In 2003, the Japanese film Spirited Away (2001), by Hayao Miyazaki, became the first anime production to win the Academy Award as best animated feature film.
Credit: © Pictorial Press/Alamy Images

April 15 is National Anime Day, celebrating anime’s distinct style of animation that developed in Japan in the 1960’s. Anime is short for animeshiyon, the Japanese word for animation. Anime stories may be original or based on popular children’s tales. Many of the stories, as well as the overall look of anime, are taken from Japanese comic books called manga that became popular in the 1950’s. Anime has a flat look and features colorful images and heroic characters. The plots are often action-filled, with fantastic, futuristic, or political themes. Many anime characters have large, saucerlike eyes, small mouths, and wild hair. The characters often display exaggerated emotions.

An action figure display features the superhero Deku from the series My Hero Academia.
Credit: © Morumotto/Shutterstock

Anime television series and motion pictures are watched around the world. “My Hero Academia”  is a popular manga and anime series of the 2010’s and 2020’s. It was created by the Japanese artist Kohei Horikoshi. The series takes place in a world where most people have a unique inborn superpower that individuals can develop to become heroes. “Attack on Titan” is among the most popular manga and anime series of the 2010’s. It is an action and fantasy series set in a world where humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction by the mysterious Titans. The Titans are giant, humanoid monsters that attack and eat humans on sight.

A life-sized model of a Titan greets visitors to a Japanese theme park attraction based on the series Attack on Titan.
Credit: © MR. AEKALAK CHIAMCHAROEN/Shutterstock

Other popular anime TV series include “Dragon Ball” (1986-1989) by manga artist and writer Akira Toriyama, “Pokémon” (1997-2002), “Cowboy Bebop” (1998-1999), “Naruto” (2002-2007), and “Fullmetal Alchemist” (2003-2004). Notable anime feature films include Akira, Grave of the Fireflies, and My Neighbor Totoro (all 1988); Ninja Scroll (1993); Princess Mononoke (1997); Ponyo (2008); The Secret World of Arrietty (2010); and The Wind Rises (2013). In 2003, the Japanese film Spirited Away (2001), by Hayao Miyazaki, became the first anime production to win the Academy Award as best animated feature film.

The character Goku in the anime series “Dragon Ball Z”
Credit: © Fuji TV

There are many types of anime, including action, adventure, comedy, romance, science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural. Shonen anime features action or adventure and is targeted toward adolescent boys. Shojo anime features character development and romance and is targeted toward adolescent girls. Mecha anime features giant robots with human traits. Some types of anime have more adult themes, often involving violence or sexual material. Anime may be subtitled or dubbed in other languages for release in countries outside of Japan.

Manga comics surged in popularity in Japan in the mid-1900′s. The “Naruto” (1994-2014) series by Masashi Kishimoto became one of the top-selling manga series of all time. It is about the adventures of a mischievous young ninja.
Credit: © Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha Inc.

The Japanese animator and cartoonist Osamu Tezuka was a pioneer of manga and anime. He was greatly influenced by the animation of the American motion-picture producer Walt Disney. Tezuka created a number of popular manga series in the 1950’s that later became popular anime TV series. These include the TV series “Astro Boy” (1963-1966) and “Kimba the White Lion” (1965-1967). Anime often appears jerky because it typically uses fewer drawings than the animation of such major studios as Walt Disney and Warner Bros. Animated cartoons often appeal to children, but anime can be enjoyed by adults as well as younger viewers around the world.

American entertainer Olivia Rodrigo
Credit: © Tinseltown, Shutterstock

In the past year, American actress, singer, and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo has transformed from a Disney Channel star to a big name in pop music. Rodrigo first became known as an actress on television programs produced for the Disney Channel.

Olivia Isabel Rodrigo was born on Feb. 20, 2003, in Temecula, California, southeast of Los Angeles. Rodrigo began taking voice, piano, and guitar lessons as a child. She acted in middle and high school performances and began acting professionally in 2016. She played a leading character, Paige Olvera, on the Disney TV series “Bizaardvark” (2016-2019).

In 2019, Rodrigo gained the lead role of Nini in “High School Musical: The Musical—The Series.” She wrote and performed original songs for the series, including “All I Want” (2019) and a duet with Joshua Bassett, “Just for a Moment” (2020).

