The Daily Show: Season 17
Season 17 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Daily Show Season 16.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 17 Progress Shield
Thomas Friedman
Oct 3, 2011
The U.S. military kills Anwar al-Awlaki, Herman Cain talks about Rick Perry's ranch, and Thomas Friedman discusses America's role in the global market.
Michael Lewis
Oct 4, 2011
Chris Christie restates his position, Mitt Romney flip-flops, ESPN pulls Hank Williams Jr.'s song, and Michael Lewis discusses his travels as a financial disaster tourist.
Hugh Jackman
Oct 5, 2011
Conservatives call Occupy Wall Street protesters anti-American, Florida votes to move its primary up, and Hugh Jackman boxes robots.
Jason Sudeikis
Oct 6, 2011
Sarah Palin confirms she won't be running in 2012, Herman Cain shares his conspiracy theories, and Jason Sudeikis gives the inside scoop on "Saturday Night Live.
Ellen Schultz
Oct 17, 2011
Wyatt Cenac and Samantha Bee examine Mitt Romney's faith, Occupy Wall Street grows, and Ellen Schultz explains how American companies have decimated retiree benefit plans.
Calvin Trillin
Oct 18, 2011
Republicans identify America's American enemy, John Oliver tries to join Occupy Wall Street, and Calvin Trillin talks political humor.
Al Sharpton
Oct 19, 2011
The Las Vegas GOP debate gets heated, Larry Wilmore considers Herman Cain's race card, and Al Sharpton discusses the impact of Occupy Wall Street.
Richard Brookhiser
Oct 20, 2011
Libyans celebrate Muammar al-Gaddafi's death, John Oliver rebrands Libya, and Richard Brookhiser discusses James Madison's impact on American politics.
Kevin Clash
Oct 24, 2011
Rick Perry goes birther, Republicans dislike Barack Obama's decision to end the Iraq War, and Kevin Clash talks about being Elmo.
Walter Isaacson
Oct 25, 2011
Rick Perry and Herman Cain explain their jokes, Lewis Black examines the indoctrination of kids, and Walter Isaacson discusses his Steve Jobs biography.
Lisa Randall
Oct 26, 2011
A Koch-funded study debunks Climategate, riot police raid Occupy Oakland, and Lisa Randall explores the implications of scientific research.
Andrew Napolitano
Oct 27, 2011
Mitt Romney remains second in polls, Europe's financial crisis causes market volatility, and Andrew Napolitano thinks that the government is wrong.
Mindy Kaling
Oct 31, 2011
Herman Cain denies sexual harassment allegations, Rick Perry loosens up, Wyatt Cenac reports on a dead bill, and Mindy Kaling discusses her parents' concerns.
Condoleezza Rice
Nov 1, 2011
Fox News defends the rich, John Hodgman calls for a celebration of the 1%, and Condoleezza Rice discusses the Bush administration.
Tom Brokaw
Nov 2, 2011
Herman Cain discusses his sexual harassment case, Jon and the Best F#@king News Team Ever debate conservative black superiority, and Tom Brokaw wants to rebuild America.
Brad Paisley
Nov 3, 2011
Occupy Oakland protesters vandalize businesses, Aasif Mandvi reports on killer hot dogs, and Brad Paisley recalls his musical heroes.
Clint Eastwood
Nov 7, 2011
Herman Cain blames the media, Sean Hannity accuses NPR of having a liberal political agenda, and Clint Eastwood discusses J. Edgar Hoover's life.
Bill Clinton
Nov 8, 2011
John Corzine resigns as MF Global's CEO, and Bill Clinton discusses the U.S. economy and provides a detailed plan for its recovery in "Back to Work.
Nancy Pelosi
Nov 9, 2011
Herman Cain blames Democrats for his scandal; Republicans take a hit in Ohio, Arizona and Mississippi; and Nancy Pelosi shares her thoughts on Congress.
Adam Sandler
Nov 10, 2011
Rick Perry draws a blank at the CNBC debate, The Best F#@king News Team Ever revels in Perry's brain fart, and Adam Sandler dishes on his family life.
