuela (of which he was listed its "acting president" on Wikipedia); Jon also laments the right's insistence that Renée Good was radical and the January 6 rioters peaceful, as well as Trump's declaration that his morality is the only check on his power;^[5] ADC National Legal Director Jenin Younes offers her analysis on ICE's actions in Minneapolis and other blue cities & states, how claims of said locales' "non-compliance" is exaggerated, and the intersection of anti-immigrant rhetoric with working class frustrations; "Your Moment of Zen" (Newsmax's Rob Finnerty mocks CNN's accented pronunciation of Nicolas Maduro's name).

Allegedly bad things on "The Worst Wing": Perfidy by Pete Hegseth, explicit images by Elon Musk's Grok, and an inappropriate relationship by the Secretary of Labor; Jordan and Troy Iwata break down how (and why) RFK Jr. turned the Food Pyramid upside down; "In My Opinion" (Charlamagne Tha God worries this MLK Day may be the last); Joachim Trier on building trust among a film's cast, encouraging them to take risks, and swapping antagonists for tender characters.

"Headlines" (Donald Trump supports Iran's protestors and gives a Detroit factory worker the middle finger, an attitude Minneapolis protestors display toward ICE and right-wing media); "America's Fashiest Home Videos" makes comedy out of ICE pratfalls; Langhorne Slim on the resonance of his older music in current times, the importance of creativity, and collaborating with Greta Van Fleet on The Dreamin' Kind (from which he also performs "Rock & Roll"); "Your Moment of Zen" (Trump's claim that milk helps him ace cognitive tests).

"Headlines" (Donald Trump hypes up whole milk while Europe comes to Greenland's defense); "I☭NY" (Jordan summarizes what "nightmares" Mayor Zohran Mamdani has thrust upon New York after two weeks, while residents tell Josh Johnson that free public restrooms and expanded childcare are alright); Grace Kuhlenschmidt highlights CES show gadgets in "Tech Yeah!"; Wagner Moura on how making a film set during a military dictatorship in his native Brazil helped process perplexity over a more recent autocratic reign.

"Donald Trump Engages in Respectful International Diplomacy" (Trump gets a "certified, pre-owned" Nobel Peace Prize from its actual recipient while coveting something much bigger—Greenland); Michael Kosta demonstrates how kicking one's own butt is a winning diplomatic strategy, countering Josh's doubts about Trump's tariff threats being effective diplomacy; "Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse" (Norwegians look askance at Trump's Nobel campaigning); BBBS president/CEO Artis Stevens on the community-changing importance of mentorship and social infrastructure.

"Headlines" finds Donald Trump doing "prop comedy" in listing his accomplishments, then hyping a "concept of a deal" concerning Greenland (or Iceland?) at Davos; Josh applauds European leaders for telling Trump "no" on Greenland, while Jordan Klepper is ready to join US forces invading whatever "Land" they're asked to invade;^[6] "Everything Is Stupid" (Ronny Chieng on former New York City mayor Eric Adams' cryptocurrency venture); Simu Liu on his experience as a stock photo model and backup stunt performer, and the similarities & differences between film and stage acting.

Surveying the first year of Donald Trump's second term, Josh finds that the only person benefiting from Trump's promises of wealth, jobs, healthcare, and free speech is Trump himself; "Back in Black" (Lewis Black on Gen Z taking up retro bad habits); Alexandria Stapleton on ensuring The Reckoning didn't indict all of hip-hop culture for Sean Combs' crimes, how the documentary's interviewees have become less trepidatious, and how Combs might reinvent himself yet again.

Jordan Klepper offers a DHS-friendly photo of the lead-up to Alex Pretti's killing that shows kittens as stand-ins for ICE agents and a Marvel villain for Pretti; Jon calls out justifications by conservatives and the Trump administration that Pretti was a gun-toting threat (despite "grainy Zapruder footage" showing only a camera in his hands);^[7] Washington Post director of Freedom Initiatives Jason Rezaian recalls how humor got him through his imprisonment in Iran, and discusses that country's ongoing protests and how any deal with the U.S. will only beholden Iran's oppressive regime.

Desi and Troy Iwata "respectfully" offer new style looks for Greg Bovino after his ICE-out from Minneapolis; "Headlines" also covers conservatives' post-Pretti push-back against DHS, and Marco Rubio's admission that he hides from Donald Trump on Air Force One; "Sports War" (Ronny Chieng & Michael Kosta on the "Fraiser Bowl," the NHL's Heated Rivalry-fuled resurgence, and ski jumpers' "Nordick shame"); Michael Urie recalls how Vanessa Williams granted him acting agency on the Ugly Betty pilot, and discusses working with Harrison Ford & "baby actors" on Shrinking.