She released her first single “Drivers License” on Jan. 8, 2021. It soon hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is now nominated at the 64th Grammy Awards for song of the year, record of the year, and best pop solo performance. Rodrigo is also nominated for best music video or film for “Good 4 U” (2021), best pop vocal album for Sour (2021), album of the year for Sour, and best new artist.

After “Drivers License,” her next two singles— “Deja Vu” (2021) and “Good 4 U”—also debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard “Hot 100″ chart. She became the first recording artist to start a career with three singles in the top 10. Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, included elements of pop, folk, and rock music.

Besides releasing catchy singles, Rodrigo also took a trip to the White House this summer. She met with President Joe Biden and the immunologist and Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States, Anthony Fauci, to discuss the importance of young people getting vaccinated against COVID-19. In December, Rodrigo was named Entertainer of the Year by Time magazine. She announced a world tour for 2022 in which she will travel to Europe, Canada, and across the United States.

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek
Credit: © Jeopardy! Productions, Inc.

He was one of history’s most beloved game show hosts.

If you said, “Alex Trebek,” you’re wrong—but only because you didn’t answer in the form of a question!

That’s the way things work on the long-running television quiz show “Jeopardy!” (1984-…). The clues are provided in the form of answers, and the contestants supply the question. The show has become a staple of American television and made a household name of its host, Alex Trebek, who died November 8 at the age of 80. Trebek became known for his calm and charismatic personality and for wryly responding to contestants who missed easy questions. Along the way, in an age of game shows that often involved simple puzzles or silly stunts, “Jeopardy!” gained a reputation as a serious and challenging contest of knowledge.

Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He attended the University of Ottawa, graduating with a degree in philosophy in 1961. Trebek began his career as a journalist and newscaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He shifted careers when he began hosting the Canadian quiz show “Reach for the Top” (1961-1989) in the mid-1960′s. Trebek began hosting the nationally televised Canadian game show “Jackpot” (1974-1990) in 1970. Trebek’s first role in American television was hosting the game show “The Wizard of Odds” (1973-1974). In 1984, Merv Griffin, the creator of the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune” (1975-…), invited Trebek to host a revival of the 1960′s and 1970′s game show “Jeopardy!”. Trebek ended up hosting more than 37 seasons of the show.

“Jeopardy!” has become an institution of popular culture. The show’s lilting Final Jeopardy theme, played as contestants contemplate each episode’s ultimate question, is widely associated with thinking under pressure. Among the more famous parodies of the show is a series of “Saturday Night Live” sketches in which Trebek, played by the comedian Will Ferrell, tussles with unruly celebrity contestants, most notably Sean Connery.

Trebek won six daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host. In 2011, he won a daytime Emmy for lifetime achievement. In 2014, Trebek achieved the Guinness World Record for the most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter, with more than 8,000 episodes. Trebek wrote a memoir, The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life (2020).

In 2019, Trebek announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite debilitating pain, he continued to host the show and shared his experience of his illness with viewers in television interviews and specials.

December 16, 2019

Tomorrow, December 17, marks 30 years since the animated situation comedy “The Simpsons” began its first season in 1989. The popular show is the longest-running series in television history. The series follows the comic adventures of the Simpsons, a blue-collar American family, and the many other colorful characters who live in the fictitious town of Springfield. The series began with a Christmas special, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” which was followed by 12 episodes that ran from January through May 1990. “The Simpsons” is known for its satire of popular culture and American society. The series and its contributors have won dozens of Emmy Awards.

The first episode of the first season of “The Simpsons” aired 30 years ago on Dec. 17, 1989. Credit: © Fox

The Simpson family—which never ages—consists of the dim-witted father, Homer (voice by Dan Castellaneta), who works in the town’s nuclear power plant; the devoted mother and housewife, Marge (voice by Julie Kavner); the mischievous 10-year-old, Bart (voice by Nancy Cartwright); the bright 8-year-old, Lisa (voice by Yeardley Smith); and the pacifier-sucking baby, Maggie. The series also frequently features celebrity guest voices and characters. Numerous talented writers have worked for the show over the years, including Al Jean, David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, and the television personality Conan O’Brien.

