It is no surprise that politics has become an even more popular topic than ever before since the last presidential election. However, while the topic has always been popular to discuss and joke about on talk shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show, more and more talk show hosts are using their platform to bring the topic forward; even shows that are not typically political like the formers mentioned. This raises the question, “is this a good or bad thing?”

 

Depending on who you ask, some people enjoy discussing politics and others do not. Many people often grow tired of the constant arguments through social media which are now congested with political spamming. The height of this was during the race between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, and settled down following Trump’s inauguration. While arguments did not cease of course, and protesting ensued soon after, there was still a noticeable decline in political slamming from either side.

 

Many celebrities have voiced their opinions during both Trump’s and Clinton’s campaigns, and afterwards. Many public figures continue to exercise their first amendment right and speak out on issues they believe to be significant and ignored by the current administration. There have been a number of these instances during award show acceptance speeches for example.

​

The individuals who speak out publicly in situations where many would not expect politics to be brought up in the conversation are likely aware that they have the opportunity to send a message millions of people who may be watching and listening. The Oscars alone brought in 33 million viewers earlier this year. Other than big screen celebrities, these public figures take many forms, including talk show hosts.

​

As mentioned earlier, political talk shows like The Colbert Report, and the Daily Show have already been popular destinations to tune in and listen to political discussion with a humorous twist. However, these types of talk shows are designed this way; with politics being the primary topic of discussion. This is not the same when it comes to shows like Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, and Conan O’Brien, to name a few. Kimmel himself is a particular voice who often brings political discussion into his show, and with serious temperament as seen when discussing an Obamacare reform act in relation to his own son’s illness. At these moments, the purely entertaining aspect of these late-night shows become anything but that.

​

However, Kimmel is not alone in using his platform to send a message. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has never been shy to publicly proclaim her opinion of President Donald Trump, recently stating during a talk with Megyn Kelly that she would never permit Donald Trump on her show; explaining that she does not want to give a platform to someone who she deems “dangerous” and would allow validation for a man who is dividing the nation, according to DeGeneres.

​

Some complain that this type of expression is not appropriate to bring to television programs that are not typically political, but rather meant to solely entertain its audiences. Others find it only more appropriate to do so, as these programs have the ability to reach a sizeable audience, and that it is the responsibility of those who speak for the program to deliver to their audience what they believe to be important, no matter how political that may be.