Trevor Noah's Performance on The Daily Show: A Critical Examination

As of my last update in August 2023, Trevor Noah was still hosting the popular political satire show, The Daily Show. In 2022, he announced his departure and his last episode aired on December 8, 2022. Since then, the show has featured guest hosts and special episodes as they search for a permanent host to fill the void left by Noah.

The View on Trevor Noah

Despite his popularity, opinions on Trevor Noah are mixed. My personal view is that he is a below-average comedian. As an Indian, I find his take on India demeaning and disrespectful. Considering his roots in South Africa, he could have done a better job of highlighting the poverty and challenges faced within his own country instead of criticizing a developing nation.

Comedy Critique

From an outsider’s perspective, it’s easy to idealize public figures because we tend to remember their best moments. However, my memory of The Daily Show shows that most episodes were rather boring. While the humor was sometimes bordering on childish, Noah possesses a remarkable ability to find humor, even in situations where he delivers unprepared speeches. This versatility can be seen in his performances between scenes, where he manages to find moments of amusement.

Public Opinion

Interestingly, my fellow Americans and I share a mutual lack of enthusiasm for Trevor Noah. Despite this sentiment, Noah has managed to retain his job with low ratings, partly due to his unique status as a “foreigner” and the wave of acclaim from the show's liberal core. It's a common belief among Americans that people like Noah, who are part black and half white, are adored by the media and liberal audiences.

Some suggest that his stand-up interview style and his autobiography, Born a Crime, fit well with the current political climate. With films like Selma, Loving, and A United Kingdom, the timing is perfect for someone who embodies the story of being an “apartheid baby.” Noah's smooth and lovable vibes appeal to viewers, and his mix of attractive appearance and mixed heritage likely serve to endear him to the audience. However, some critics argue that these same attributes also mask his lack of political knowledge and un-funniest moments.

Comedy viewers, including myself, often wonder why Jon Stewart chose to pick a relatively new host like Trevor Noah. Stewart, and by extension other liberal Americans, might have been overly enamored with the idea of an apartheid baby, especially if that baby is as attractive as Noah. Critics argue that Stewart made a serious mistake by not opting for a more seasoned political analyst. The question remains: did Stewart make an error in judgment, or was his choice driven by an affection for Noah's unique persona?

Trevor Noah's tenure on The Daily Show has been met with varying reactions. While his unique background and persona have endeared him to many, there are valid criticisms about his comedic skills and political knowledge. The future of the show will be closely watched to see if a new host can match the legacy set by Noah and his predecessors.