Beyoncé’s halftime performance at Ravens vs. Texans didn’t disappoint. After a month worth of buildup, Beyoncé took the stage at center field in Netflix’s first-ever Christmas NFL broadast, enterting on a white horse to “16 Carriages,” strutting her way through the stadium with Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, and Tiera Kennedy to sing “Blackbiird,” rocking the stage with “Ya Ya,” then taking the field with a marching band and Shaboozey for “Sweet / Honey / Buckin.”
She danced in front of a denim-clad pickup for “Leviis” joined by Post Malone (of course), then put on a full parade alongside the hometown team’s owner Cal McNair and his wife Hannah Hartland to sing a spirited rendition of “Jolene,” and finally played “Texas Hold ‘Em” for the first time — a fitting finale for the first NFL Christmas game in her hometown. Making the moment even more special was Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy getting to join her on the field as a dancer.
When the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule came out prior to the season, one of the eyebrow-raising decisions from the league was to give Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs the Christmas spotlight with a game in Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, picking the second-year star over the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. It was a big bet on the Spurs to be improved this year (which they are) and on Wembanyama to meet the moment in his Christmas debut.
Wembanyama unquestionably did just that, as he scored 42 points to go along with 18 rebounds and four blocks, making good on his promise that his Christmas debut would be “a movie.” It was a bit of a slow start for Wembanyama, who struggled to find the range from distance early on, but once he found it he rained in 6 threes (on 16 attempts) and pushed the Spurs to a 7-point halftime lead.
However, the Knicks got a performance to match Wemby from Mikal Bridges, who was lethal with his efficiency, scoring 41 points on 17-of-25 shooting, including six made threes of his own.
He and Karl-Anthony Towns led a New York charge to get back in front in the third quarter, with Towns adding 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting in just 30 minutes of action, as he struggled with foul trouble.
The two teams traded leads in the fourth quarter, but it was the Knicks that were able to come out on top thanks to some big buckets from Bridges and ratcheting up the defense on the Spurs, who couldn’t get enough shots to drop late. New York emerged with a 117-114 win as they were able to run out the clock on a 38-second final possession thanks to two huge offensive rebounds from Josh Hart that sealed the win.
It was an incredible start to the NBA’s Christmas slate, and if there were any doubts that Wembanyama would embrace the stage, he put those to rest with one of the all-time great Christmas debuts. His 42 points put him third behind Tracy McGrady (43) and Wilt Chamberlain (45) on the list of highest scoring Christmas Day debuts, and I’d venture a guess that it’ll be a long time before he’s not part of the NBA’s marquee day of games.
On the other side, the Knicks showed why they’re such a dominant offense, as even in a game where Jalen Brunson was off and Towns was on the bench with foul trouble for 18 minutes, they could lean on Mikal Bridges — who has shaken off those early-season questions about his jump shot and looks like the Bridges of old.
Jimmy Butler’s future with the Miami Heat has been up in the air for some time, as some comments from Pat Riley on the heels of last season sure made it seem like a breakup could be in the cards for the franchise and its former All-Star forward. Now, a new report by Shams Charania of ESPN indicates that he wants a change of scenery sometime in the next month and a half.
On Wednesday morning, Charania brought word that Butler prefers a move out of Miami ahead of the trade deadline this season, which takes place on Feb. 6. Butler, who turned 35 in September, has a player option for next year, but can decline that and become an unrestricted free agent, which Charania reports is the expectation.
Butler has a list of teams that he’d prefer if he gets moved, although there’s no mechanism in his contract that would let him force a trade to a specific team. All of this comes amid a bit of a unique season in Miami, as the Heat sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference at 14-13 with Tyler Herro taking on the role of being the team’s top option on offense. Butler, meanwhile, has been good, albeit not quite as productive as he’s been in years past, as he’s averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 31.4 minutes per game.
This news coming out on Christmas Day is not the first time that we’ve seen a big-name player’s future come into question on the bigget day on the NBA’s regular season calendar. Two years ago, a report came out that then-Sixers guard James Harden would seriously consider a return to the Houston Rockets if he hit the open market, which did not happen.
The regular season from hell is nearly over if you’ve followed this space. Candidly, I hope you’ve been fading instead of tailing. Week 16 was a prime example, when De’Von Achane took a 50-yard run to the end zone rather than falling down, costing us a win in the process. All of those breaks have gone the other way in 2024 in the worst year on record for this column dating back to 2017.
