The Daily Show: May 5, 2026 - Paul W. Downs

Overview

Desi Lydic breaks down how airlines are cutting corners to offset rising fuel prices, from trimmed beverage service on Delta to the total wipeout of service on the now-defunct Spirit. And while President Trump bragged about acing a cognitive test by telling an alligator from a squirrel, a rant about rigged elections and nuclear war to an audience of kids suggests he can’t tell minors from adults. Ronny Chieng and Michael Kosta go another round in Sports War: Cherie DeVaux makes history at the Kentucky Derby, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel faces affair rumors involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini, and 76ers vs. Knicks playoff tickets are limited to Philly fans. Then Emmy-winning writer/actor and “Hacks” co-creator Paul W. Downs joins Desi to talk the show’s fifth and final season, the Jimmy-Kayla chemistry, the real-life inspirations for Deborah’s late-night arc (Joan Rivers and more), his AI concerns, and the pressure to land a finale that works for fans and creators.