This morning I stumbled across a video from Comedy Central that counted down the stunts from Nathan Fielder that gained the most media recognition. Watching this the message of "fake news" became even more abundant to me. The show is not upfront about making a serious stance on manipulation of the media, most likely because it would hinder the effects of its comedic value. While I believe that Nathan For You is one of the least recognized television shows for the pure comedic value and intelligent construction; It has gone rather under the radar for the duration of its time on air. The show centers around Nathan's exaggerated (cringe/socially inept) character attempting to better a struggling business. Nathan and the producers make sure that the owners are unaware that Nathan's ideas are not genuinely developed in a serious means. The people featured in the show will remain unaware that they are being "tricked" until the airing of the episode itself.
A couple of Nathan's acts have made national news, most notably his dumb Starbucks idea. Much of its success was attributed to people believing it was a social message or related to Banksy. Generally, Nathan does not seek to contact media outlets directly. Rather, they gain attention purely out of their own merit. In his first season, Nathan attempts to help a petting zoo by staging a pig rescuing a baby goat. He posted the video on Youtube and the next day the video was being featured on news outlets across the country. Giving this theory credibility, Nathan stated, "At first I felt bad that it was fake, but then I realized it didn't matter". He has even gone on Jimmy Kimmel telling a story that he staged. He did this as an attempt to follow an anecdote that made celebrity stories engaging. His other famous stunt was developing a new fitness craze of moving furniture in order get free labor for a moving company. The book that he had ghost written called the Movement, reached Amazon's top ten best sellers. Meanwhile, he had his hired spokesperson do many news appearances to promote the staged fitness craze.
All of his stunts that gained media recognition, further the idea that news outlets will broadcast any story without looking into its credibility. He proves time and time again that people will believe any stunt when they have observed a fake credibility. He also established how influential people are when they are faced with the potential of fame. Even in a state of confusion, many people eventually agree to Nathan's suggestions. All of his stunts show that people will value an idea regardless of the fact that it is fake. That people will believe in the value of simulation just as much as reality. His influence is more impressive because of Nathan's lack of charm and confidence. Being convincing is a lot easier when you have, what many would deem, an attractive personality. His show is never focused on malice towards the people involved in the show. Rather, much of the judgement falls on Nathan himself.
Nathan Fielder constructed a show that made an important social statement on the effects of media. As well as portraying his original brand of humor with an intelligent approach to business suggestions. As many of his ideas were not necessarily poor but include an element that makes it rather ridiculous. Nathan For You will likely never receive the recognition that it deserves but its value will not be forgotten.
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