Alas, some might shut it down. We’ll continue with five picks for Week 17. But first, a look at the carnage.
Week 16: 0-4-1
2024 Season: 30-48-2
Come get these winners.
TEASER: Pittsburgh Steelers (+8.5) over Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams (-0.5) over Arizona Cardinals — Widely Available
We’ll start things off on Christmas Day with Mike Tomlin as a home underdog. It may not be the most fun sweat, but a Wong teaser leg fading the Chiefs on the road right now? With Mike Tomlin and a good defense? Yes, please. On the other side, I like the Rams with the potential chance to the clinch the NFC West this weekend. Count me as an Arizona skeptic.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3) over Denver Broncos — FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers
I’ve been on both sides of Cincinnati games this season, and it’s an adventure. With that said, I tend to enjoy backing Joe Burrow, who is playing out of his mind. Denver’s defense has also struggled pretty significantly in the last two weeks, and the Bengals have some life at home. Throw in a rookie quarterback outdoors on the road in December, and we’re playing the Bengals.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers OVER 48.5 points — ESPNBet
We’ve been riding NFC South Overs all season and, honestly, it’s one of the few things that has brought joy. The Bucs and Panthers have both been firm Over teams in recent weeks and, if you haven’t been tracking, Overs in divisional games have been nearly perfect.
Carolina Panthers (+8) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Widely Available
Part of why I like the Over in this game is that Tampa Bay’s defense… is not strong. On the other side, Carolina isn’t any great shakes, but Bryce Young has played legitimately well at times in the recent past, and the market hasn’t quite caught up on the Panthers.
Buffalo Bills (-9.5) over New York Jets — FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars
We’re laying a big number? In this column? Well, nothing else has worked, so why not? More seriously, we’re getting a favorable number after Buffalo’s hiccup a week ago, and it’s one more chance to fade the Jets.
Michael Vick was officially introduced as the head football coach at Norfolk State University on Monday, as the Newport News native was returning to his home area to coach the Spartans in his first collegiate head coaching job.
On hand for his introductory press conference was a fellow 757 legend, as Hampton, VA native Allen Iverson dropped in to show his support for his friend being named head coach. It was very cool to see two of the greatest athletes to ever come from that area together in such a celebratory moment for Vick, as he gets set to embark on his coaching career.
Iverson spoke with the assembled media in Norfolk afterwards and spoke passionately about why he thinks Vick will succeed, noting his journey in life is something that everyone, not just the kids at Norfolk State, can learn from.
Vick starred at Virginia Tech and became the No. 1 overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons, where he became a Pro Bowler before his career was derailed after he pled guilty to playing a role in a dog-fighting ring in 2007. Vick served two years in prison and has worked with a number of organizations since his release to combat animal cruelty and abuse, rebuilding his life and career in the process, as he returned to football with the Eagles in 2009 and won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year. As Iverson notes, Vick’s story is remarkable and he can provide unique insight to the kids he coaches on navigating life as an athlete and teach them important lessons off the field as well.
With bourbon being the hottest adult beverage in America, it makes perfect sense to flex your knowledge and break out some impressive bottles for family and friends, whether you’re hosting at home or simply showing up as a guest. That said, you can’t show up to the party without having the perfect bottle of bourbon to fit the occasion, and that’s where we’ve got you covered.
We selected ten bourbons at various price points (with varying availability, FYI) that will show your loved ones that you know ball and perfectly set the tone for any holiday event. Some of these are classic options that prove the old adage that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and others are brand-new or high-end offerings that will highlight how you’re ahead of the curve on current trends. Think of it this way: this isn’t about clout chasing; it’s about taste.
That said, these are ten of the best-tasting bourbons you should buy right now to impress your family and friends for the holidays.
Frey Ranch Distillery, tucked away in the mountains of Nevada, is a relative newcomer to the American whiskey world, but they’ve been farming since 1854. All of that agricultural know-how finds its way into the bottle as they utilize their own sustainably grown grains in each of their products, putting nearly 170 years of experience on full display in their farm-to-glass bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Leather and cinnamon bark come roaring out of the glass as the impressive proof in this whiskey makes itself known vis-a-vis its burly aromas. Buttery pastry notes and a sweetness reminiscent of port wine add refinement to the affair, with custard and torched blood orange elevating it as well.
