Satire in the Time of Fascism: When Reality Outpaces the Most Absurd Fiction

As I watched Eric Kripke discuss the challenges of satirizing power and corruption on Prime Video’s “The Boys,” I couldn’t help but notice a larger pattern emerging. The line between reality and fiction has become increasingly blurred, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Shows like “The Boys” and “Veep” have offered prescient depictions of what happens when we spiral into authoritarianism, but this is not just about them.

Our world has become so absurd that even the most outlandish fictional scenarios seem tame by comparison. When a showrunner like Kripke says he feels “sad” rather than triumphant when his writers accurately predict the latest Trump-era outrage, it’s clear we’re in trouble. The notion that entertainment should be an escape from our woes is understandable – people are exhausted by daily bad headlines and struggling to keep track of corruption, cronyism, and fascism.

However, creators like Kripke who tackle this subject matter are not just reflecting reality; they’re also highlighting the fact that we’ve lost touch with what’s considered “normal.” By doing so, they challenge us to reexamine our assumptions about what’s possible. This is particularly striking in a year marked by increasingly common ICE raids and other brazen acts by this administration.

Shows like “South Park,” “The Pitt,” and “9-1-1” have tackled these topics using satire to highlight the absurdity of it all. It’s not just about pointing out flaws in our system; it’s also about questioning why we’ve allowed things to get this far. By poking fun at leaders and institutions, creators like Kripke are pushing against what we’re willing to accept.

The fact that shows can now tackle topics like fascism without fear of retribution is a testament to the changing landscape of entertainment. While there’s still a long way to go, it’s heartening to see creators taking on these subjects head-on. As Kripke put it, “Can you please give us an opportunity to do satire?! Can you not make the world crazier than our fucking superhero show?!” This sentiment resonates far beyond the world of entertainment.

When reality outpaces fiction, we’re left with no choice but to confront the absurdity of it all. As we watch shows like “The Boys” and “Veep,” let’s not just laugh or cry; let’s also take a hard look at ourselves and our role in perpetuating this system. In the words of Don Draper, “I don’t think about you at all.” But it’s time for us to start thinking about what we’re willing to accept – and what we can do to change it.