Ep 25. Will Shortz

In season 8 episode 25 of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, titled "Will Shortz," the renowned crossword editor and puzzle master for The New York Times visits the show. Stewart engages in a witty conversation with Shortz, discussing his passion for puzzles and how he became interested in them. Shortz shares some interesting anecdotes about the world of crossword puzzles, including how he first landed his job at The New York Times and why puzzles have become so popular in recent years.

The episode starts with Stewart introducing Shortz, jokingly calling him a "crossword czar." Throughout the interview, Stewart and Shortz bond over their mutual love of wordplay, with Stewart proving to be a worthy competitor in solving some of Shortz's puzzles. They also discuss how the internet has changed the world of crossword puzzles, with Shortz revealing that solvers can now submit their answers online and receive instant feedback.

Along with discussing his role as crossword editor at The New York Times, Shortz also shares some insights into his personal life. He talks about his love for table tennis and how he owns a table in his office. He also reveals that he takes part in a weekly puzzle group where he and a group of friends create and solve puzzles.

Throughout the episode, Stewart uses his trademark humor to add levity to the conversation. For instance, he jokes about the difficulty of The New York Times crossword puzzles, saying that he has trouble getting past the Monday puzzles. Stewart also playfully mocks Shortz's impressive puzzle-solving skills, calling him a "puzzle genius."

In addition to the interview with Shortz, the episode features several comedic segments, including a parody of the popular game show "Jeopardy!" with the Daily Show correspondents as contestants. The show also takes a humorous look at current political news, with a segment on the then-upcoming presidential election.

Overall, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 8 episode 25 is a must-watch for fans of puzzle-solving and wordplay, as it offers an entertaining and insightful conversation with one of the most respected figures in the puzzle world. The episode is filled with humor, wit, and clever banter, making it an enjoyable viewing experience for all.