“The Simpsons” was created by the American cartoonist Matt Groening, who developed the series with the creative director Sam Simon and the producer James L. Brooks. The show began as a series of animated segments that were shown on the American television variety series “The Tracey Ullman Show” beginning in 1987. In 2007, The Simpsons Movie, an animated feature-length motion picture based on the series, was released.

May 16, 2017

On Saturday, May 13, Portugal’s Salvador Sobral won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song, “Amar Pelos Dois” (Love for Both of Us). The Portuguese-language ballad was written by Sobral’s sister, Luisa. Sobral is the first Portuguese artist to win the the hugely popular European contest. Held every year since 1956, Eurovision is the world’s largest and longest-running annual television song competition. This year’s contest took place at the International Exhibition Centre in Kiev, Ukraine. Each year’s winning nation hosts the following year’s contest. In 2016, Ukrainian singer Jamala won Eurovision with her song, “1944.”

Portuguese artist Salvador Sobral performs the Eurovision-winning ballad, “Amar Pelos Dois,” at the Internatinal Exhibition Centre in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 13, 2017. Credit: © Review News/Shutterstock

Long before “American Idol,” “The Voice,” “The X Factor,” or even “Star Search,” there was Eurovision. The show began as the “Eurovision Grand Prix” in 1956 and became the “Eurovision Song Contest” in 1968. Each year, primarily European countries submit one entry—one artist with one new and original song—to the Eurovision contest. Despite the great variety of nations participating, most songs are in English. The songs are each performed live—often with elaborate stage shows—and votes from the television audience are combined with those of a professional international jury to gradually narrow the competition to the “Grand Final” round. The final songs are then performed and voting determines the overall winner, who performs again and receives the “glass microphone” trophy. This year’s competition began with 42 national entries; 26 took part in the Grand Final.

Conchita Wurst, representing Austria, won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The televised annual singing competition began in 1956 and is the largest music competition in the world. Credit: © AP Photo

More than 50 nations have participated in Eurovision. All active members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) can take part in the contest. The EBU is a professional association of national broadcasters that negotiates and advocates on behalf of public broadcasters in Europe. The EBU also includes numerous non-European nations. It operates the Eurovision network, the world’s largest provider of international sports and news broadcasts.

Swedish group ABBA’s superstardom began with the 1974 Eurovision contest, and the show kick-started the career of French-Canadian star Céline Dion (singing for Switzerland) in 1988. Other Eurovision winners have included French singer France Gall (1965) and the British group Katrina and the Waves (1987). In 1958, Italy’s Domenico Modugno placed third at Eurovision with his song, “Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu,” better known as “Volare” (made famous by American singer Dean Martin). In 1994, Eurovision first presented the Irish dance production Riverdance to international audiences. Ireland has won Eurovision seven times, more than any other country.

September 20, 2016

Kit Harington stars as Jon Snow in the sixth season of the medieval fantasy television series, “Game of Thrones.” The show won a record 12 Emmy Awards for the second consecutive year in 2016.
Credit: © HBO

On Sunday, September 18, the 68th Emmy Awards were presented at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The awards recognized excellence in primetime programming and individual achievement for the 2015-2016 television season. Primetime refers to the evening hours, when television draws the most viewers. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents the awards. The live telecast on ABC featured awards in 26 categories. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel hosted the awards for the second time.

The Television Academy spread the awards among a dozen networks and streaming services, illustrating the variety of sources offering quality television programming. Including the Emmy Creative Arts Awards presented earlier in September, HBO’s epic medieval fantasy series, “Game of Thrones,” won a record 12 awards for a fictional series for the second consecutive year, including best drama, best directing, and best writing for a drama series. The series, which began airing in 2011, has won 38 total Emmy Awards, the most for a fictional television program to date. The comedy show “Frasier” (1993-2004) held the previous record of 37.

FX’s crime anthology, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, won five awards. The miniseries chronicled the infamous 1994-1995 O. J. Simpson murder trial and was based on Jeffrey Toobin’s book The Run of His Life: The People v. O. J. Simpson (1997). The miniseries won best limited series and best writing for a limited series. Sarah Paulson won best lead actress for her portrayal of prosecuting attorney Marcia Clark; Courtney B. Vance won best lead actor for his portrayal of defense attorney Johnnie Cochran; and Sterling K. Brown won best supporting actor for his portrayal of prosecuting attorney Christopher Darden.

