In this completely revised and updated edition including eight new chapters Jeffrey Jones charts the evolution and maturation of political entertainment television by examining The Daily Show with Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Politically IncorrectReal Time with Bill Maher and Michael Moores TV Nation and The Awful Truth. This volume investigates how and why these shows have been central locations for the critique of political and economic power and an important resource for citizens during numerous political crises. In an age of Truthiness fake news and humorous political talk have proven themselves viable forms of alternative reporting and critical means for ascertaining truth and in the process questioning the legitimacy of news medias role as the primary mediator of political life.