Leymah Gbowee
Nov 14, 2011
Aasif Mandvi explains why facts are GOP candidates' enemy, Jason Jones takes a look at ugly people, and Leymah Gbowee discusses the Liberian peace movement.
Mark Kelly
Nov 15, 2011
Herman Cain struggles with foreign policy; Jerry Sandusky takes a phone interview; and Mark Kelly talks about his wife, Gabrielle Giffords.
Diane Keaton
Nov 16, 2011
The congressional super committee faces a looming deadline, Samantha Bee explores Occupy Wall Street's class division, and Diane Keaton recalls growing up in California.
Martin Scorsese
Nov 17, 2011
Newt Gingrich emerges as the GOP front-runner, Sarah Vowell defends the glory of Evacuation Day, and Martin Scorsese talks movies.
Merrill Markoe
Nov 28, 2011
Police pepper spray U.C. Davis students, conservatives criticize Barack Obama for leaving God out of his Thanksgiving speech, and Merrill Markoe explores comedy.
Betty White
Nov 29, 2011
Herman Cain denies accusations of an extramarital affair, Barney Frank announces his retirement, and Betty White adores animals.
Bono
Nov 30, 2011
Aasif Mandvi reports on Egypt's election, a fire alarm blares over Brian Williams' broadcast, and Bono believes that America is close to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Bob Costas
Dec 1, 2011
Bloomberg reveals the U.S. government bailouts totaled $7.7 trillion, Mitt Romney loses his cool, and Bob Costas reviews his Jerry Sandusky interview.
Ben Lowy
Dec 5, 2011
Herman Cain suspends his campaign, John Oliver takes a closer look at California's political process, and Ben Lowy talks war photography.
Jonah Hill
Dec 6, 2011
Conservatives object to the secularization of Christmas, Republicans fear Donald Trump's debate moderating, and Jonah Hill admits to taking handsome pills.
Ralph Fiennes
Dec 7, 2011
The Senate passes a bill that jeopardizes Americans' civil rights, the CIA loses a stealth drone in Iran, and Ralph Fiennes enjoys Shakespeare.
Ed Gillespie
Dec 8, 2011
Bill O'Reilly takes a shot at Jon, GOP Candidates express their love for Israel, and Ed Gillespie examines the effects of Dodd-Frank.
Anne Burrell
Dec 12, 2011
John Oliver looks into Mitt Romney's costly bet, PolitiFact gives Jon a "pants on fire" rating, and Anne Burell cooks like a rock star.
Lawrence Lessig
Dec 13, 2011
The Florida Family Association opposes TLC's portrayal of Muslims, Newt Gingrich concocts a poverty-fighting plan, and Lawrence Lessig wants to end Congressional corruption.
Melody Barnes
Dec 14, 2011
Mitt Romney makes a ballsy move against Newt Gingrich, Fox News uncovers a Muppet controversy, and Melody Barnes talks domestic policy.
Matt Damon
Dec 15, 2011
GOP leaders share some compelling reasons for Republican voters not to choose Newt Gingrich as their political party's standard-bearer. Wyatt Cenac discovers that there is no euphe
Charles Barkley
Jan 3, 2012
Republican candidates criticize Ron Paul's position on Iran, Rick Santorum surges in the polls, and Charles Barkley weighs in on 2012's NBA teams.
Elizabeth Dowling Taylor
Jan 4, 2012
Mitt Romney tops the Iowa caucus, Michele Bachmann drops out of the presidential race, and Elizabeth Dowling Taylor explores the life of White House slave Paul Jennings.
Craig Shirley
Jan 5, 2012
The GOP censures Barack Obama's recess appointment, Jason Jones helps a Republican outcast, and Craig Shirley provides an intimate look at the attack on Pearl Harbor.
George Lucas
Jan 9, 2012
GOP presidential candidates debate twice in New Hampshire, Mitt Romney's competitors resent his wealth, and George Lucas commemorates the Tuskegee Airmen.
