Topic: Kennedy Center Honors

The Kennedy Center Honors are characterized as a rejection of establishment entertainment norms, specifically noting that popular audience favorites rarely receive major awards. Sylvester Stallone is highlighted for never winning an Academy Award despite his commercial success with the Rocky franchise. A discussion of the band Kiss follows, including an anecdote about a high-quality tribute band performance in Seattle and the financial success of Gene Simmons.

President Trump and the First Lady announced they will not attend the Kennedy Center Honors following boycott threats from honorees like Norman Lear. The hosts also critique CBS News for using "non sequitur" backup clips in their reporting to manipulate viewer perception.

Comedian Chris Rock roasted Oprah Winfrey at the Kennedy Center Honors, making jokes about her immense wealth and her role in Barack Obama's political rise. The hosts comment on the reactions of the Obamas and Paul McCartney, who were also in attendance at the elite event.