"Headlines" (Trump administration figures blame each other in the Alex Pretti fallout, while Ilhan Omar hits back after vinegar and Donald Trump's insults hit her); an ad for "The Trump Account Challenge" promises $1000 "if you can live long enough to turn 18 in Trump's America"; "In My Opinion" (Whitney Cummings on Democrats lining up for 2028);^[8] Mikie Sherrill on how Congressional gridlock motivated her to run for governor, preparing New Jerseyans for the ICE threat, and seeking Trump's ear regarding Gateway Program funding.^[9]

"Samuel L. Schumer" goes blue in demanding DHS changes; Desi reviews the promo push surrounding the Melania Trump documentary, while Ronny Chieng & Michael Kosta review the film's bribes; Grace Kuhlenschmidt meets a Wisconsin man who's built an immunity to snake venom; Katherine LaNasa on how both The Pitt and her cancer treatment helped her build compassion towards healthcare workers.

Jon acknowledges his name was in the latest Epstein files release (in that "somebody like Jon Stewart" was suggested to narrate a Woody Allen biography), before noting how, thanks to DOJ inaction on the files, "the real sanctuary city" is one "where money & power" protects the rich & famous from the consequences of their bad behavior; Heather Ann Thompson recalls a white man's unprovoked shooting of four Black youths on a New York subway, and how the racial & economic divides that preceded it, and the reactions after it, still linger today; "Your Moment of Zen" (Donald Trump compliments the "professionally made" signs carried by "insurrectionists and agitators").

"Headlines" (conservatives promote a Super Bowl halftime alternative, while Donald Trump promotes "nationalizing" elections and his never-ending claim about "winning" in 2020); Troy Iwata on the belief that Trump's only joking about cancelling the midterms; "Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse" of Melania premiere attendees at the Kennedy Center; Paul Rosolie on the Amazon rainforest's importance to the global ecosystem, and how deforestation in the region pushed a tribe of uncontacted peoples out of seclusion.

Michael examines Donald Trump's latest "fun merch drop" and verbal broadside toward a journalist (Kaitlan Collins); Grace Kuhlenschmidt says Trump's D.C. building spree is his way of marking his territory around the city; "The Daily Showography" offers a "for your consideration"-style profile of Gavin Newsom;^[11] Ms. Pat on learning to believe in herself and fighting to incorporate current events into her self-titled sitcom.

Donald Trump brags about the military's "Discombobulator" weapon, while public figures not named Trump face the impact of their names in the Epstein files; "The Art of the Altercation" (Desi Lydic on Trump's long-held beef with the NFL); former Navy SEAL Marcus Capone discusses the use of psychoactive drugs to treat PTSD, efforts Jon Shenk documents through animation in In Waves and War.

Jon examines why MAGA sees as divisive Bad Bunny (for singing in Spanish) and an American Olympian (for having "mixed emotions" representing the U.S.) while their figurehead doles out his share of animosity (and racist memes) toward Americans;^[12] Andy Beshear on being a Democratic governor in a Republican-leaning state, the consequences of Donald Trump's presidency on Kentuckians, and the need for fellow Dems to communicate the "why" of their policies to constituents.^[13]

"The Very Normal and Not Shady Handling of the Epstein Files" names names: Donald Trump (who Jamie Raskin says appears "millions of times" in unredacted files), Howard Lutnick (who admits taking his family to Jeffrey Epstein's island) and King Charles (who's called out over his disgraced brother); Ronny Chieng calls out dinosaur fossils for their links to Epstein (since a paleontologist's own connections were revealed); "Sports War" (Jordan and Desi Lydic on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show, an Olympic skater's Minion costume, and another Olympian's unique way of criticizing ICE); Tim Blake Nelson on writing a novel about a superhero film production and America's relationship with the superhero narrative; "Your Moment of Zen" (a Newsmax interviewer misidentifies Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska as "Eric Schmitt of Missouri").

"Headlines" (a bronze-winning Olympian admits to infidelity, while Pam Bondi goes off the rails before Congress); "The Troll of the Gordie Howe Bridge" offers riddles as to why Donald Trump wants to block its opening (the answers all being "bribe"); "So Not Our Problem" (Troy Iwata on China's birth & death issues, a French fry-covered English coastline, and German cockroach conscription); Andrew Jarecki on inmates' use of contraband phones to document inhumane treatment in Alabama prisons.

Jordan and Michael Kosta on Donald Trump backing up his latest fake award win, for "Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal," with actual pro-coal/anti-regulation actions; Grace Kuhlenschmidt on the impact of American digital nomads living in Mexico City; Jacob Frey on the announced end of Operation Metro Surge ("I will believe it when I see it"), the strength of Minneapolis residents against ICE, and meeting New York's mayor to discuss protecting American cities from unconstitutional actions.^[14]

Jon and Desi Lydic on the right's geopolitical celebration of Team USA's Olympic hockey victory over Canada, as well as FBI director and "Make-a-Wish man" Kash Patel's post-game party with the team;^[15] Jon also analyzes the Supreme Court's strike-down of Donald Trump's tariff strategy and a possible U.S. war with Iran; Mechele Dickerson on how government created and abandoned the American middle class, and what can be done to preserve the middle-class' American dream.