Andrew Napolitano
Jan 10, 2012
The New Hampshire primary results trickle in, Iran begins enriching uranium, and Andrew Napolitano weighs in on the GOP presidential candidates.
Jim DeMint
Jan 11, 2012
Mitt Romney wins the New Hampshire primary, The Best F#@king News Team reports from South Carolina, and Jim DeMint considers America's economic and political problems.
Dolly Parton
Jan 12, 2012
Newt Gingrich tackles an array of minority issues, John Oliver elevates America's public discourse, and Dolly Parton dukes it out with Queen Latifah.
Jodi Kantor
Jan 16, 2012
Jon takes over the Colbert Super PAC, China's Foxconn comes under attack for its poor working conditions, and Jodi Kantor talks about the Obamas.
Liam Neeson
Jan 17, 2012
Newt Gingrich wins the South Carolina debate, Stephen Colbert reveals his wishes for the Colbert Super PAC, and Liam Neeson enjoys small-town Canada.
Joe Nocera
Jan 18, 2012
Wikipedia's blackout puts the spotlight on SOPA, Mitt Romney reveals his tax rate, and Joe Nocera shares his thoughts on Wall Street.
Elizabeth Banks
Jan 19, 2012
Rick Perry drops out of the GOP race, Newt Gingrich's ex-wife reveals his request for an open marriage, and Elizabeth Banks enjoys performing on high-rise ledges.
Kathleen Sebelius
Jan 23, 2012
Newt Gingrich takes South Carolina, Al Madrigal gets to know Mitt Romney's most fervent enthusiast, and Kathleen Sebelius talks about health care reform.
Elizabeth Warren
Jan 24, 2012
Mitt Romney defends his tax returns, Newt Gingrich one-ups Mitt Romney at the Florida GOP debate, and Elizabeth Warren urges America to invest in its future.
Paula Broadwell
Jan 25, 2012
Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address, Mitch Daniels counters it with a Republican rebuttal, and Paula Broadwell examines General David Patraeus' career.
Tilda Swinton
Jan 26, 2012
The Supreme Court deliberates over televised profanity, Newt Gingrich tackles the moon, and Tilda Swinton discusses her acting career.
Lou Dobbs
Jan 30, 2012
Mitt Romney pummels Newt Gingrich in Florida, Jason Jones finds out how Floridian women feel about Newt Gingrich, and Lou Dobbs gets excited about political controversies.
Jonathan Macey
Jan 31, 2012
Newt Gingrich panders to Florida's Hispanic voters, Mitt Romney spins his work at Bain Capital into an asset, and Jonathan Macey talks about private equity firms.
Brad Pitt
Feb 1, 2012
Mitt Romney wins the Florida primary, John Oliver and Jason Jones consider both sides of the wealth gap, and Brad Pitt roots for baseball's underdogs.
David Agus
Feb 2, 2012
Donald Trump endorses Mitt Romney, Aasif Mandvi investigates Florida's welfare drug testing law, and David Agus rethinks America's attitude toward illness.
Ali Soufan
Feb 13, 2012
CNN stuns Whitney Houston fans, Catholics confuse health care reform with war, and Ali Soufan considers the complexities of ethnic nationalism in the Middle East.
Ricky Gervais
Feb 14, 2012
Rick Santorum worries about women joining men in combat , Liz Trotta makes incendiary remarks about rape in the military, and Ricky Gervais analyzes panda repopulation.
Louise Slaughter
Feb 15, 2012
House Republicans oppose the STOCK Act's intelligence provisions, Wyatt Cenac investigates whale slavery, and Louise Slaughter strives to end congressional insider trading.
Arne Duncan
Feb 16, 2012
Barack Obama takes heat for his Hollywood fundraiser; Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum fight for Michigan; and Arne Duncan works to improve America's educational system.
Alan Huffman & Michael Rejebian
Feb 20, 2012
Congress debates birth control coverage, Aasif Mandvi investigates Time Warner's Knicks blackout, and Alan Huffman and Michael Rejebian uncover candidate scandals.
