6 chapters across the catalog
The hosts review clips from NBC's "The Carmichael Show," which features humor based on black stereotypes, such as the claim that black people do not read for fun or drive Subarus. While one host finds the self-deprecating humor entertaining and reminiscent of 1970s sitcoms, the other finds it awkward and potentially racist. The segment concludes with an anecdote about a college roommate teaching a host how to moisturize.
Norman Lear and Scripted Propaganda in Entertainment
The hosts play clips of Hollywood legend Norman Lear discussing how his foundation works with television networks to embed specific social and political storylines. They highlight an example from "Modern Family" where a character was used to promote climate change awareness. They argue that shows like "House of Cards" use similar tactics to manipulate public opinion on Russia.
Norman Lear Center, Hollywood Health and Society Propaganda
The Norman Lear Center at USC's Annenberg School runs the Hollywood Health and Society program, which provides free resources to TV writers to incorporate storylines about climate change and the Affordable Care Act. A clip from a television show illustrates how environmentalist memes, such as solar power and reclaimed cooking oil, are integrated into scripts to influence public opinion.
The hosts mock the acting on the television show Modern Family and attempt various comedic accents, including a "gay Indian" voice. Adam Curry recounts seeing Joan Collins in an airport lounge with two companions. The show concludes with a reminder of the value-for-value model and a final "shut up slave" sign-off.
Modern Family Finale and Betty White's Off Their Rockers
The hosts discuss the season finale of "Modern Family" and the show's portrayal of gay couples. They also review Betty White's new prank show, "Off Their Rockers," where senior citizens play jokes on younger people. John Dvorak finds the "senior citizen sandwich" joke particularly memorable.
An episode of the sitcom Modern Family is analyzed for its portrayal of air travel as a dangerous and bureaucratic nightmare. The script includes jokes about planes being "buildings on their side" and a child character being placed on a no-fly list. This is framed as "predictive programming" designed to make the public more receptive to train travel.