While DJ Jordan Klepper frequently interrupts with march music (since the FCC chair wants patriotic content on the airwaves), Desi covers JD Vance's crescent roll recipe, Kristi Noem's "taxpayer-funded f**k plane," and RFK Jr.'s workout with Kid Rock in "The Worst Wing"; Michael Kosta probes research that seeks to make sex in space possible; Padma Lakshmi roasts Vance's cooking skills, and discusses returning to the reality competition genre and how the Trump administration's immigration policies affect the culinary industry.

Desi recaps the gory descriptives, award giving, and standing ovations (by just the Republicans) that made up Donald Trump's State of the Union address; Troy Iwata is disappointed he didn't get an award while attending the speech; Jordan Klepper analyzes LindellTV in "News to Meet You"; Jonathan Haidt (of NYU's Stern School of Business) and Catherine Price (founder of Screen/Life Balance) discuss teaching kids how to live a life that prioritizes friendship & fun ahead of technology.

"The Very Normal and Not Shady Handling of the Epstein Files" (Bill Gates and Hillary & Bill Clinton deal with their Epstein connections, while Donald Trump's DOJ buries an explosive allegation against the president); Michael Kosta on a snowball fight that conservative media turned into a riot against the NYPD; "Tech Yeah!" (Grace Kuhlenschmidt on the Pitt/Cruise AI fight, fart-tracking underwear, science-backed dance moves, and Waymo's human solution to open car doors); Desi recalls earning her SAG card on Scrubs to Christa Miller, who discusses leaning into vulnerability as an actor in Shrinking, working with husband Bill Lawrence, and how working in New York nightclubs prepared her for music supervision; "Your Moment of Zen" (JD Vance on not making a stupid face at the State of the Union).

Jon blasts the U.S./Israeli attack on Iran, and how Donald Trump & his allies went "from 'peace through strength' to 'peace through war,'" in "Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle"; Jordan Klepper edits Trump speeches to make it look like the president wanted "new wars" all along;^[16] Jafar Panahi (through interpreter Sheida Dayani) discusses not following audiences' tastes, capturing the humanity of his films' characters, and why he plans to return to Iran despite being censored and prosecuted there ("It's just my country").^[17]

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" (conservatives debate calling this war a "war," while Donald Trump stocks up, friendly fire takes down a U.S. fighter jet, and Americans are told to take the bus out of the Middle East);^[18] "In My Opinion" (Leslie Jones calls out the causes of male loneliness); Geeta Gandbhir on documenting the effects of gun violence & "stand your ground" laws in The Perfect Neighbor, capturing the coexistence of faith & reproductive rights in The Devil is Busy, and holding up a mirror to society through filmmaking; "Your Moment of Zen" (Trump says "Nobody's going to tell us not to use [their air bases]" after Spain denied the U.S. the use of theirs).

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" ("Mark" & "Wayne" Mullin disagree over calling this war a "war," while Michael equates Pete Hegseth and his "no mercy" attitude toward Iran to "cheesy" movie villains); Grace Kuhlenschmidt suggests Donald Trump could be Iran's next supreme leader ("It's kind of an upgrade");^[19] "In Too Deep" (Josh Johnson breaks down the N-word controversy at the BAFTAs); Erika Alexander on returning to TV acting and creating Hollywood opportunities for herself & marginalized talents after Living Single.

Kristi Noem is out of "The Worst Wing," while RFK Jr. has a beef against sugary drinks and Pete Hegseth the same against Scouting America's "woke" culture; Jordan Klepper dons his old Boy Scout uniform to add the "3-times married" badge and other new Hegseth-inspired badges; Grace Kuhlenschmidt on whether 15-minute cities are walkable utopias or government repression; Mychal Threets on how libraries foster inclusiveness and benefited his own mental health.

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" finds Jon connecting Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure to rising gas prices and recession, and recapping criticisms of news media's war coverage by the Defense secretary and FCC chairman; Jon then gathers "a panel of experts" — "President Trump," "Donald J. Trump," "DJT," and "John Barron" (as well as caller "'Donnie' from Palm Beach") — to offer "lucid and clear cut" thoughts on the war (only for them to offer conflicting opinions);^[20] Matt Mahan discusses his background in public school teaching and tech startups, using data to create pragmatic solutions, and building constituents' trust.

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" (Donald Trump eyes Cuba while claiming "a former president" approves of his war with Iran, even though a now-former counterterrorism official disapproves); MAGA's internal debate over the war devolves into one over penis size; Troy Iwata doubts rumors that Iran's new supreme leader is gay;^[21] Trump Administration threats toward the media inspires an ad for "Free Speech Plus," where one can say (almost) anything they want about the president for $50/month ($40/month with ads); George Saunders discusses showing empathy for Vigil's main character (a dying tycoon forced to rationalize his brutal decisions) and finding light in a world of cruelty & chaos; "Your Moment of Zen" (local news anchors try saying "Top o' the morning to you!").