Russ Feingold
Feb 21, 2012
Chris Christie vetoes New Jersey's same-sex marriage bill, Virginia encroaches on women's reproductive rights, and Russ Feingold discusses campaign finance reform.
Bruce Bartlett
Feb 22, 2012
Republicans build a frightening case against Barack Obama, health officials debate publishing controversial bird flu research, and Bruce Bartlett calls for tax reform.
Paul Rudd
Feb 23, 2012
Rick Santorum takes heat for his frankness, Newt Gingrich considers himself cheerful, and Paul Rudd indulges his sweet tooth.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Feb 27, 2012
Rick Santorum gets queasy over John F. Kennedy's religious tolerance speech, the Pope joins the Twitterverse, and Neil deGrasse Tyson advocates U.S. space exploration.
Stephen Merchant
Feb 28, 2012
Rick Santorum calls on Michigan Democrats for support, Samantha Bee gets to the bottom of Grover Norquist's anti-tax pledge, and Stephen Merchant discusses his lofty stature.
Masha Gessen
Feb 29, 2012
Mitt Romney takes Michigan, conservative pundits mourn the state of the GOP field, and Masha Gessen discusses the rise and anticipated fall of Vladimir Putin.
M. Cathleen Kaveny
Mar 1, 2012
The U.S. Senate debates the Blunt amendment, Barbara Boxer breaks down Jon's jokes on the Senate floor, and Cathleen Kaveny explores Catholic moral theology.
Shaun Donovan
Mar 5, 2012
Rush Limbaugh makes incendiary remarks about Sandra Fluke, John Oliver meets Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, and Secretary Shaun Donovan tackles homelessness.
Julianne Moore
Mar 6, 2012
Host Jon Stewart interviews Julianne Moore and discusses the day's news and important topics.
Cecile Richards
Mar 7, 2012
Mitt Romney wins Ohio on Super Tuesday, CNN reveals holodeck technology, the White House press corps tries to gin up a fight, and Cecile Richards discusses Planned Parenthood.
Trita Parsi
Mar 8, 2012
Jon Stewart exposes Sean Hannity's seedy past, Jessica Williams investigates Socialism in America, and National Iranian American Council President Trita Parsi discusses U.S.-Irania
Grover Norquist
Mar 12, 2012
Al Madrigal and Jessica Williams report on the Kony 2012 activist youth movement, Mitt Romney applies a Southern strategy in Alabama, and Grover Norquist talks tax reform.
Will Ferrell
Mar 13, 2012
Fox News compares Rush Limbaugh to Bill Maher, Kristen Schaal finds humor in Republican policies on women's health, and Will Ferrell learns Spanish for "Casa de mi Padre.
Rachel Weisz
Mar 14, 2012
Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum pick up wins in the Southern primaries and CNN has a hard time making it exciting, South by Southwest creates "homeless hotspots," and Rachel Weisz re
No Guest
Mar 15, 2012
Bashar al Assad's hacked emails reveal some interesting music choices, Jon tries to help Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire with some new names for a local pond, and John Oliver investigate
Shaquille O'Neal
Mar 26, 2012
Dick Cheney gets a new heart, Florida's "stand your ground" law leads to the shooting of Trayvon Martin, and NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal talks about getting his Ph.D.
Maria Goodavage
Mar 27, 2012
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell gets jilted; Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney deal with "gotcha" media; Sam Bee visits Park Slope, Brooklyn; and Maria Goodavage talks military dogs.
Ahmed Rashid
Mar 28, 2012
Jon struggles with "pink slime" being a part of his cheeseburger, Russian accents continue to be evil, and Ahmed Rashid explains how America's military presence affects Afghanistan
Rachel Maddow
Mar 29, 2012
Supporters and opponents before the Supreme Court to discuss The Affordable Care Act, Spike Lee endangers the lives of the sweetest people in the world, and Rachel Maddow explains
Mohamed Nasheed
Apr 2, 2012
Mitt Romney endorsements lack enthusiasm, the Tucson school board bans Mexican-American studies, and former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed talks climate and democracy.
