It is about time a serious scholar, in this case University of Iowa American Studies mentor and former nightclub comic Russell Peterson, examines this rise in attention and credibility attributed to The Daily Show, The Late Show With David Letterman, and such. It is no news (yet still fascinating) that many Americans get what they consider news from comedy shows. Peterson argues—though it hardly seems contestable—that this programming is not simply replacing mainstream news but is a significant player in shaping America’s view of the political process and the government.