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" (conservatives tell Americans to suck it up and pay high gas prices); Rand Paul brings up an old beef against fellow Senator Markwayne Mullin at Mullin's DHS confirmation hearing; Grace Kuhlenschmidt challenges both senators (and Jordan) to a duel; "Sports War" (Jordan and Desi Lydic on the WBC championship, AI-completed March Madness brackets, and the NBA scuttling a strip club tribute); Steve Zahn on co-writing, producing, and acting (alongside his daughter) in She Dances, and how he and Ethan Hawke have evolved from "iconic slacker characters".

"Headlines" (Donald Trump jokes about the Pearl Harbor attack, while Afroman wins "hip-hop's weirdest beef");^[22] "Ko$ta Doin' Business" (Michael Kosta on Pokémon cards, a Topo Chico shortage, and trash-talking fast-food CEOs); Rebecca Traister on channeling anger in positive ways, and the under-recognized roles of Claudette Colvin and other women, girls, and nonbinary people throughout history.

Jon doubts Donald Trump's claim he's been talking to a "top person" in Iran, especially after Trump's weekend of golfing, partying, and touring Graceland; Jon also criticizes the assignment of ICE agents to TSA airport assistance;^[23] Jake Sullivan recalls actually speaking with Iranian officials on nuclear capability issues, and offers his insights on Trump's approach to Iran in particular and foreign relations in general; Jon and Josh Johnson's exchange of Chuck Schumer impressions leads into Schumer's own critique on Trump's ICE/TSA plan in "Your Moment of Zen."

Josh gives ICE "The Most Improved Agency Award" for "just standing around" and not assisting TSA workers at airport check-ins ("But it's keeping them off the streets"); an ad for "ICE PreCheck" promises "service so good, it's practically un-American"; "Ronny Chieng's Eye on AI" (a former OpenAI researcher warns that AI could make humanity extinct); Josh gives a mini-roast of Sterling K. Brown, who discusses why he became an actor, motivating fellow artists, and who he'd invite to his Paradise-style bunker.

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" (as Al Roker forecasts "haboobs" in the Middle East, Donald Trump says the war is already won while Iran says otherwise); U.S. Army plans to loosen enlistment requirements inspires a recruitment ad that admits "we need a f**k-ton of troops";^[24] Desi Lydic examines politicians' cringeworthy attempts at connecting with Gen Z; The Kid Mero on going from Hot 97 listener to Hot 97 host, advocating for un-housed youth with Covenant House, and tying Timberlands the New York way.

"The Worst Wing" (Donald Trump is surprised that the new DHS secretary is a Native American, while Dr. Oz hypes up walking and RFK Jr. takes the knife to a dead raccoon's penis); Grace Kuhlenschmidt on Melania Trump bringing a humanoid robot into the White House; "So Not Our Problem" (Troy Iwata on girl-dad Kim Jong Un, Danish politicians getting steamy, a Hittler/Zielinski mayoral race in France, and an ant-trafficking scheme in Kenya); Eiza González on child-star success in Mexico, and representing Mexican culture as a working actor in the U.S.

To highlight the global shortage of products held up in the closed Strait of Hormuz, Ronny Chieng gobbles down pistachios, Michael Kosta sucks helium, and Jordan Klepper (reluctantly) eats fertilizer; Jon examines the weekend's contrast of nationwide No Kings rallies and CPAC's "Yasss King" rally, then criticizes Donald Trump's tendency to talk up anything other than the Iran war;^[25] executive director Cindy Cohn on EFF's fight against government surveillance of the internet, and her reservations about internet regulations.

"Headlines" covers Donald Trump flailing over oil, Pete Hegseth waxing poetic, Lindsey Graham at Disney World, and Kristi Noem's husband having his own kinks; ^[26] "Sports War" (Ronny Chieng and Michael Kosta on March Madness buzzer-beaters, ABS, and ballpark cuisine); Julio Torres on why everyone has a little bit of synesthesia.

Desi covers Donald Trump's day at the Supreme Court and his plans for a presidential "hotel-brary"; a judge ordering a stop to Trump's White House Ballroom project inspires an ad for the law firm of "Ball & Ball Law" ("You have the right to demolish anything you want and put a ballroom in its place"); Lewis Black rages over prediction markets in "Black in Black"; Dr. Mary Claire Haver on the lack of awareness and training for perimenopause, and helping women advocate for their own health.

Jon critiques Donald Trump's Easter beef with Pope Leo, JD Vance's failure to reach a deal with Iran, and the meme of a Christ-like Trump healing a bedridden figure who Jon thinks resembles himself ("Am I okay?"); Jon also expresses hope that Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary is a sign that far-right populism will also subside in the U.S.;^[27] InterAct International co-CEOs Aziz Abu Sarah and Moaz Inon discuss choosing reconciliation over revenge and empathy over conflict; "Your Moment of Zen" (a "Doordash Grandma" demurs from endorsing Trump's anti-trans athletes stance).

