A day in the life of a ‘Daily Show’ superfan
A spontaneous journey for comedy
Chicago — Susan Friedman’s dedication to “The Daily Show” is nothing short of legendary. Back in 2010, she impulsively decided to drive from Chicago to Washington, D.C., just to attend Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert’s “Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear.”
“I just drove in, went to the rally, and then drove back,” she recalls. “When people heard I was going, three others joined me. We didn’t even know each other!”
A decade later, the passion remains
On a Monday morning, Friedman stood outside Chicago’s Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, proudly holding a dish towel from that 2010 rally. The Athenaeum, located in the Lakeview neighborhood, is hosting “The Daily Show” this week as it covers the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
The venue is several miles north of downtown, where the DNC is taking place at the United Center and McCormick Place. The area around the Athenaeum was relatively quiet, with few pedestrians except for Friedman, who hoped to get into Monday’s taping.
“I’ve been in the queue for weeks now,” she said. “I’m hoping someone has an extra ticket or that I get lucky. I’m volunteering at the DNC and took today off just for this.”
A city alive with political fervor
Friedman has spent the past 10 days volunteering for the DNC. “The delegates and everyone arrived this weekend,” she noted. “The protesters arrived too, so downtown is where it’s really happening.”
Wearing a T-shirt from Chicago’s famed Second City comedy theater, Friedman expressed her admiration for both Jon Stewart and Second City alum Stephen Colbert, whose CBS late-night show is also in town.
“And don’t forget John Oliver!” she added, referring to the host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight.” She’s also a fan of Jimmy Kimmel. “Where is Kimmel?” she asked. “Why isn’t he here?”
When informed that Kimmel takes the summer off, Friedman quipped, “He could have vacationed in Chicago! We would have taken care of him.”
Chicago: A comedy haven
Chicago is renowned for its comedy scene, thanks in part to The Second City and other troupes. Having both “The Daily Show” and “The Late Show” in town is a significant boost for the local comedy community. “People here support the arts,” Friedman said. “We support comedy. Chicago’s a different breed.”
By late morning, staffers were bustling around the Athenaeum, with production trucks lining the street. Security was present, though there wasn’t much to monitor. Next door, Saint Alphonsus Church and its school were welcoming kids and parents back to class, seemingly unaware of the “The Daily Show” commotion next door.
Another fan’s perspective
Sitting on the steps of Saint Alphonsus was Ric Corns, another “Daily Show” fan. Unlike Friedman, he had secured tickets to Monday’s taping, hosted by correspondent Michael Kosta and featuring Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a guest.
“I’ve watched ‘The Daily Show’ on and off since 2004, since high school,” Corns said. “I’ve always loved Jon Stewart’s perspective and oddball takes. I’m still a little miffed about his rant on Chicago pizza, but I’m excited to finally attend a live taping.”
Corns felt a palpable excitement around town. “I think it’s really positive. So far, I haven’t seen anything controversial or any protesters. It feels like there’s a lot of unstoppable momentum. This is a prime moment for ‘The Daily Show’ to make great commentary, especially with the election so close.”
The impact of comedy on politics
The presence of “The Daily Show” and “The Late Show” in Chicago during the DNC underscores the significant role comedy plays in political discourse. These shows offer a unique blend of humor and insight, making complex political issues more accessible to a broader audience.
For fans like Friedman and Corns, attending a live taping is more than just entertainment; it’s a chance to be part of a larger conversation. The energy and enthusiasm they bring reflect the powerful connection between comedy and community.
In a city known for its rich comedic history, the arrival of these shows is a reminder of the enduring power of laughter to unite and inspire. Whether through spontaneous road trips or long-awaited tickets, fans like Friedman and Corns demonstrate that the love for comedy is as strong as ever.
For more information on “The Daily Show,” you can check out the trailer and information page.