Palate: The interplay of grain – with corn pudding playing the role here – with tropical fruit, tobacco leaf, black tea, and clove is mesmerizing in every sip. Be sure to suck your teeth as an invitation for toasted almonds and overripe dates to join the party.
Finish: The finish showcases a delicate balance – though this whiskey is anything but delicate – where leather, dates, and big black pepper vibes all claim equal ground and cling to the roof of your mouth for dear life.
Bottom Line:
Believe it or not, Frey Ranch Distillery has been around for nearly 20 years, having been founded in 2006. Time has wrought a level of expertise coupled with high-quality grains to produce a robust bourbon loaded with robust flavor notes and a silky mouthfeel. It’s not as well known as others on this list, but that’s all the more reason you’ll look like a discerning tastemaker by bringing it to the holiday party.
9. Ben Holladay Bottled In Bond Soft Red Wheat Bourbon
Holladay Distillery in Weston, MO, is a beautiful destination where a new generation of bourbon makers are casting the dye for an incredible future. With Master Distiller Kyle Merklein steering the ship, Holladay is putting out two excellent 6-year bourbons from a rye-based and a wheat-based mash bill.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Bright stone fruit, spiced pears, cinnamon bark, clove, and white pepper with a touch of celery root hit the nose at first with a waxy note rising in the background in addition to ginger and slight mint sprig.
Palate: The first sip is remarkably rich. It has honey, cream of wheat, pears, and apricots, but it doesn’t stop there. The flavors of clove and cinnamon also come through in spades. The mouthfeel is impressively creamy, substantially gripping the edges of your tongue.
Finish: That creamy texture aids the lengthy finish full of stone fruits, vanilla custard, black pepper, and dense oak.
Bottom Line:
Holladay Distillery made the bold (and costly) choice to hold all of its core products until they reached six years of age, with this Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond Bourbon being their inaugural expression. The results have been decidedly delicious, and as one of the more under-the-radar options on the shelf, this bottle will blow away whiskey newbies and savvy veterans alike.
Jos. A Magnus Cigar Blend is the heralded premium expression under industry icon Nancy Fraley’s purview. Eschewing the trend of releasing premium bourbon annually, Cigar Blend is released sporadically in limited batches. The one we have is Batch 208, nicknamed “Maduro,” which was released as part of a series of batches 207-212 earlier this year featuring a blend of 9-year-old MGP 36% and 21% rye-recipe bourbon, 16-year-old Barton rye-recipe bourbon, and 20-year-old MGP 36% rye bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The proof is evident on the nose with cherry cola, tobacco leaf, and rich oak tones bursting out of the glass. After a few waves, there are additional notes of organic honey and trail mix, with dried cranberries, mixed nuts, and dark chocolate chunks coming through.
Palate: Brown sugar greets the initial sip as slightly savory tones with nutmeg and barrel char, plus some mocha and dark chocolate. The whiskey has a well-rounded texture, but despite that, it’s worth noting that the proof is a tad distracting on the first pass. Subsequent sips see the alcohol burn dialed down, and once acclimated; those flavors really present themselves well on the palate.
Finish: The finish has a bright cherry, allspice, vanilla flavor that pairs well with a surprising pop of fernet. It lasts for a long time, and even though it’s a bit hot, it’s really quite a pleasant send-off.
Bottom Line:
Jos. A. Magnus Cigar Blend is one of the expressions that helped reinvigorate America’s interest in unique cask-finished whiskeys. It presents the alluring challenge of pairing this bourbon with a fine cigar like you would a well-aged brandy. Even if cigars aren’t your thing, however, the depth of flavor in this trailblazing bourbon will leave you (and your loved ones) in awe.
This 10-year wheated bourbon, the thirteenth national release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series, was released early in the spring of 2024 to great fanfare. This expression marks the second time Heaven Hill has released a 10-year version of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Milk chocolate and caramel find the nose first, gently encouraging a deeper investigation. On the second pass, subtle hints of lavender candy, clove, and nougat slowly unfurl.
Palate: The supple texture of this whiskey makes the first impression as it gently caresses your palate before buttery pie crust, toasted almonds, and gooey caramel slowly seep in. The overall flavor profile is mellow but well-defined, as each note has space to make a distinct impression before clearing the way for the next.