HBO’s political satire “Veep” won best comedy series for the second year in a row. Julia Louis-Dreyfus made history by winning her fifth consecutive Emmy for her role as a vice president of the United States who becomes president. Jeffrey Tambor repeated as best actor in a comedy for Amazon’s “Transparent,” about a middle-aged father who decides to live his life as a transgender woman. In his acceptance speech, Tambor encouraged the television industry to offer more opportunities to the transgender community. The show also won for best directing for a comedy series.

Rami Malek won best lead actor in a drama for the USA Network psychological thriller,”Mr. Robot.” Tatiana Maslany won best lead actress in a drama for the BBC America science-fiction series, “Orphan Black.” Maggie Smith won her third Emmy for her portrayal of Violet Crawley, the dowager-countess of Grantham, in the British television series “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015). HBO’s “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” won best variety talk series and Comedy Central’s “Key & Peele” won best variety sketch series.

In contrast to the lack of diversity among nominees at the Academy Awards earlier this year, 25 percent of this year’s Emmy nominations went to people of color.

Other Behind the Headlines posts

• A History-Making Primetime Emmy Awards Night (Sept. 22, 2015)
• Megastar Monday: The 88th Academy Awards (Feb. 29, 2016)

September 8, 2016

Fifty years ago today, on Sept. 8, 1966, the science-fiction television program “Star Trek” first aired on NBC in the United States and CTV in Canada. The show’s ratings were never strong, and the series lasted just three seasons. Reruns in the 1970’s gained the show legions of new fans, however, giving birth to an entire “Star Trek” culture. Loyal followers called Trekkies formed fan clubs and held conventions. More than 100 “Star Trek” novels have been published, along with over 20 nonfiction books about the series. Numerous spin-off television shows have had much longer runs than the original “Star Trek” series, and the “Star Trek” movie franchise has been ongoing and incredibly popular since Star Trek: The Motion Picture was released in 1979.

The original “Star Trek” crew man the bridge of the starship Enterprise. The popular television show first aired 50 years ago on Sept. 8, 1966. Credit: © Interfoto/Alamy Images

Numerous events and exhibitions—and yes, conventions—have been marking the show’s 50^th anniversary throughout 2016. The largest just may be at Seattle’s EMP Museum, where a continuous “Star Trek” celebration—Exploring New Worlds—began in May and runs through January 2017. Other months-long events include the wandering Starfleet Academy Experience in New York City; Ottawa, Ontario; and Calgary, Alberta; and the “Star Trek” Global Art Exhibition in New York City; Toronto, Ontario; and Birmingham, England. This past weekend, “Star Trek: Mission New York” treated Trekkies to interactive exhibits, celebrity guests, gaming, panels, screenings, and lots and lots of merchandise. Later this month, the symphony orchestra in Paris, France, will perform “Star Trek: the Ultimate Voyage Concert” ahead of the main Destination Star Trek Europe event in Birmingham. Several other musical performances will feature symphony orchestras playing along with screenings of the franchise’s many movies. At least two “Star Trek”-themed cruises will carry Trekkies around the Caribbean Sea, and conventions are being held in such cities as Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Truly, there are simply too many events to list them all here.

“Star Trek” was created by Gene Roddenberry. It was set hundreds of years in the future and followed the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) as it explored outer space—“the final frontier.” The Enterprise crew was commanded by Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner. His first officer was Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy. Spock was born of a father from the planet Vulcan and a human mother. The character, with his pointed ears and unemotional manner, became a cult figure among “Star Trek” fans. Other original characters included the spaceship doctor, Leonard McCoy, played by DeForest Kelley; Mr. Sulu, the chief navigator, played by George Takei; communications officer Lieutenant Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols; and engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, played by James Doohan.

“Star Trek” has had a significant impact on the arts, culture, fashion, and technology—even on the English language. No explanation is needed when someone asks to be “beamed up” or to travel at “warp speed.” The show’s weaponry—phasers and photon torpedoes—are both in the Oxford English Dictionary, as are the show’s Klingon and Vulcan humanoid alien races. (Vulcan is also applied to mind-meld and nerve pinch.) Most people probably know Spock’s catch phrase, “Live long and prosper,” as well as the Enterprise crew’s mission “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

April 8, 2016

The singing competition television show “American Idol” crowned its final winner last night as it ended its 15-year run. Trent Harmon, 25, from Mississippi, beat out fellow Mississippian La’Porsha Renae to become the winner of the show’s final season, to the apparent surprise of judges Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban.

