Succession: When fact and fantasy collide

 

What the blockbuster series Succession tells us about the media world we live in. Plus, India’s reporters have the odds and authorities stacked against them.

The acclaimed HBO TV series Succession immersed viewers in the world of the Roys, a family fighting for control of their elderly father’s media empire. Art imitates life, and as the series – which was partly, at times largely, based on the Murdochs – winds down, we examine what the hit show tells us about the dangers of corporate media.

OAN: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

One America News, or OAN, is a far-right news network being embraced by President Trump at his coronavirus press briefings. John Oliver takes a look at who they are, how they report, and why they could be a big problem during the pandemic.

New Rule: Worst Responder | Real Time with Bill Maher

In his editorial New Rule, Bill warns Americans not to make the mistake of rallying around an inept leader like Donald Trump.

Coronavirus II: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

As the spread of coronavirus worsens in the US, John Oliver discusses how the government is handling the outbreak, how they’re not, and what we can do to help.

New Rule: My Way or the Die Way | Real Time with Bill Maher

In his editorial New Rule, Bill calls on Americans to cool it with the death threats.

Overtime: Fran Lebowitz, Jonathan Metzl, Neera Tanden, George Packer, Ja...

New Rule: Married to the Mob | Real Time with Bill Maher

Iran Deal: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Trump vs. The World: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

John Oliver returned to HBO last night, and his main segment was on Trump, of course.

Donald Trump has failed so miserably to encourage American leadership abroad that international rivals like China and Germany (yes, THAT Germany) are filling the gap.

The Trump administration has not filled large numbers of ambassadorships, as well, including in critical countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

And Trump has made himself a laughingstock of impersonating comedians around the world. Oliver gives us some noteworthy examples worth the click.

Then John Oliver changes his tune and defends the country he has chosen for his own:

JOHN OLIVER: As an immigrant who has fallen in love with this country, for what it's worth, please allow me to speak to the rest of the world in America's defense. Donald Trump does not represent America — well, to be completely honest, he does reflect it a bit. But the point is America is not one thing; it's a beautiful mess of contradictions where good and bad are mixed together. For instance, it makes Mountain Dew, which tastes like a honeydew melon was fu*ked by a radioactive cloud. On the other hand, it makes awesome beds shaped like the Batmobile.

America is the country that gave you Star Wars — you're welcome — and Scientology — we're sorry about that. And sometimes, what's great and terrible about us is just impossible to separate.

Maher: 'If Trump Was A Man, He'd Stop Whining Like A Little Bitch'

Bill Maher knows how to push Donald Trump's buttons. Last night, he did it in front of a terribly rude, interrupting Ann Coulter in his New Rules segment. Thankfully for most of us viewers, she could only sit there and listen. Maher verbally assailed Coulter's dream candidate which was glorious and so well-deserved. Luckily, the format…