Today, we break new ground on Orient Lodge. You’ve seen live blogging of television shows before. Today, I ‘pre-blog’ the Daily Show.

This evening, Kim and I went to see the Daily Show being filmed. We got there early to wait in line because they overbook. We had a good discussion with the couple that was waiting behind us. After waiting in the green room, we got lead into the studio where they tape the show.

We were told that they don’t use a sound track, or an ‘applause’ light. A comic came out early to warm us up. He tried to get everyone as loud as possible. He was really good. He talked about how they didn’t want people to come watch the show, they wanted people to participate. It reflects a different aspect of why the Daily Show is important. It isn’t just an irreverent look at politics that matters, it is getting people involved. The audience is encourage participate.

We need to participate as viewers. We need to think critically. For a live audience, we need to participate with our laughter.

The one thing that is missing is authenticity. It is authenticity that draws people to blogs and that I think we are striving for in so much of our life. So, the moment in the taping of the Daily Show that was the best was during Black on Black, when a film clip was supposed to show up as the punch line. The clip was missing, the joke fell flat, and Black went on to say something like, “and if you saw the clip that was supposed to come up, it would have been really funny and I’d of gotten a good laugh.” That got a good laugh. It was real. It was authentic.

They broke to figure out what they would do and re-tape it. I’m sure that the splicing they do will make it funny for everyone, but for me, seeing the live moment during the taping was a special part of the experience. Just make sure there is enough grass for the cows.

Hopefully, as media changes we will see more authenticity and ‘live’ comedy in our lives. Until then, take a chance and go see The Daily Show taped.