So here I am, watching The Daily Show (With Jon Stewart) and seeing the new set for the first time. I’m thinking about how I don’t like it at all. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way. Bring back the couch! (When you think about it, that’s kind of a strange command for a news show, fake or otherwise.)
“THE DAILY SHOW” is emanating from Jon’s head. Not good.
After reading this comment (and the corresponding Slate article), I was prepared for the worst, but actually I was not nearly as offended by the new set as this post led me to believe I would be.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some strange elements.. the desk in indeed very ugly, and the strange “wires and dots” panels that are sometimes behind Steward are incongruous, but as a graphic designer the vid screens didn’t bother me in the least.
But that desk…ouch. Possibly the worst desk I have seen on TV yet to date.
Yeah, there are some pretty bad things about the set. But I think they’re also figuring out how to use it, still. I’m sure they’ll make some changes and fixes. I was actually somewhat bothered by the lighting. The first episode on the new set has Jon looking rather washed out, between the lighting and the reflection off of the (ugly) white desk. The second episode in the new studio was somewhat better, and they fixed the words coming out of his head (except for one time), but still, overall, I agree…the new set sucks, and they should bring back the couch.
I have seen the two episodes about four times now trying to get warmed up to it and I can’t.
The new Daily Show set is about as good looking as a Reliant K car suited in ‘Woody’ . But I get the feeling that for all it’s ugliness, that desk is a force to be reckoned with. Does anybody know what it is made of? I would have more respect if I knew its dripping visual weight was matched with the material honsty that is concrete.