Finish: The finish falls off a bit quickly, but here that’s a welcome discovery as Old Fitzgerald 10-Year comes across as almost refreshing, something akin to an amuse-bouche. The sweetness is held perfectly in check with a slight expression of orange rind and nutmeg before a sweet oak note strikes the final chord, allowing this whiskey to leave your palate.
Bottom Line:
This 10-year wheated bourbon delivers the mellow sipping experience one expects, with a considerable depth of flavor to boot. Plus, not only is it delicious, but the show-stopping bottle this whiskey is housed in is a conversation piece all by itself. This is how you win the holidays.
Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the more highly anticipated annual releases, and that’s because of its reliably high-quality flavor profile and alluring age statement. Sure, there are other 10-year single-barrel bourbons out there, but this one consistently takes the cake thanks, in part, to Michter’s proprietary filtration process and the fact that they regularly include much older bourbon in these blends.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Deep, delicious leather notes fuse with fresh black cherries on the nose of this rich bourbon on the nose. This is a classic, well-aged bourbon profile, and one that I could sit with and nose all night long. There’s also sage, vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate hiding underneath the surface.
Palate: On the palate, there’s a surprising pop of cedar and cinnamon at first before the black cherries and leather seize the reigns. From there, it transitions into dense oak and dark chocolate toward the midpalate, with vanilla ice cream fanning out from the center of the tongue and climbing the roof of the mouth. The mouthfeel here is medium-bodied, which is surprising given the proof but welcome considering the depth of the flavors here.
Finish: The finish has a medium length, with caramel, almonds, milk chocolate, and black cherries standing out most prominently.
Bottom Line:
With its low proof, Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon perfectly encapsulates the dog in the fight/fight in the dog paradox. This whiskey doesn’t need a heavy dose of ethanol to tightly layer a ton of flavor and stand toe-to-toe with the best bourbon on the planet. It’s not so rare that you can’t find a bottle of this stuff (with a little effort) but it’s special enough that your loved ones will appreciate seeing it appear at the festivities.
5. Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Series, founded in 2023, began with three initial entrants, but this new 6-year-old High Wheat Bourbon marks the lineup’s first official expansion. By combining a low barrel entry proof with a high percentage of wheat (39%) in the grain recipe, the brand sought to extract the maximum amount of wood sugars.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of this Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon begins with a ton of crème brûlée and strawberries before a touch of oak, wheat funk, and caramel comes through. There are also a few dashes of clove and lemon zest to round things out.
Palate: Once on the palate, the strawberries and custard notes play a major factor as the remarkably creamy texture of the liquid coats your palate and finds every corner of the mouth. Mellow oak tones, vanilla frosting, and flaky pastry flavors also enhance the bourbon.
Finish: The finish here is surprisingly lengthy, with the strawberry note going from ripe berries to the dried variety as a touch of nutmeg creeps in and the gentle oak vibes fuse with honey.
Bottom Line:
Bardstown Bourbon Company already has a wheated bourbon in their Origin Series, and it’s a rock-solid option that has its fair share of admirers among those who have tasted the well-received lineup. That said, this High Wheat Bourbon is absolutely stunning, and not only does it one-up its wheated bourbon predecessor, but it also blows the rest of the stellar Origin Series out of the water. Forget about flashier bourbons that people go crazy over; this stuff is so damn good it proves that quality beats hype every time.
Maker’s Mark’s sole age-stated product, Cellar Aged, is now in its second year of production. This year’s release features 15% 12-year-old bourbon and 85% 14-year-old bourbon, making it their oldest release to date. For the making of this product, Maker’s Mark takes their standard bourbon distillate, matures it for the typical eight years in their regular rickhouses, and then moves those barrels into their cellar where the temperature is a year-round constant cool of about 50 degrees, which decelerates the aging process.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark chocolate truffle dusting, orange blossom, and floral aromas kick off this aromatically impressive bourbon. Further notes of brown sugar, lavender honey, faint umami, wet soil, and coconut soon follow.
Palate: Citrus and red berries with vanilla and black pepper hit the palate at first, with heavy dark chocolate notes following thereafter. The texture is very creamy up front, with a tasty pop of cinnamon on the back end. Luscious caramel and toasted coconut notes develop at midpalate.
