ABC “comedy” show The Chaser’s War on Everything has taken another step too far in using sick children to gain attention.
I say “attention” instead of “laughs” because I fail to see how anyone could find the offensive sketch amusing.
In it, a child dying of cancer who wants to visit Disneyland is given a pencil case instead; and a child who wants to meet a celebrity is given a stick.
The sketch is titled “Make a Realistic Wish”.
Ironically, by writing about this I am probably doing exactly what The Chaser team wants … giving them attention and publicity.
The writers, directors, producers and actors must have known the skit would offend more people than it entertained.
Majority appeal should be the benchmark when targeting humor at a general audience. Don’t upset more people than you please. If that’s your aim, go perform at inner-city pubs.
- View the sketch here if you really want to
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Yes, that is offensive and quite an insult aimed at the Make A Wish Foundation.
You might be giving them attention, but I doubt it’s the kind that will grant them better rankings.
I think the Chaser has had its run. Comedy programmes are very circumstantial and even the best don’t endure forever. The times and the social tone changes..the great blast of the APEC stunt was probably their zenith. I didn’t see the offensive sketch on the night because I gave up on them when they ran the tired stunt of mocking American passers-by. It was embarrassing to watch and same ole, same ole.
I think they must know they’re on the way out too..they wouldn’t have resorted to such a misguided and desperate grasp for humour if they had plenty of decent material and had confidence in it.