Thomas C. Goldstein
Apr 3, 2012
Sarah Palin infiltrates "Today Show," John Oliver asks Palin fans about her brave co-hosting, and SCOTUSblog publisher Tom Goldstein discusses his Supreme Court case.
Jack L. Goldsmith
Apr 4, 2012
Rick Santorum believes it's campaign half-time, Larry Wilmore finds the racist culprit in the Trayvon Martin case, and Jack Goldsmith discusses executive power, post-9/11.
Anthony Bourdain
Apr 5, 2012
The GSA's Vegas conference is an epic boondoggle, Bill O'Reilly won't pay $4 for shrimp, Obama wants $75 from Jon, and "No Reservations" star Anthony Bourdain talks travel.
Tim Weiner
Apr 9, 2012
Passover goes toe-to-toe with Easter, NBC faces backlash for its editing of George Zimmerman's 911 call, and Tim Weiner discusses his book, "Enemies: A History of the FBI.
Elon Musk
Apr 10, 2012
CNN brands its news segments, Google eyeglasses augment reality, Facebook buys Instagram, and Elon Musk discusses the future of human space exploration.
Ricky Gervais
Apr 11, 2012
The Best F#@king News Team Ever reports from the Gingrich, Romney and Obama camps; Al Madrigal investigates "personhood" in Oklahoma; and Ricky Gervais talks Karl Pilkington.
Esperanza Spalding
Apr 12, 2012
George Zimmerman is charged with murder; The Best F#@king News Team Ever reports from Sanford, FL; Egypt prepares for elections, and Esperanza Spalding performs.
Jane Goodall
Apr 16, 2012
The Secret Service is embroiled in a prostitution scandal, the media addresses Hilary Rosen and the "war on women," and Jane Goodall talks Disney's new film, "Chimpanzee.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Apr 17, 2012
Geraldo Rivera taunts the Taliban, Senate Republicans filibuster the "Buffett Rule," Jason Jones examines the women's voting bloc, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus discusses "Veep.
Robert Reich
Apr 18, 2012
The GSA's Jeff Neely pleads the Fifth, Jon compares the comedic styles of Mitt Romney and President Obama, and economist Robert Reich is "Beyond Outrage.
Judy Smith
Apr 19, 2012
Conservative pundits pivot on Mitt Romney, North Korea is out of the axis of evil, and "Good Self, Bad Self" author Judy Smith discusses high-profile crisis management.
Ben Rattray
Apr 23, 2012
Mitt Romney looks for a running mate, John Oliver sits down with Herman Cain, the Obama and Romney campaigns debate canine issues, and Ben Rattray talks social media.
Madeleine Albright
Apr 24, 2012
The Secret Service prostitution scandal widens, The Best F#@king News Team Ever fights voter apathy, and Madeleine Albright shares personal history.
Jason Segel
Apr 25, 2012
Wealthy citizens want to mine asteroids, Neil deGrasse Tyson plays "Bulls**t or No Bulls**t, Mitt Romney recalibrates his campaign, and Jason Segel works with humans.
Robert Draper
Apr 26, 2012
Rupert Murdoch faces new accusations, the Democrats have issues in North Carolina, and Robert Draper offers a glimpse into the House of Representatives.
Zach Wahls
Apr 30, 2012
Republicans and Democrats debate discretionary social spending, Mike & Ike stage a gay divorce, and Zach Wahls shares lessons learned from his two moms.
David Barton
May 1, 2012
The anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death sparks controversy, Lewis Black rants about artisanal bagels, and David Barton argues for a new understanding of Thomas Jefferson.
Tom Coburn
May 2, 2012
Newt Gingrich calls it quits, Romney advisor Richard Grenell resigns under pressure from conservative groups, and Senator Tom Coburn warns of the country's "Debt Bomb.