Finish: The finish is silky and lengthy, with dried strawberries, black pepper, gentle oak, and vanilla making the final impression.
Bottom Line:
The question you may have is whether or not this year’s Cellar Aged is better than 2023’s edition. The answer: it depends. While last year’s version is full of caramel tones that are very true to Maker’s Mark’s standard product, this year has much more chocolate and an atypical coconut note that will bring newcomers into the fold. Trust us, you want your loved ones to try the most unique Maker’s Mark bourbon ever.
Booker’s The Reserves is a new, annual limited-release series from Jim Beam by Freddie Noe to commemorate his grandfather and Beam’s 6th Generation Master Distiller, Booker Noe. This elevated take on classic Booker’s bourbon features a more limited blend of 8 to 14-year-old barrels drawn from the same center cut of the warehouse that Booker himself always favored, paying homage to the brand’s beginnings by foregoing the more recent black wax adorning the bottle’s neck for the original brown wax Booker used.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey really socks it to you at first with a surprising initial richness. It leaps out of the glass with enchanting floral notes, French vanilla, stewed plums, and ripe grapes. After a few waves of the hand, it turns a tad more savory with clove and dates.
Palate: Dense oak tones crash against the sumptuous flavors of dark chocolate, French vanilla, and dates when you first sip this bourbon. Some black cherries appear at midpalate, along with polished leather and a slightly dusty quality that adds depth. As for the mouthfeel, it’s full-bodied and anxiously coats your palate for the duration of each sip, remaining slow to recede through the finish.
Finish: The finish on this bourbon is medium to long, and that affords it plenty of runway space to allow the French vanilla and date flavors to stick around while a slight uptick in black pepper can be found before it fully dissipates.
Bottom Line:
Booker’s The Reserves is just one of a plethora of new releases from Jim Beam this year, and we’re confident that it’s the best of the bunch. With plenty of heat to please the proof hounds and a full-bodied mouthfeel to satiate those looking for the incredible depth of flavor cask strength bourbon is known for, this release checks all the boxes and succeeds in elevating standard Booker’s while remaining true to its creator’s vision.
Premier Drams is a new brand that was launched early this summer by the same man behind Washington D.C.’s legendary whiskey bar, Jack Rose, Bill Thomas. 8 years ago, Thomas began procuring contract-distilled whiskey from an elusive producer in Bardstown, Kentucky, and aging it at the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, which today is the home of Castle & Key. Due to Castle & Key’s uniquely cool maturation facilities, many of the barrels that went into these Premier Drams single barrels saw a significant drop in ABV, with the majority hovering right around the 100-proof mark at cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Strawberry saltwater taffy escapes the grasp of the glass to greet the nose at first before evolving into a cherry Luden’s note and partnering up with truffle honey, white pepper, and peanut brittle for a mellow and intriguing medley.
Palate: On the palate, it’s a delight to discover that the Luden’s cherry note has evolved into a full-blown Rainier cherry, carrying white pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and honey in tow. The flavors here are markedly rich, defying its moderate proof and delivering a depth and richness that will have you sucking your molars, frantically trying to prevent even a single drop from slipping through the cracks.
Finish: Vanilla pods, salted butter, fatty Brazil nuts, and white pepper prevail on the finish with a dollop of honey and Rainier cherries, adding a sweet closing kiss as it succinctly slides off your palate.
Bottom Line:
Premier Drams is quietly revolutionizing the modern bourbon landscape by delivering cask-strength bourbon at such a moderate proof point. In the fashion of any groundbreaking innovator, I’m not entirely sure the public is ready for it yet, but that’s what makes springing an ahead-of-trend bourbon like this on your loved ones so fun. They’ll appreciate the full flavor, the modest ABV, and the fact that you’re the curve.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed was initially introduced as Wild Turkey’s (really Jimmy Russell’s) response to the launch of Jim Beam’s Booker’s. Launched at a time when high-proof bourbon was less en vogue, it reflects Jimmy’s prescience in predicting the market’s future.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeysuckle, bright red cherries, and cinnamon rolls delight the senses once Rare Breed tumbles into your glass. Given some time to sit, you’ll find well-aged oak, clove, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and toasted almonds all elevate the aroma profile of this bourbon.
