I have often wondered this myself:
<a title="Gothamist: Samantha Bee, The Daily Show Correspondent” href=”http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2005/01/21/samantha_bee_the_daily_show_correspondent.php”>Gothamist: Samantha Bee, The Daily Show Correspondent
Why the hell do these interview subjects go along with you? Are they unaware of the show? Do they not get that they’re being ridiculed?
People really love to be on the TV. They really do. And listen, I’m not judging here, because I love to be on the TV too.We always tell people the truth about who we are, and then if they are unfamiliar with the show, the onus is on them to do a little research and figure it out. That’s what I would do if someone called me out of the blue to do an interview. Maybe that’s just me.
Have you had anyone back out midway because they realize they’re being made fun of?
I have not had that experience. Honestly I try to make it as painless as possible for people. People can actually have a pleasant time being interviewed by us, you know. It’s not oral surgery.
I think the Daily Show interviews work best with (A) totally delusional people like you might see in the early rounds on American Idol or (B) people who get the joke. Not in between, where it’s just uncomfortable.
The best of the latter was Boy George, who warmed up to the interview with Beth Littleford and played along graciously.