"The Worst Wing" (Donald Trump & JD Vance defend the former's messianic meme, while RFK, Jr. starts a podcast); an ad for Waffle House offers their "official position" on the FEMA Response & Recovery head's claim that he teleported there ("We don't care, we're Waffle House"); "In My Opinion" (Nick Offerman criticizes Trump's self-aggrandizing Semiquincentennial plans);^[28] Bao Nguyen on documenting BTS' reuniting after South Korean military service; "Your Moment of Zen" (Dr. Oz recounts Trump's diet soda defense).

Joe Biden mistakes a Black guy for Barack Obama in "Headlines," while Donald Trump thinks diet soda is healthy and JD Vance pleads with Gen Z to stick with MAGA; Pope Leo's anti-war stance inspires Grace Kuhlenschmidt to become "war pope"; "The People Behind the People" spotlights "Marco Glennwald III," the "naming expert" hired to name things for Trump; Zoe Lister-Jones on examining relationship dynamics in The Miniature Wife (in which Ronny co-stars), learning feminist filmmaking from her mother, and seeing her Roku series get new life on Peacock.

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" covers the Hormuz closure's impact, the rising US stock market, and Pete Hegseth calling news media "unpatriotic"; Michael Kosta contributes to America's "meme war" with Iran; "Tech Yeah!" (Grace Kuhlenschmidt on "tech neck," marathon-running robots, and an AI clone of Mark Zuckerberg); Lee Sun Jin on Beef Season 2's exploration of generational divides, and getting a surprise on-set visit from Bong Joon-ho while filming in Korea; "Your Moment of Zen" (Rep. Troy Nehls calls Trump "better than sliced bread" and "almost a second coming").

After giving Donald Trump a compliment (for ordering a review of medicinal psychedelics) and a critique (on the president's signature), Jon summarizes Trump's 10-step "Art of the Deal" strategy with Iran ("a cycle of demands and threats and premature claims of victory");^[29] Annalena Baerbock discusses the diplomatic challenges facing the United Nations and overseeing the selection process for the next Secretary-General.

"The Worst Wing" covers allegations of on-the-job misbehavior by FBI chief Kash Patel and now-former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer; bad behavior by Chavez-DeRemer's husband and father leads to an updated Labor Department HR training video (its message: "no one wants to f**k you"); "Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse" of a TPUSA event in Phoenix; Noah Wyle on The Pitt's Season 2 exploration of mental health issues, how audiences consume the show differently from how they did ER in the 90s, and the life perspectives he's gained since his days playing John Carter.

Kash Patel dodges questions from the "fake news mafia" in "Headlines"; Michael summarizes Donald Trump's mixed signals on the Iran war, and gives Trump an Earth Day award for indirectly inspiring other nations to invest in renewable resources; Ronny Chieng, in the "InDecision 2026 Anal-a-Zone," reviews the "whole new crop" of D-list celebrities entering politics; Maria Sharapova on transferring her "pretty tough" attitude to the podcasting "manosphere," learning from losing, and one piece of advice she'd give to young tennis players ("don't miss").

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" (Michael and Jordan Klepper on the firing of Navy Secretary John Phelan and his replacement's hatred of witches & love of "alpha" servicemembers); "The Art of the Altercation" (Desi Lydic on Donald Trump's vendetta against wind power); Ben McKenzie on the allure and dangers of cryptocurrency.

Jon analyzes how the White House Correspondents' Dinner, "like most things in America… was interrupted by gunfire";^[30] Triumph the Insult Comic Dog recalls his own trauma from the event (which he was covering for TDS);^[31] New York Times investigative reporter Jodi Kantor on revealing the Supreme Court's shadow docket correspondences, and encouraging college graduates to take a positive approach to their life's work.

Josh examines the GOP's post-shooting push to fund Donald Trump's ballroom with taxpayer money in "Let Them Eat Ballroom!"; in Times Square, Jordan Klepper asks foreign tourists if they have better security ideas than just "ballroom"; Triumph the Insult Comic Dog reins in the media and government glitterati at the White House Correspondents' Dinner;^[32] Gaten Matarazzo on making a "love letter to stoner movies" and returning to his theater roots in the upcoming film Octet.

"Headlines" (King Charles cracks jokes before Congress, while Donald Trump's DOJ cracks down on James Comey over his "86 47" seashell photo); Grace Kuhlenschmidt decodes other treasonous messages on the beach; "In My Opinion" (Mo Amer kindly corrects anti-Muslim misconceptions);^[33] Ali Siddiq on staying a comedy independent, his post-incarceration mindset, and his first arena tour; "Your Moment of Zen" (Trump's gleeful reaction to the Louisiana v. Callais verdict).

