The Daily Show’s Climate Change Content: Two Decades of Late-Night Science Communication

Abstract

Late-night shows provide important venues for climate change communication, and studies have demonstrated their ability to influence viewer attitudes. This longitudinal study examines climate content featured on one of America’s most popular late-night shows, The Daily Show, from 2000 to 2021 (including Jon Stewart’s and Trevor Noah’s tenures as hosts). The quantitative analysis demonstrates that climate content increased significantly in this period, and the qualitative analysis found that the show used framing to define problems and identify responsible political actors. Herein, the thematic emphasis is on Republican presidents Bush and Trump’s climate skepticism, specifically their supporters, opponents, and environmental deregulation.