Palate: The flavors in this bourbon are rich and well-developed, with each of the nosing notes coming through on the palate. Those flavors are bolstered by a bit of cooked apple and pie shell for a robust yet clearly defined cavalcade of notes with a spry texture that deceptively coats your palate after several sips.
Finish: Lengthy and lingering, the finish on Rare Breed is balanced and delicious as it deftly combines sweetness and spice — leaving you wondering which one will last the longest. The answer is typically the spice.
Bottom Line:
Rare Breed is frequently cited as a limited edition whiskey hiding in plain sight, and that reputation is well earned. With a flavor profile that brings an abundance of red berries, vanilla, and baking spice, Wild Turkey Rare Breed has an enchanting combination of mature flavor, delicate balance, and stern force that makes it a world beater. If you’re able to introduce your loved ones to this easy-to-find, proofy pour, they won’t stop thanking you for it.
As Netflix enters its live sports streaming era — which was the plan all along — viewers have been decidedly unimpressed by the platform’s inability to maintain stable streams during events like its celebrity golf tournament and that odd boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
So, needless to say, fans of Beyoncé looking forward to the Cowboy Carter singer’s halftime performance during the Ravens vs. Texans game on Sunday have their doubts about the stream quality. Beyoncé and Netflix acknowledged those worries in their latest teaser for the concert, cheekily predicting buffering issues.
All jokes aside, though, Netflix had better be ready for an influx of angry BeyHive posts if things don’t go exactly as planned. Arguments about the efficacy of the self-deprecating promo aside, the NFL is certainly hoping things go off without a hitch; in addition to encroaching on the NBA’s traditional territory on Christmas day, the league’s partnership with Bey’s husband Jay-Z has come under some scrutiny recently.
But all may be forgiven — or at least, temporarily forgotten — if Beyoncé’s performance pulls down the sort of streaming numbers Netflix hopes (and will probably massage well to ensure it all at least looks like a success).
You can watch the teaser above and catch Beyoncé’s performance at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, which kicks off at 1:30 PT / 4:30 ET.
Ronny Chieng acknowledges that the freshly released Love To Hate It is more physical and personal than we’ve seen him get in his two previous Netflix comedy specials. Movement punctuates jokes about his amateur efforts to inject his wife with fertility treatments as he talks about the process of preserving the possibility of parenthood before going into bits about navigating scamsters and technology with his mother and the boomer generation. There are also heartful (and funny) reflections about his father.
As Chieng points out in our recent conversation, none of the above is a strategic pivot. He’s always run his comedy through the lens of his life and experiences. Love To Hate It is merely a snapshot of where he was when he shot it. With Chieng, there is no grand five-year plan for comedy culture dominance. That’s not to say there’s no ambition, it just seems like it’s focused more on craft than credits.
Chieng has stumbled into a method of staying focused and in the moment in his life while putting in the work on work things that demand — his stand-up comedy and on The Daily Show, where he’s heading into year 10 as a correspondent and, now, sometimes host.
We spoke with Chieng about that tendency to be present, why the journey might be better than the destination when it comes to the pursuit of comedic perfection, and why a little detachment might be the key to political satire in 2025.
Does it get easier as you’ve done more of these specials (to retire material and start again)? Do you feel that you come into the process of developing new material and you start at a higher level?
Yeah, I feel like I’ve gotten better at comedy, and I’m still trying to get better. I still believe I can get better, so in that sense, it becomes a little easier because I can feel myself get better at doing stand-up comedy. But yeah, it’s always daunting. You’re always staring at a blank page, as I’m sure you know the feeling of, you are staring at this thing, and you’re not just trying to express yourself. You have a date booked where people are expecting you to express yourself. So that anxiety is always what is the love-hate with stand-up comedy, the anxiety of knowing you have to perform in front of people, and so you better have something good.
I’m sure you know comedians who have been doing this probably 10 or 15 years longer than you have – the Seinfelds of the world. Does that place exist where it’s easy and perfect and you don’t need to get better, you’re just at that level where you’ve mastered it. Does that exist?
I mean, if that place exists, I’d sure like to know what it looks like. There’s guys who make it look super easy, and I’m not inside their head. And I’m lucky enough to be around those legends who are great at comedy, and I can pick their brain sometimes. And to me, by all accounts, from what I can tell as an outsider to their head who happens to be also around them, it seems like it comes naturally. For me, it definitely does not come naturally. I feel like I have to work really hard at it just to stay at whatever this current level is. I feel like my efficiency of swimming is very low. I have to paddle really hard just to stay afloat. I also feel like I’m still trying to prove myself, so I can’t afford to not have a good show. That’s how I feel all the time.
