Watch Lewis Black's Root of All Evil

Lewis Black's Root of All Evil was a television show hosted by the comedian Lewis Black on Comedy Central. The show aired in 2008 and was a comedic take on the judicial system, as the show sought to determine which was the "root" of all evil between two disparate topics. Each episode featured two groups or ideas pitted against each other, with Black serving as the judge, and two comedians representing each side in a mock trial format.

The show's premise was simple: two sides were tasked with arguing which side was worse, and Black's role was to declare a winner in each episode. These arguments ranged from the mundane to the absurd, with topics such as YouTube vs. Porn, Oprah vs. the Catholic Church, and Beer vs. Weed. The comedians presenting the arguments were given free rein to be as funny and creative as possible, hoping to convince Black to choose their side as the "root of all evil."

Throughout each episode, Black provided comic relief with his signature acidic wit, which perfectly complemented the gleefully cynical tone of the show. Lewis Black's Root of All Evil was a masterclass in satire, taking aim at the most controversial and divisive topics in pop culture and skewering them with intelligent, often hilarious commentary.

Despite its absurdity, the show managed to tap into genuine cultural anxieties and explore the darker side of American life in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. In many ways, Root of All Evil was ahead of its time, paving the way for shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, which built massive followings by taking aim at politics and pop culture with humor and wit.

In each episode of Root of All Evil, Black would present his opening monologue, setting the stage for the upcoming battle between the two topics. He would then introduce the two comedians tasked with representing each respective topic, often poking fun at their backgrounds or comedic styles before presenting the rules for the debate.

Once the arguments began, the comedians would take turns presenting their case, often using video clips or visual aids to bolster their argument. The debates themselves were lively, never shying away from controversy, as both sides presented their case with passion and humor. Throughout, Black would interject with jokes and commentary, adding his own voice to the debate and keeping things lively.

Ultimately, each episode would end with Black declaring a winner, often with a humorous or ironic twist that left audiences laughing and scratching their heads. The show was never afraid to take on the biggest and most controversial topics, with episodes exploring everything from whether puppies were more evil than babies to whether Kim Jong Il or Tila Tequila was the root of all evil.

Although Lewis Black's Root of All Evil only ran for one season, it left a lasting impact on both comedy and pop culture in general. The show was a rare combination of intelligent commentary and irreverent humor, and it remains a cult favorite for fans of both Lewis Black and the anti-establishment humor that became so popular in the years following its debut.

Overall, Lewis Black's Root of All Evil was a groundbreaking show that challenged the norms of comedy and satire, paving the way for a new generation of comedians and cultural commentators. Its legacy lives on in the larger cultural conversation about what is good and evil, and its sharp wit and irreverent humor continue to inspire laughter and thought in equal measure.

Lewis Black's Root of All Evil is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between March 12, 2008 and on Comedy Central