Josh covers Donald Trump making fun of the head of NASA and doing peace talks with Iran "telephonically," then with Ronny Chieng reviews the impact of and reactions to the Supreme Court effectively gutting the Voting Rights Act; Jordan Klepper surveys California's gubernatorial race from the "InDecision 2026 Anal-a-Zone"; RZA discusses putting One Spoon of Chocolate's actors in uncomfortable depictions of racism, and the inspirations behind his filmmaking and songwriting.

Jon analyses Donald Trump's faulty math & ignorance of Congressional authority over the war, the faultiness of America's three branches of government & the Fourth Estate, and Britain's visiting monarch becoming "the strongest defender of American democracy";^[34] Sherrilyn Ifill on the Roberts-led Supreme Court's past and present weakening of the Voting Rights Act, and the redistricting efforts of Trump and Republicans; "Your Moment of Zen" (footage of Marco Rubio DJ'ing at a family wedding reception).

"Headlines" (Jeff Bezos attends the Met Gala, airlines cut back or shut down, and Donald Trump brags again about cognitive tests); an ad for "Donny's Daycare," inspired by Trump discussing traumatic issues in a kid-filled Oval Office;^[35] Ronny Chieng & Michael Kosta go to "Sports War" over the "Kentucky HER-by," the Vrabel/Russini controversy, and the Sixers keeping Knicks fans away; in a cameo, Jet Li offers Ronny wisdom on losing less than Michael at gambling; Paul W. Downs on Hack's 5th & final season, its Season 4 late-night storyline, and addressing AI perils on the show.

"Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" covers a single-page U.S./Iran proposal and Marco Rubio's quoting rap lyrics; Desi covers toxic White House debris at a golf course, and disagrees with Michael Kosta over Congressman Chuck Edwards' alleged creepiness; "America: 250 Years, Zero Complaints" (Troy Iwata asks people what from the U.S. of 2026 should be preserved for 2276); Marla Mindelle on Titanique's journey to Broadway, and incorporating improv & pop culture into the musical's "Celine Dion on the Titanic" plot.

"Headlines" reviews Jeffrey Epstein's purported final thoughts and Donald Trump's ramble about auto-correct; Troy Iwata, Jordan Klepper, and Michael Kosta disagree over whether Trump could win in a fight (after surveyed Republicans believed they'd lose to Trump in such a situation); Josh Johnson goes "In Too Deep" over a sensationalized sexual harassment lawsuit at JPMorgan; Adam Scott on almost going by "Adam Cordero," playing a jerk in Hokum, and how David Letterman & Late Night inspired a love of showbiz in his youth.

Jon puts the news media on blast for "trying to recapture that pandemic ratings magic" with their coverage of a cruise ship's hantavirus outbreak; Josh Tyrangiel on the need and effort to have AI work with humans instead of replace them.

"Headlines" finds Donald Trump getting some winks in while RFK, Jr. & Dr. Oz recall the good ol' days of teen parenthood; the Transportation secretary's corporate-underwritten YouTube travel show inspires Desi Lydic to go on her own family vacation with sponsorships; Ronny Chieng interviews the competing creators of AI-powered necklaces designed to alleviate male loneliness in "Eye on AI"; Paul Dano on depicting the man who helped guide Vladimir Putin's path to the Russian presidency.

"Trump Meets World" finds Donald Trump chewing out a reporter over their White House ballroom inquiries as he heads to China with tech bros in tow; MAGA faithful complaints about not getting the Trump Mobile phones they paid for inspires an ad for "The Trump Give Me $100" ("You give us $100… and that's it");^[36] "In My Opinion" (Charlamagne tha God finds no humor in Trump's third-term jokes); Neil deGrasse Tyson on the government's release of UFO files, the inaccuracies of alien depictions, and whether aliens would want to meet Trump.

"Trump Meets World" (Brett Baier orders sausage from a robot in China, where stair climbs and private talks with Xi Jinping leave Donald Trump shaken); Ronny Chieng reluctantly corrects Josh Johnson's Asian references; "Tech Yeah!" (Grace Kuhlenschmidt on eavesdropping spaghetti sauce and robots being plane passengers, hit-and-run perps, and Buddhist monks); Boots Riley on upholding the working class and making art that pushes people to act; "Your Moment of Zen" (JD Vance compares himself to Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone).

Jon criticizes Donald Trump for getting nothing out of the platitudes he gave China's president, and gives new graduates advice on acing job interviews "the Trump way" (e.g. firm handshake, dodge questions);^[37] Chad Bown (Peterson Institute for International Economics) and Soumaya Keynes (Financial Times' "The Economics Show") on U.S. trade vulnerabilities revealed by Trump's tariff war; "Your Moment of Zen" salutes Stephen Colbert by replaying Jon's classic "alphabet game" toss to Stephen's The Colbert Report.^[38][a]

"CorruptTales" (Donald Trump hypes up his ballroom's architecture and his corporate investments while creating a slush fund for January 6 rioters); "Ko$ta Doin' Business" examines the ube trend and a billionaire branding "tax the rich" as hate speech, while news of counterfeit perfume inspires Michael Kosta's new product, "L'urine de Cheval"; Brendan Fraser on playing Dwight Eisenhower in Pressure and learning about the meteorological preparations for D-Day.