Peter Bergen
May 3, 2012
Osama bin Laden's documents reveal a brand-conscious terrorist, Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng asks Hillary Clinton for aid, and Peter Bergen discusses "Man Hunt.
Admiral General Aladeen
May 7, 2012
Elections in Europe spell bad news for incumbents, Al Madrigal gauges young voters' enthusiasm for Obama, and Admiral General Aladeen assures Jon that his family is safe.
Ivo Daalder
May 8, 2012
Joe Biden's support for gay marriage is not new policy, Mitt Romney takes credit for the auto bailout, and Ivo Daalder explains the seating arrangements at NATO summits.
John R. Hall
May 9, 2012
President Obama voices his support for same-sex marriage, Kristen Schaal shares her voting history, and John Hall critiques Jon's Queen Elizabeth II impression.
Robert Caro
May 10, 2012
Fox News evolves on the issue of same-sex marriage, Jason Jones reports from George Clooney's fundraiser, and Robert Caro discusses Lyndon Johnson's passage to power.
Michelle Obama
May 29, 2012
Jon recalls a conversation with Roger Ailes, examines the good and bad kinds of socialism, and talks to Michelle Obama about the importance of gardening.
Dan Rather
May 30, 2012
Mitt Romney wins Texas, Donald Trump is an on-again, off-again birther, Jessica Williams investigates a Minnesota prom, and Dan Rather is "Rather Outspoken.
Jim Parsons
May 31, 2012
Mayor Michael Bloomberg seeks a ban on oversized sugary drinks, Wyatt Cenac reports on Russia's blocking intervention in Syria, and Jim Parsons stars in "Harvey.
Thomas Mann & Norman Ornstein
Jun 4, 2012
John Oliver reports from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Obama administration plays "Polish That Turd," and Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann discuss government dysfunction.
Gary Johnson
Jun 5, 2012
The Wisconsin recall election proceeds, Al Madrigal reports on Latino unemployment in television, and Libertarian Gary Johnson discusses an alternative political path.
Michael Fassbender
Jun 6, 2012
Samantha Bee reports on Wisconsin's anger in the midst of Scott Walker's recall election, drones come in many forms, and Michael Fassbender reveals "Prometheus" plot points.
Edward Conard
Jun 7, 2012
The media debates fairness, Governor Cuomo proposes marijuana legislation, and Edward Conard talks innovation and risk and his book, "Unintended Consequences.
Boris Johnson
Jun 11, 2012
President Obama gets caught in a gaffe, Larry Wilmore discusses the lack of diversity in a Romney ad, and Boris Johnson gives a mayoral opinion on the large soda ban.
Colin Powell
Jun 12, 2012
Governor Rick Scott continues his voter purge in Florida, prisoners at Gitmo enjoy some taxpayer-funded amenities, and Colin Powell discusses his book, "It Worked For Me.
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Jun 13, 2012
Barack Obama and Mitt Romney scramble to raise cash, the White House receives criticism for suspicious leaks, and Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses the invention of vibrators.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Jun 14, 2012
JPMorgan Chase's CEO Jamie Dimon testifies in Washington, Aasif Mandvi uncovers a conspiracy in Idaho, and Catherine Zeta-Jones talks "Rock of Ages" and "Spartacus.
Parmy Olson
Jun 18, 2012
Greece votes to stay within the EU, Samantha Bee debates whether or not to attend a $40,000-a-plate Obama fundraiser, and journalist Parmy Olson sheds light on Anonymous.
Denis Leary
Jun 19, 2012
Democrats try to build a strong liberal coalition, President Obama uses his executive authority to prevent excessive deportation, and Denis Leary fills in for Marco Rubio.
Steve Carell
Jun 20, 2012
Attorney General Eric Holder faces criticism from the House Oversight Committee, Obama and Romney face hecklers on the trail, and Steve Carell promotes all of his new books.
Bassem Youssef
Jun 21, 2012
President Obama claims executive privilege on "fast and furious" documents, and Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef fulfills a dream by appearing on The Daily Show.