So is there ever a part where you get comfortable with it? No. You never get comfortable with it, but I have glimpsed moments myself where I can see the Matrix, and I can see exactly what needs to be done in this moment. It doesn’t happen all the time, but I have glimpses of that. And because I know what that looks like, I try to get there again, but it is definitely not something that happens every moment you’re writing comedy.
Does being in that place of still searching for that that inform your personality? Would you miss that if that was gone?
Yeah, I think so. I think so. I think I’m not the most naturally talented person. I’m definitely not the best natural orator. My skillset, I think, is quite limited. I can’t do impressions. I can’t do special effects. I’m actually extremely untalented in almost every way. So I feel like, if I don’t work at it, how can I hang with these professionals? So yeah, I don’t know if it informs my personality. I think my personality informs that.
With all the opportunities that I’m sure you have in front of you from an acting standpoint, from the Daily Show, to stand-up comedy? Is it difficult to stay present and not get too ahead of yourself in terms of trying to be strategic and planning?
No, no, no. Actually, it is easiest to stay present, I think. It’s harder to think ahead. I think it’s easier to not think ahead too much and stay in the moment. I think maybe I’ve made a conscious effort to be more Buddhist the last two years, and so staying in the present is something I actually enjoy doing because I feel like that’s when I’m me. I feel like, if I’m thinking about the future or I’m looking at my social media, I don’t feel like that’s me anymore. I feel like I’m outside myself. I guess part of what I’m saying is I might have actually unintentionally started a practice of it that I actually enjoy. So it doesn’t feel like work, just staying in the present.
And then, the second thing is, I don’t know, live-performing is very immediate. So you have to be present, right? You’re dealing with people right in front of you in that moment, so you have to be present.
I can’t think of getting ahead because I still feel like I’m trying to prove myself now. I don’t feel like I’m big enough to be like, “All right, I got that handled. Let me be strategic over here with how am I going to use my next six months to change the culture of the world.” I’m just still trying to write the next joke to make these assholes laugh. So I guess that helps me stay in the present knowing that I’m not that big a deal. I’m still just another comic in New York City trying to tell these dick jokes or whatever. Yeah, and the Daily Show also makes you stay very present because the Daily Show is probably the most Buddhist thing in America.
If you have a bad episode you have to flush it and move on to the next day.
Yeah, you have to move on. If you had a bad show, damn, guess what? You got to do one tomorrow. If you have a good show, guess what? You got to move on tomorrow. We have a new show. So it is very Buddhist at the Daily Show.
I know listening to your act, you put forth gratitude and you talk about how much you enjoy this country. Is it hard to bat back cynicism when you have to focus on the sort of political mutations of this country. Jon went through a period, left for a time. It definitely wore on him. Trevor left. That time comes for everyone.
Yes.
Are you feeling closer to the end than the beginning? Is it harder to keep cynicism at bay?
No, it’s not hard for me because I genuinely feel like I’m living the dream in America doing stand-up comedy in New York City and working on the Daily Show. So for me, I’m like, this is unbelievable.
Then the second thing is, I think I’ve figured out how to do political satire in America in terms of a mindset, and I think the mindset is that you can’t be too outrage-y. For me, that’s not how you do satire in 2025. I don’t know if it was ever a way to do satire, but it was more fashionable in 2015, 2016, that kind of outrage evisceration, this guy destroyed this dude or whatever. But I don’t think that’s the way to do satire now. I think the satire now is supposed to be more back of the room, making fun of institutions.
I’m not a good person. I’m not the leader. I’m just a fucking comic in the back of the room making fun of these assholes, whoever they are, right? No allegiance, just going for it. And I think that’s the mindset to do satire. If you have that mindset, if you don’t see yourself as a leader, which I don’t, then you don’t feel the pressure of that. And therefore it helps alleviate some of the cynicism when people don’t listen to you because I’m like, they should never have listened to me anyway. I’m just in the back making fun of these assholes. So I think that’s the mindset.