"InDecision 2026" (Donald Trump gets ballot-box retribution against disloyal Republicans); Ronny examines Trump's original Iran War strategy and the Louisiana governor's attempt to win over Greenlanders; Jordan Klepper on the U.S. indictment of Cuba's former president; "Back in Black" (the "-maxxing" trend leaves Lewis Black maxed out); Dumbfoundead on chronicling his life as a battle rapper, actor, and writer.

Ronny on Donald Trump ogling over a Coast Guard Academy graduate and skipping his own son's wedding; an ad for "J6 Financial" caters to rioters seeking government cash; "America: 250 Years, Zero Complaints" fondly recalls the 1992 Olympic basketball dream team; "Weird Al" Yankovic on his parody songwriting process and wanting to make polka sexy again; "Your Moment of Zen" (Stephen Colbert's day with the White House press corps from the TDS archives).^[a]

Jon notes how many of the artists who withdrew from Donald Trump's Freedom 250 concert share a booking agent (some other Jeff Epstein), and calls out Trump's tendency to promise peace deals more than close them; TDS alum Olivia Munn gives Jon the musical tribute she had hoped to give Stephen Colbert;^[39] "old dudes" Jon and Jason Bateman discuss aging, fatherhood, sending kids off to college, and learning what "DTF" means.

"Headlines" covers Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner's island purchase, and Congressional backlash over Donald Trump's J6 slush fund; "Mess O'Potamia: America's Next Top Muddle" covers Trump's vacillating over peace talks with Iran; "InDecision 2026 Anal-a-Zone" (Desi Lydic on scandals & claims surrounding a Senate candidate in Maine and a gubernatorial candidate in Colorado); URI professor of public health entomology Thomas Mather on identifying and protecting oneself from disease-carrying ticks.

Michael on Donald Trump's idea of keeping the White House's temporary UFC stage permanent; "InDecision 2026" recaps primaries for California governor and Los Angeles mayor; Ronny Chieng thinks an AWOL New Jersey congressman is the type of candidate Americans are looking for; Grace Kuhlenschmidt asks New York kids about the mayor's repeal of bedtime during the Knicks' NBA Finals run; Chase Infiniti on doing justice to Margaret Atwood's characters, lessons gained from One Battle After Another's set, and why Chicago & the Midwest will always be her home.

After covering a "zombie attack" by Knicks fans, Michael ponders the proposed $250 bill, a J6 rioter taking a Pentagon job, a new intelligence chief with no intelligence experience, and Donald Trump putting the Capitol Reflecting Pool through a "d**k-measuring contest";^[40] "Jordan Klepper Fingers America 250" celebrations in New Orleans; Michael shares his own dog adoption story with Beth Stern, who discusses the inspiration behind her children's book, fostering rescue animals with husband Howard Stern, and promoting responsible pet adoption & ownership.^[41]

"Elmo" defends his NBA Finals neutrality because he wants both the Knicks and Spurs to "hit the over"; Jon hopes Donald Trump's storming out of a Meet the Press interview will "give journalists permission to not back down" and challenge Trump further; Jane Fonda on her, and the entertainment industry's, history of activism, and reanimating the rights organization her father was a part of.

"Headlines" covers Donald Trump's NBA Finals nap, his getting booed outside & inside MSG, and his unproven claim that vote rigging led to Spencer Pratt's mayoral primary loss in Los Angeles, where Troy Iwata assures Desi that slow vote counts are laid-back normal; "The DailyShowography" summarizes Mark Zuckerberg's "status update" history; Laverne Cox on going from a childhood of trauma to an adulthood of purpose & self-love, and how the right wing's weakening of trans people's rights also weakens those of every citizen.

"Headlines" (US/Iran tensions increase while Melania Trump talks up the age of AI); Jordan Klepper thinks commemorative coins (the same kind Donald Trump is selling for UFC Freedom 250) could fix inflation; "So Not Our Problem!" (Troy Iwata on a sinking Mexico City, drunk deer in France, addictive claw machines in Hong Kong, and yeast from an Italian mummy); Nina Dobrev on her "totally unhinged" The Get Out character, wild off-screen pursuits, advocating for equal pay, and producing stories "for women, by women."

Desi celebrates the Knicks' Game 4 comeback win, and covers how Donald Trump will be celebrating his birthday (a UFC fight, an algae-filled pool, and a not-yet-set deal with Iran); Ronny Chieng & Michael Kosta debate all things Knicks in "Sports War"; at her invitation, Michael joins in on Desi's talk with Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who discuss the personal & global impacts of their tennis rivalry and supporting each other during their cancer diagnoses; "Your Moment of Zen" (Rep. Troy Nehls claims Trump "was born a very special baby").

