The Problem with Jon Stewart (TV+) is, as you would expect from the man, impressive as hell. Stewart's
Daily Show interviews were always informed and insightful, and he brings that same sensibility to this show.
There's not much comedy here--although Stewart
is a jester and occasionally can't resist little gags like suggesting the show title should maybe have a comma in it. But for the most part this is ¹/₆
Last Week Tonight, ¹/₆
Real Time, and ²/₃
60 Minutes.
Like
LWT, there is a main topic, although on this show that single topic consumes the
entire show. Like
Real Time, there is a panel, although here the panel consists of people intimately involved in that single subject. On the first episode,
available as a free preview, the subject is burn pits--war front waste dumps that cause diseases in soldiers--something I confess I hadn't heard about until now. You can see why this subject would have special meaning to Jon: there is a pretty direct parallel to the plight of the 9/11 first responders that he fought for.
I have to admit, the subject can be depressing. I actually stopped the show halfway though and finished it a bit later. And there's an interview with someone from the VA whom you almost have to feel bad for. He can't give Jon a straight answer to anything, and one ends up with the feeling that he is just as perplexed as Stewart on why this problem can't be solved.
Kudos to Apple and Jon Stewart for this series.