And then honestly, part of it is sometimes I feel like an emergency room doctor. I’ve been covering this shit since 2015, so you get a little desensitized, to be honest. All the stuff that comes through, it’s like, okay, well here’s another car crash, and let me try to figure this out, untangle this. And oh, okay, tomorrow’s another one. So that’s part of it too.
We got so many shows that were from the Daily Show tree and people started looking at these shows as not just vehicles for comedy, but as expressions of these comedians’ own personal political views. I’m sure I’ve committed this sin myself. And I think sometimes people look at the outrage meter and say, “Well, if you’re not screaming, if you’re not going at the guy that I think you don’t like, then you obviously don’t care.” And that’s not necessarily true. There’s a separation, right?
I think you’re spot on, and I think people took what was great about Jon Stewart, he would be earnest and angry on very serious situations. I’m talking about the 9/11 situation.
The housing crisis.
Right. Those are the clips that went viral. And so because of that, people assume that that’s the answer to not just political satire, but that’s how you build a following, and that’s how you get clicks.
And fix the country.
Right? That’s how you fix the country.
No pressure.
But I think what they missed was he used that very sparingly. It wasn’t every single time, and it has to be authentic, and it loses its power every time you do it. And also, that’s not, in my opinion, what comedy satire should be. That’s something else. That’s a point of view. That’s, as you said, a personal outrage point of view.
But I think if you’re a comic, when you do comedy, I think the best comedy has always been counter-cultural, right? Not all the time because comedy is very broad, but stand-up comedy itself is a very counter-cultural art form. All the way back to Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor and George Carlin. These guys were hated by mainstream society. They went after Lenny Bruce for saying shit. They arrested him.
So my point is that you should be cutting against the grain. If the grain happens to be left-wing, then yeah. If the grain happens to be right-wing, then yeah. You cut against it. There should be a level of making fun of everybody from the back of the room versus being an edgelord, just going after people for the sake of it, or being tribal. I think to me, those two things are what’s out there right now, and I think the antidote to that is pulling back a bit and making fun of institutions and being like, “Hey, I’m an asshole, but these guys are assholes. And I’m not a leader. I’m just making some jokes here. This is pretty funny.” And then, you get people thinking.
‘Love To Hate It’ is streaming now on Netflix and ‘The Daily Show’ returns with new episodes in the new year on Comedy Central
Over the weekend, SZA released her long-awaited project SOS Deluxe: Lana after overshooting its expected midnight release to finish some last-second tweaks. It looks like she wasn’t quite done tweaking either; on Twitter today (never “X,” let’s be serious), the New Jersey singer promised some changes to the project on streaming arriving on Christmas day.
“After listening w a clear mind I’m Switching some mixes out when I add stuff on Christmas,” she wrote. “This means nothing to you but had to say it for me lol . Who knows u might notice.”
Throughout her career, SZA has been notoriously perfectionist, to the point that her manager/Top Dawg Entertainment President Punch Henderson has joked that he had to swipe her hard drive to ensure that she would actually release her music instead of endlessly fiddling with it. This has led to an antagonistic relationship between Punch and SZA’s fans, but the results can’t be argued with; SOS was one of the most successful releases of the decade so far — in a decade including two Beyoncé releases, a bunch of new Taylor Swift, and several big breakouts. We’ll see where Lana ends up on the charts next week, but with SZA making some ex post facto changes, there should be a surge in streams on Boxing Day as curious fans check out just what gets updated.
SOS Deluxe: Lana is out via Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records.
Over the years, Twitter (not “X,” you kidding?) has been a treasure trove for artists and their fans. The former get to share their thoughts and activities outside music, while the latter get to stay connected to their faves. However, after over a decade, one of the most active users in music might be letting the platform go for good.
Kid Cudi, whose account has given him a direct line to thousands of supporters for updates about his new music, old music, and even his health, said his “time is done” on the app. While he promised he’d continue to give updates on Instagram Stories, he offered his reasoning, which basically boils down to the same thing so many artists leave over: his mental health.
“Ok yall, I think my time is done on twitter,” he wrote. “If u wanna stay connected to me Ill have my ig, Ill keep yall updated thru my stories but I wont be posting much on there either. Just projects and things I got goin on will be posted by my team. Ive been thinkin, I see too much bullshit on here and life is much cooler being disconnected. I think Ive been too accessible, now when u hear from me itll be through my art. I love yall, its been real. Goodbye.”
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