Marco Rubio
Jun 25, 2012
The Supreme Court rules on the Arizona immigration law, Mitt Romney hosts a retreat for big donors in Utah, and Marco Rubio shares lessons from his two years in the Senate.
Seth MacFarlane
Jun 26, 2012
President Obama's role in Operation Fast and Furious inspires conservative talk of dictatorship, and Seth MacFarlane explains how he recruited Mark Wahlberg to star in "Ted.
Andrew Garfield
Jun 27, 2012
Governor Cuomo's proposed decriminalization of marijuana fails, Jessica Williams sends health care news from the Supreme Court, and Andrew Garfield is Spider-Man.
Tenacious D
Jun 28, 2012
The Supreme Court rules Obamacare constitutional, John Oliver poses questions to fictional president Herman Cain, and Tenacious D performs songs off "Rize of the Fenix.
Louis C.K.
Jul 16, 2012
Mitt Romney retires retroactively, John Oliver reports from New Jersey on the Viacom-DirecTV dispute, and Louis C.K. clarifies his controversial Twitter comments.
Victor Cruz
Jul 17, 2012
Egyptians hurl tomatoes in protest, the Obamas pose for the Kiss Cam, John Oliver tells America to keep it down, Al Madrigal goes to Mexico, and Victor Cruz talks football.
Sigourney Weaver
Jul 18, 2012
Banks tamper with the Libor rate, Mitt Romney resists pressure to reveal his tax returns, and Sigourney Weaver talks American dynasties and "Political Animals.
E.J. Dionne
Jul 19, 2012
An investigation reveals HSBC laundered money for Mexican drug cartels, Michele Bachmann floats a conspiracy theory, and E.J. Dionne talks "Our Divided Political Heart.
Fareed Zakaria
Jul 23, 2012
The Colorado tragedy sparks non-gun debate, the Boy Scouts and Chick-fil-A reaffirm exclusionary policies toward gays, and Fareed Zakaria discusses "The Post-American World.
Matthew McConaughey
Jul 24, 2012
London faces Olympics-related difficulties, Lewis Black takes issue with the deliberate distortions of the campaigns, and Matthew McConaughey discusses "Killer Joe.
Joseph Stiglitz
Jul 25, 2012
President Obama encounters pronoun trouble, John Oliver interviews Herman Cain about his imaginary energy policy, and Joseph Stiglitz discusses "The Price of Inequality.
Zach Galifianakas & Will Ferrell
Jul 26, 2012
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un gets married, Samantha Bee reports on nuns at odds with the Vatican, and Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis take a break from "The Campaign.
Rashida Jones
Jul 30, 2012
Mitt Romney sees disconcerting signs at the London Olympics, cities look to ban Chick-fil-A for its gay marriage stance, and Rashida Jones talks "Celeste and Jesse Forever.
Dambisa Moyo
Jul 31, 2012
Mitt Romney makes an impression overseas, Dick Cheney and John McCain disagree on Sarah Palin's vice-presidential qualities, and economist Dambisa Moyo examines China.
Fred Guterl
Aug 1, 2012
President Obama donates to the Obama campaign, Mitt Romney runs as a generic Republican candidate, Harry Reid is terrible, and Fred Guterl talks human extinction.
Jessica Biel
Aug 2, 2012
Chik-fil-A Appreciation Day threatens America's chicken supply, the news struggles to not spoil the Olympics, and Jessica Biel discusses cars of the future in "Total Recall.
Tim Gunn
Aug 6, 2012
The White House is criticized for security leaks, Jason Jones studies super spy Thomas Drake, the Mars rover lands, and Tim Gunn remembers ten seasons of "Project Runway.
Saima Wahab
Aug 7, 2012
Chik-fil-A and Taco Bell face social media challenges, Italy doesn't love Mitt Romney, and Saima Wahab discusses her journey from Afghanistan to Portland, Oregon.
Chris Rock
Aug 8, 2012
Voter I.D. laws target the poor, minorities and elderly, Al Madrigal investigates an Olympic penis controversy, and Chris Rock discusses "2 Days in New York.
