Josh Johnson, Troy Iwata, Michael Kosta, Desi Lydic, Jon Stewart, Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper and Grace Kuhlenschmidt on The Daily Show, on Comedy Central and streaming on Paramount+. Comedy Partners The Daily Show has long satirized television news, but now, it’s spoofing the microdrama format as well.
The Comedy Central brand will soon debut a microdrama series titled The Daily Show Presents: Two Billionaires Fight to Dominate the Country… And My Heart!, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The story is set to satirize both the state of U.S. politics as well as the verticals format, which typically uses soap opera-esque plotlines, romance and wild twists to keep viewers hooked.
The series’ logline suggests the media diet of Daily Show writers has recently included not only very serious news reports but also spicy vertical romances. “When the president’s beautiful daughter Alonka announces that her aging father wants to spend more of his Oval Office time sleeping, two filthy rich tech gods — Egon Husk and Jiff Davos — must compete to build a new AI President to help him run the country. But their lust for power, and Alonka, leads to dangerously hot complications,” the description states.
Comedy Central will disclose the release date and the platform(s) hosting the series at a separate point, and stars of the series were also not revealed as of press time.
What is known is that this is the first-ever microdrama from The Daily Show, which has long produced original sketches and segments for digital platforms (like “Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse”) in addition to its traditional, Jon Stewart-hosted show on linear television. The brand also operates a podcast, The Daily Show: Ears Edition, featuring Stewart and The Daily Show’s news team.
While many brands, from Marc Jacobs to the WWE, are currently testing the microdrama waters to engage consumers in new ways, The Daily Show appears to be distinguishing itself by tapping into the format’s comedic possibilities. With many verticals featuring campy premises and heavy-handed dialogue, and with frequent tropes including vampires, werewolves and “enemies to lovers,” the jokes nearly write themselves.
The Daily Show, which is nearing its 30th anniversary mark, was recently nominated for seven Emmys including best variety series and outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day
Subscribe Sign Up
