Bill O'Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

O'Reilly Update Morning Edition: November 13, 2025
Host: Bill O’Reilly

Episode Overview

In this morning update, Bill O’Reilly reflects on the shifting landscape of comedy, particularly in late night television and Saturday Night Live, referencing his recent appearance on a podcast with comedians Dana Carvey and David Spade. He contrasts the sharp, good-natured satire of the past with today’s more ideologically driven, often mean-spirited humor. Through personal anecdotes and cultural observations, O’Reilly expresses nostalgia for a time when comedy was less partisan and more universally appealing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

O’Reilly’s Podcast Appearance

• O’Reilly discusses his recent guest spot with Dana Carvey and David Spade on their podcast, where he supported the theme of “Confronting Evil.”
  • [00:02] “On this Thursday, I appeared with Dana Carvey and David Spade on their podcast this week in support of Confronting Evil…”

The Changing Nature of Comedy

• O’Reilly reminisces about the comedic landscape of the past, praising the likes of Carvey, Dennis Miller, Norm MacDonald, and Adam Sandler for their "crisp, witty satire without malice.”
  • [00:14] “I like those guys and miss the days when they, along with Dennis Miller, Norm MacDonald, Adam Sandler and others, delivered crisp, witty satire without malice."
• He contrasts this with today’s environment, where many comics “play to an ideological crew,” making comedy more partisan and “mean spirited.”
  • [00:23] “Many comics make their money playing to an ideological crew, so the material is largely partisan and often mean spirited...”
  • He points out the prevalence of “easy targets,” especially President Trump.

Satire That “Tweaks” vs. Comedy That “Damages”

• O’Reilly highlights Dana Carvey’s imitation of Joe Biden as an example of satire done right—lighthearted and clever without “dark undertones.”
  • [00:39] “Mr. Carvey did a hilarious Joe Biden imitation on Saturday Night Live. Brilliant. No dark undertones. All powerful people deserve to be lampooned.”
• He criticizes current late-night hosts like Colbert and Kimmel for abandoning comedy in favor of overt political attacks:
  • [00:48] “The Colbert's and Kimmels have left the comedy business, preferring to damage their political targets, not just tweak them.”

The Public’s Reaction and Changing Ratings

• O’Reilly asserts that mainstream Americans dislike mean-spirited, hate-driven comedy, with “the TV ratings [proving] that statement.”
  • [00:53] “Generally speaking, Americans don’t like the hate stuff. Maybe the fringe does, but not the masses. And the TV ratings prove that statement.”

Nostalgia and Hope for Comedy’s Future

• O’Reilly ends the segment by expressing nostalgia for legendary comedians like Johnny Carson and Rodney Dangerfield, hoping that tasteful, clever laughs may one day return.
  • [01:06] “I’m fortunate to have seen excellent comedy at its peak. Johnny Carson, Rodney Dangerfield, those people. And I really hope the laughs return someday.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bill O’Reilly on the shift in comedy:
  • “Many comics make their money playing to an ideological crew, so the material is largely partisan and often mean spirited...” (00:23)
• On Dana Carvey’s SNL legacy:
  • “Mr. Carvey did a hilarious Joe Biden imitation on Saturday Night Live. Brilliant. No dark undertones. All powerful people deserve to be lampooned.” (00:39)
• On late night comedy today:
  • “The Colbert's and Kimmels have left the comedy business, preferring to damage their political targets, not just tweak them.” (00:48)
• Public sentiment:
  • “Generally speaking, Americans don’t like the hate stuff. Maybe the fringe does, but not the masses. And the TV ratings prove that statement.” (00:53)
• Looking back:
  • “I’m fortunate to have seen excellent comedy at its peak. Johnny Carson, Rodney Dangerfield, those people. And I really hope the laughs return someday.” (01:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 – O’Reilly introduces his appearance on Carvey and Spade's podcast
• 00:14 – Reminiscing about the golden age of witty, malice-free comedy
• 00:39 – Praises Carvey’s Joe Biden impression as exemplary satire
• 00:48 – Critique of current late-night comedy shows
• 00:53 – Commentary on American audience tastes and TV ratings
• 01:06 – Expressing hope that high-quality comedy will return

This episode offers a succinct yet poignant commentary on the evolution of American comedy, blending personal nostalgia with cultural criticism. It’s a snapshot of O’Reilly’s views on entertainment and politics—and a call for a return to smarter, kinder laughs.