“American Idol” finalists Kelly Clarkson, second from left, and Justin Guarini, second from right, competed during the show’s first season in 2002. Ryan Seacrest, far left, and Brian Dunkleman, far right, hosted the show. “American Idol,” which aired until 2016, attracted some of the biggest audiences in television history. © Fred Prouser, Reuters/Landov

But the people had spoken, a theme emphasized in a special opening segment featuring United States President Barack Obama. Pointing out the voting power of the “Idol” audience, Obama congratulated the show on its long run as he urged Americans to vote: “For over a decade, this show has motivated millions of young Americans to vote…. We should do the same in our lives as citizens of this country we love…. Not all of us can sing like Kelly Clarkson [the show's first winner] but all of our voices matter. This show reached historic heights not only because Americans watched it, but because you participated in its success, and the same is true of America.”

“American Idol,” which had aired on the Fox network since 2002, discovered new singing talent through a series of auditions and televised performances. While the judges commented on each contestant’s performance, the viewers determined which contestants would advance to the next round of the competition. Viewers voted by calling a special telephone number or by text messaging after each performance show. The results were announced during the following night’s broadcast. After several weeks of performances and voting, the competition was eventually narrowed down to two finalists. The winner received a recording contract and the title of American Idol for the show’s season.

Last night’s show also featured special segments and appearances by several former contestants. Clarkson, who later became a Grammy Award winner, prerecorded a medley of her hits for the show’s audience. Season 4 finalist Jennifer Hudson, who went on to win an Academy Award as best supporting actress for her performance in the motion-picture musical  Dreamgirls (2006), took the stage, as did season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who performed with judge Urban. Original judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul also made appearances, as did Season 1 co-host Brian Dunkleman and 21st Century Fox Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch.

Throughout its long history, the show saw many other judges, including the singer, songwriter, and record producer Kara DioGuardi; the comedian and TV personality Ellen DeGeneres; the rock musician Steven Tyler; the singer Mariah Carey; and the rap artist Nicki Minaj. Some of show’s other notable contestants included Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, David Cook, Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Adam Lambert, Jordin Sparks, and Ruben Studdard.

Ratings for the “American Idol,” which once attracted some of the biggest audiences in television history, had been down in recent years. A decade ago, “Idol” drew up to 40 million viewers. Last night’s show drew nearly 13 million viewers, the best ratings for an “Idol” finale since 2013.

“American Idol” was based on a popular British program called “Pop Idol” and started out with the name “American Idol: The Search for a Superstar.” Other national versions of “Idol” include “Australian Idol,” “Canadian Idol,” and “Indian Idol.” “American Idol” spawned many other singing competition shows, including “The Voice.”

“American Idol” creator Simon Fuller was said to be already planning a reboot of the show that he described as being more “interactive” with a “youthful glow.” “‘Idol’ will certainly be coming back,” Fuller said. Ryan Seacrest, who had hosted the show since its first season, hinted at that hope last night when he signed off by saying, “Goodnight America, for now.”

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Sept. 22, 2015

The 67th Emmy Awards were presented at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The awards recognize excellence in primetime programming and individual achievement for the 2014-2015 television season. Primetime refers to the evening hours, when television draws the most viewers. The live telecast on the Fox network featured awards in 26 categories. Actor and comedian Andy Samberg hosted the awards for the first time. The telecast featured appearances and performances by Lady Gaga, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, James Cordon, Jimmy Kimmel, Gina Rodriguez, and LL Cool J.