After opining on Donald Trump's pending deal with Iran, Jon offers up two contrasts: The Knicks' NBA Finals win against Trump's UFC Freedom 250, and what New Yorkers really are (diverse, hard-working, generally peaceful) versus how right-wing media views them (liberal, elitist, violent);^[42] Raphael Warnock on serving as both U.S. Senator and senior pastor of the church MLK Jr once led, and how attitudes toward marginalized groups are an "acid test" of faith.

"Trump Meets World" (the president shows off his peace plan at the G7 summit and anticipates dinner at Versailles); Jordan reviews a MAGA podcaster's claim that saboteurs added algae to the Capitol Reflecting Pool; Desi Lydic asks government employees who felt DOGE's chainsaw in 2025 why they want to rejoin government as elected officials in 2026; Britt Lower on connecting with her I Will Find You character, sharing a birthday with co-star Sam Worthington, and the lessons she gained from improv.

Scotland's Tartan Army drinks Boston dry, while JD Vance's book-tour charm offensive goes dry; Donald Trump blames others for his questionable Iran accord, which Ronny Chieng thinks everyone should applaud lest Trump want to restart the war; Jordan "Fingers the Pulse" of the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House; John Early on making Maddie's Secret humorously play on melodramatic TV movie tropes.

Jordan dives into how the Islamabad Memorandum gives Iran all Donald Trump had promised they'd never receive; Josh Johnson tries to strongarm Iran into a better deal (only to get roughed up); Triumph the Insult Comic Dog speaks with Knicks fans (Jon Stewart included) at the team's championship parade; Johnny Knoxville gives Jordan colonoscopy advice, recalls his terrifying first film scene, and contends that Jackass may be the answer to male loneliness.

Jon makes fun of the Capitol Reflecting Pool turning Mountain Dew green, JD Vance's Iran peace talks going "from bad to wallflower," and Vance & Donald Trump's back-down from the demands they made of Iran during the war;^[43] Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan discuss how Trump's second presidency has been based on hubris, gut feelings, and beliefs that the president is someone of destiny.^[44]

Scotland's Tartan Army takes over Miami in "Headlines"; "Wet Hot American Crisis" covers Donald Trump's obsession over the Capitol Reflecting Pool and his claim that vandalism led to its algae buildup (infected water that Michael Kosta tempts himself into drinking);^[45] Lewis Black analyzes dangerous summer fitness trends in "Back in Black"; Lou Diamond Phillips on how the neo-western Gangland spotlights Indigenous talents on both sides of the camera, and encouraging young artists to forbear fleeting trends in his role as governor of AMPAS' Actors Branch.

World Cup visitors obsess over ranch dressing in "Headlines"; "InDecision 2026" finds Josh analyzing the success of Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates in the New York primaries, and spotlighting the difference between Mamdani's endorsement of public servants and Donald Trump's backing of loyalists; Troy Iwata goes "sad trombone" in reporting on John Paulson's plan to move a brass instrument maker's jobs to China; Jay Pharoah adds impersonations to a table read of Josh's political drama, discusses the 10-year development of his new comedy album, and reveals what happens when Quiz with Balls contestants don't fall into its pool.

Ronny covers Donald Trump's rambling July 4th speech, analyzes Trump's meddling in the FIFA World Cup, and insists a flag-carrying parachutist's crash is not a metaphor for America; "Tech Yeah!" (Grace Kuhlenschmidt on robotic flamethrowers, robotic toilets, a dopamine delivery app, and Tilly Norwood's big break); Ann M. Martin discusses The Baby-Sitters Club's history of diverse characters & real-world issues, while superfan Ronny offers reboot ideas & gets answers to lingering plot questions.

NATO throws a love-in for Donald Trump in "Trump Meets World," while the president belittles Spain, covets Greenland (again), and ends the cease fire with the Islamic Republic of Iran (or is it "The Islamic Republic of Japan"?); Ronny analyzes health concerns surrounding Mitch McConnell, while Michael Kosta defends the not-dead senator against Ronny's skepticism; Aftab Pureval on leading a "bright blue" city in a red state and the no-nonsense nature of local government.^[46]

Ronny examines why Donald Trump grounded his new Qatar-gifted Air Force One, and the scandal-plagued Graham Platner's exit from Maine's Senate race; Desi Lydic gets all manly to replace Platner as nominee;^[47] "InDecision 2026 Anal-a-Zone" (Jordan Klepper on the use of AI in political ads); Aaron Chen recalls meeting Ronny at 16, working with acting greats on The Dink, and giving acting advice to Andy Roddick; "Your Moment of Zen" (JD Vance tries a "Wis-CAAN-sin" accent).