Episode
The Daily Show: March 2, 2026 - Jafar Panahi
Overview
Jon Stewart dives into America and Israel's impromptu attack on Iran, Trump's laid-back war announcement from the Mar-a-Lago basement, and MAGA's refusal to sell the American people on the plan, purpose, and duration of the war. Plus, Jordan Klepper reveals America's calculated war strategy: winging it. Award-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi sits down with Jon Stewart and his interpreter Sheida Dayani to discuss his latest film, "It Was Just An Accident," which is currently nominated for two Academy Awards. They talk about suffering a 20-year ban from filmmaking under the Iranian regime, the difference between a socially engaged filmmaker and one who caters to audiences, displaying the difference between humanity and authoritarianism through characters' doubt, and why, despite censorship and mass killings, he continues to return to Iran.
Details
- Series
- The Daily Show
- Season
- Season 31
- Episode
- Episode 28
- Air date
- 2026-03-02
- Runtime
- 49 min
Episode context
March 2, 2026 - Jafar Panahi is Episode 28 in Season 31 of The Daily Show. It aired on 2026-03-02. The runtime is 49 min.
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Episode 27: February 26, 2026 - Christa Miller
Desi Lydic unpacks the newest chaos from the Epstein files: Bill Gates blurts out details about past romances, the Clintons deliver closed door testimony on their Epstein links, and an old allegation against Trump resurfaces despite the DOJ’s attempts to bury it. She also highlights Republicans turning a simple snowball fight into supposed NYPD “terrorism,” while Michael Kosta rushes out to gather evidence before it melts. Grace Kuhlenschmidt spotlights oddball tech—from fart tracking underwear to science proven dance moves, Waymo’s human door closer fix, and an AI video pairing Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise to answer who killed Epstein. Christa Miller joins to discuss her Shrinking character’s empty nester arc, embracing vulnerability, collaborating with husband Bill Lawrence, how NYC nightclub work shaped her music supervision skills, and the surprising IMDB credit she shares with Desi.
Episode 29: March 3, 2026 - Geeta Gandbhir
Michael Kosta breaks down the chaotic first days of Trump’s clash with Iran: the U.S. offering bus evacuations for Americans in the Middle East, Trump gearing up for another possible forever war, conservatives arguing over what counts as “war,” and a friendly fire incident that destroyed $300 million in U.S. fighter jets. Leslie Jones tackles the eternal question of what’s going on with men, digging into loneliness, misogynistic podcasts, non human girlfriend stand ins, and the questionable hygiene habits holding men back—before dishing out some tough love therapy. Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir joins Kosta to discuss her two Oscar nominated documentaries, covering raw body cam footage in The Perfect Neighbor, the grief of gun violence survivors, the racial bias enabled by stand your ground laws, and how The Devil Is Busy explores the intersection of faith and reproductive rights, using filmmaking to reflect society’s deeper truths.
More episodes from this season
Episode 26: February 25, 2026 - Jonathan Haidt & Catherine Price
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Episode 30: March 4, 2026 - Erika Alexander
America’s war on Iran spirals within five days, with Trump weighing worst‑case scenarios, a nepo baby suddenly floated as a potential Iranian leader, Sen. Markwayne Mullin fumbling his war talk, and Michael Kosta pushing Pete Hegseth to reconsider his cartoon‑villain “no mercy” speech. Meanwhile, a very drunk Grace Kuhlenschmidt jokingly nominates Trump as Iran’s new supreme leader. Josh Johnson recaps the messiest awards show imaginable, after a Tourette’s activist involuntarily shouted the N‑word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during their BAFTA presentation, sparking chaos between Black Twitter and Neurodivergent TikTok—though Josh insists the real culprit is the BBC. Later, Erika Alexander, star of NBC’s The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, talks with Michael about returning to TV, confronting Hollywood’s discriminatory systems after Living Single, building opportunities through Color Farm Media, and advising rising Black actors to stay authentic and work relentlessly.
Episode 25: February 24, 2026 - Padma Lakshmi
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Episode 31: March 5, 2026 - Mychal Threets
Michael Kosta breaks down the latest chaos in Trump’s cabinet as DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is fired amid ICE turmoil, corruption claims, and swirling affair rumors. RFK Jr. somehow picks fights with both Dunkin’ and Starbucks, while Pete Hegseth finds time—despite a war in Iran—to push his personal mission of stripping Scouting America of its supposed wokeness. Jordan Klepper even flatters Hegseth in hopes of earning the ironic “Bros Before Hoes” badge. Meanwhile, Grace Kuhlenschmidt explores America’s first car free neighborhood with controversial “freedom fighter” Katie Hopkins to uncover the truth behind rising 15 minute cities: visionary walkable havens or government run traps? And librarian and new “Reading Rainbow” host Mychal Threets joins Michael to share his mental health journey, the life saving role libraries played for him, and the message behind his book, I'm So Happy You’re Here—a celebration of library joy and a reminder that no one is alone.
Episode 24: February 23, 2026 - A. Mechele Dickerson
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Episode 32: March 16, 2026 - Mayor Matt Mahan
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Episode 23: February 12, 2026 - Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
Jordan Klepper examines President Trump’s recently promoted “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal” award and the administration’s related policy actions, including directing the Pentagon to purchase electricity from coal fired plants, limiting the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and assuring coal miners of the administration’s continued support. Grace Kuhlenschmidt reports on American remote workers relocating to Mexico City in pursuit of lower living costs and lifestyle benefits, alongside perspectives from local residents concerned about rising rents and cultural displacement. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey discusses the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge and the withdrawal of ICE agents, highlighting the role of community advocacy and collaboration with other city leaders to protect residents’ rights and resist federal overreach.
Episode 33: March 17, 2026 - George Saunders
Jordan Klepper dives into the confidence boost from a former American president that supposedly inspired Trump to consider "taking Cuba", counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigning over the war in Iran, and MAGA turning on each other with "micropenis" allegations. Also, Troy Iwata runs his gaydar on Iran's new supreme leader to find out if he's queerbaiting Americans. Freedom of speech is under attack, but thanks to the Trump administration, now you can say anything you want about the president for just $50 a month! Fork over your cash and rest easy knowing that Free Speech Plus has your back, if you don't mention corruption, cankles, Epstein, or his little dick. Subscribe today! NYT's Bestselling author, George Saunders sits down with Jordan Klepper to discuss his latest novel, "Vigil". They discuss how he tapped into the mindset of a character who is forced to rationalize their horrible decisions and how accountability can be a form of grace.
Episode 22: February 11, 2026 - Andrew Jarecki
Attorney General Pam Bondi delivered a tense and unfocused appearance before Congress regarding Epstein‑related questions. An Olympic biathlete admitted to an affair after earning a bronze medal, and Grace Kuhlenschmidt challenged Jordan Klepper on Trump’s sudden opposition to opening a new U.S.–Canada bridge. Troy Iwata highlighted international issues, including a Chinese app used to check on loved ones without direct contact, reports of fries in England washing into the ocean, and Germany’s use of militarized insects. Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki discussed The Alabama Solution, his Oscar‑nominated documentary exposing Alabama’s prison conditions through contraband cell‑phone footage, the activism of incarcerated individuals, the punishment they face, and how Alex Pretti’s death underscores the importance of documenting abuse.
Episode 34: March 18, 2026 - Steve Zahn
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