—though you’ll have to subscribe to Netflix’s DVD service to access it.
Regardless of the manner in which you watch, the episode, aptly titled “Why Your Internet Sucks,” is a handy reminder of why shows likehave become so popular. It’s both amusing and informative, thorough but concise. Some of the realities Minhaj uncovers must be seen to be believed—like a Coachella, California, initiative that allows students to access Wi-Fi in parked buses around the area so that they can complete their homework.
“That to me was the most alarming piece of information,” Minhaj said. “Because when it comes to infrastructure, America has generally sided with the good of the public over large corporations.” As the episode points out, Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act in 1936, which solved a similar issue with electricity.
Late-night and talk show hosts have increasingly seen their jobs come to include an advocacy component. Years after leavingtook up the fight on health care, whilelobbied for net neutrality so hard that his viewers crashed the FCC site on two occasions. The reason for this shift is obvious: As Minhaj noted, “Things are definitely more politically charged right now.” Many of the shows that take up these sorts of causes are also host-driven programs—and several are led by former Stewart correspondents who presumablyby watching him. While not every host is political, Minhaj has embraced the opportunity to use his international platform to speak on issues like censorship in China or protests in Sudan.