Viola Davis, center, received an Emmy Award for her performance as a charismatic criminal defense law professor in “How to Get Away with Murder.” Davis became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for best actress in a drama series. Credit: Mitchell Haaseth, ABC

HBO was the night’s big winner. The cable network won a total of 14 Emmy Awards—more than all the other networks and streaming services combined. Its epic medieval fantasy series “Game of Thrones,” which began airing in 2011, won its first best drama award. The series also won Emmys for writing, directing, and for supporting actor Peter Dinklage. Dinklage portrays the scorned heir to a powerful family who is forced to survive by his wits. It was the actor’s second Emmy Award for the show. Including the Emmy Creative Arts Awards presented on Sept. 12, 2015, “Game of Thrones” won a total of 12 Emmys in 2015, the most ever by a series in a single year. HBO’s political comedy “Veep” won for best comedy for the first time. The show, which began airing in 2012, had been shut out for the last five years by the popular ABC sitcom “Modern Family.” Julia Louis-Dreyfus won her fourth Emmy in a row for “Veep” as an underestimated vice president of the United States who becomes president. Tony Hale, who portrays the character’s loyal aide, won for best supporting actor. “Veep” also won a writing award. The HBO miniseries “Olive Kitteridge” won six awards. It was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Elizabeth Strout about 25 years in the life of a harsh but witty retired Maine schoolteacher. The series won every award in its category, including best limited series (formerly best miniseries). Frances McDormand won for best actress as the title character, Richard Jenkins won for best actor as Olive’s kindly pharmacist husband, Bill Murray won as best supporting actor as a lonely widower befriended by Olive, Lisa Cholodenko won as director, and Jane Anderson won as screenwriter.

Jon Hamm won his first Emmy for his role as 1960′s boozing, womanizing advertising executive Don Draper on AMC’s “Mad Men.” The show, which began airing in 2007, wrapped up its run in May 2015. Viola Davis became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for best actress in a drama series, for her performance as a charismatic criminal defense law professor in ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.” Jeffrey Tambor won as best actor in a comedy for Amazon’s groundbreaking series “Transparent,” about a middle-aged father who decides to live his life as a transgender woman. Comedian and actress Amy Schumer won an Emmy for best variety sketch series for her Comedy Central show “Inside Amy Schumer.” “The Daily Show” won Emmys for best variety talk series and for its director, Chuck O’Neill. In August, Jon Stewart stepped down after 16 years as host of the show. He will be succeeded later this month by South African comedian Trevor Noah.

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences makes awards for nighttime television. The first Emmys were awarded for programs telecast in 1948.

August 7, 2015

Thursday, August 6, marked the last time Jon Stewart appeared on cable television network Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” where he had wielded comedy and satire as weapons for skewering politicians and media figures for 16 years. Stewart took over “The Daily Show” from its former host, Craig Kilborn, in 1999. Under Stewart’s tenure, the show became a surprisingly well-trusted source of news and commentary. Despite Stewart’s tendency toward silliness and vulgarity, many journalists admired his ability to effectively explain complex news events. Stewart often expressed genuine anger at perceived injustices and dishonesty, which many viewers found an appealing change of pace from bland news reports and political performances.

Jon Stewart hosted his final “Daily Show” on Comedy Central on Aug. 6, 2015, after 16 years. © Getty Images

News reporters and politicians were typically the targets of Stewart’s attacks. A liberal, Stewart directed much of his mockery to Republican politicians and the conservative Fox News network. But he also attacked less partisan figures and institutions. The banking and health care industries were frequent targets of Stewart’s criticism, and he often accused more liberal news networks of timidly shirking their journalistic responsibilities.

Stewart also used his show as a platform for activism. For example, analysts have credited “The Daily Show” for pressuring Congress to pass a 2010 bill providing federally funded health care for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who worked during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. However, Stewart himself often acknowledged that his show failed to influence events, and occasionally mocked those who he thought overstated his influence.

Stewart’s tenure on “The Daily Show” was also notable for its colorful cast of correspondents. They included such comedians as Stephen Colbert, Larry Wilmore, and John Oliver—all of whom went on to host their own satirical news shows.

On the final episode, Stewart gave a characteristically vulgarity-laced monologue, urging his audience to resist society’s peddlers of phoniness. Stewart then received farewells—often sarcastic ones—by a crowd of his friends and, in some cases, his rivals, including Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly and Republican Congressman John McCain. Stephen Colbert veered away from his Lord of the Rings-themed scripted remarks to gave a heartfelt send-off, thanking Stewart for setting an inspiring example. The South African comedian Trevor Noah will take over as host of “The Daily Show,” on September 28.

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