I used to watch the Daily Show until it got unfunny. This show is somewhat like that except that it's funny, has a talented host, does more news, and doesn't have idiot celebrities being smug in "interviews". It's not really much like The Daily Show actually.
This is also of a much higher quality than that purported "satire" program on the ABC at a similar time on a similar day in a similar country (Chaser's War) which seems only to consist of idiots being annoying and thinking they're hilarious.
But digressions aside, this is the greatest Australian show I've ever seen. The jokes are delivered with a rarely-seen rapidity (concentration is required for the duration) but to view it as only a comedy would be folly: there is an incisiveness into the news that we barely see on television any more (with the exception of Tony Jones on ABC's "Lateline") that underlies the comedy, making it all the more satisfying. Also in the credit of the show is its balanced view with regard to political issues: presenting fact without polish. This is aided immensely by the lack of interviews with political persons.
A knowledge of current events in the world will enhance enjoyment of this show, but it is not a prerequisite.
This is quality political satire that doesn't stoop to mocking the hygiene/appearance of political figures (as seen in Chaser's War), but, instead, focuses on the politics.
Micallef is not only the funniest Australian comic mind operating today, he's probably the smartest. The fact that he's supported by a talented team of writers and performers only adds to his prowess.