Joanna Brooks
Aug 9, 2012
President Obama and Mitt Romney exchange bad puns, Jason Jones covers the 2012 Red Neck Blank, and Joanna Brooks talks growing up Mormon in The Book of Mormon Girl.
Robert Pattinson
Aug 13, 2012
Mitt Romney makes Paul Ryan the Republican vice presidential nominee, and "Cosmopolis" and "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson enjoys a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Misty May-Treanor
Aug 14, 2012
Mitt Romney campaigns with vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan, John Hodgman shares his love of "Twilight," and Misty May-Treanor reflects on her Olympic legend.
Brian Williams
Aug 15, 2012
Joe Biden sparks Republican outrage, John Oliver searches for America's next great political prop, and Brian Williams discusses dogs and Paul Ryan's Wienermobile.
Rob Corddry
Aug 16, 2012
Pennsylvania and Ohio pursue partisan voting laws, the Best F#@king News Team Ever warms up for the Republican National Convention, and Rob Corddry shares his Olympic medal.
Marco Rubio
Aug 28, 2012
The Best F#@king News Team ever reports from the Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL, and Marco Rubio touts Republican governing philosophies and Florida journalism.
Herman Cain
Aug 29, 2012
The 2012 Republican National Convention finds its theme, Samantha Bee investigates the Republican platform, and Herman Cain identifies differences between him and Mitt Romney.
Michael Steele
Aug 30, 2012
Paul Ryan addresses the Republican National Convention, John Oliver interprets the Republican theme "We Can Change It," and Michael Steele talks Ron Paul.
GOP Convention 2012: Friday
Aug 31, 2012
Clint Eastwood speaks to an empty chair, Mitt Romney recalls America's idyllic past, and the Best F#@king News Team Ever say goodbye to the Republican National Convention.
Tom Brokaw
Sep 4, 2012
The Democratic National Convention begins in Charlotte, NC, the Best F#@king News Team Ever updates the Obama campaign's slogan, and Tom Brokaw compares conventions.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Sep 5, 2012
Democratic National Convention speakers praise President Obama, John Oliver shares a personal Obama anecdote, and Kirsten Gillibrand calls for more women in Congress.
Austan Goolsbee
Sep 6, 2012
The Democratic Party votes to amend its platform, Bill Clinton shares hard facts, and economist Austan Goolsbee remains happily divorced from government work.
DNC Friday
Sep 7, 2012
President Obama accepts the Democratic nomination, the Best F#@king News Team Ever shares memories of Charlotte, and Fox News gets a new slogan after its convention coverage.
Kofi Annan
Sep 17, 2012
A YouTube movie sparks violence in the Middle East, John Oliver reports from Egypt, and Kofi Annan shares his views on the Syrian conflict and what it means for the world.
Salman Rushdie
Sep 18, 2012
Mitt Romney shares his opinion of 47% of Americans, Al Madrigal and Jessica Williams discuss minority advantages in America, and Salman Rushdie talks "Joseph Anton.
Pink
Sep 19, 2012
Fox News addresses the leaked Romney video, the Best F#@king News Team Ever prepares for general election sniping, and Pink performs a song from "The Truth About Love.
Bill Clinton
Sep 20, 2012
An ancient papyrus hints that Jesus was married, the Senate GOP kills a veterans jobs bill, and Bill Clinton discusses his convention speech and the Clinton Global Initiative.
King Abdullah II
Sep 25, 2012
President Obama brushes off United Nations world leaders, Mitt Romney regresses as the election approaches, and King Abdullah II of Jordan talks Arab Spring.
Olivia Wilde
Sep 26, 2012
The NFL referee lockout continues, Patrick Stewart replaces John Oliver, Jason Jones investigates Sudden Wealth Syndrome, and Olivia Wilde talks life in Kenya.
Amar'e Stoudemire
Sep 27, 2012
Hungry kids protest school lunch calorie limits, the UN General Assembly makes for bland political theater, and Amar'e Stoudemire discusses his "STAT" children's books.