Barely Political

Barely Political is a now-iconic YouTube web show that was launched in June 2007 by Next New Networks, a multi-platform digital media company. This cutting-edge show was famous in 2008 for its comedic approach to deliver political and pop culture commentary. Known for its satirical skits, the show even coined a new-genre term, "political humorist"- a blend of political knowledge and pure comedic entertainment.

Mark Douglas, the founder, launched the show promising to deliver modern humor amidst the American politics and pop culture scene. Barely Political then quickly grew in popularity and earned a reputation as an innovative flagship program of the YouTube generation. What was unique about Barely Political is that it was not tied to any traditional network. It was distributed online, primarily via YouTube, which allowed the creators the freedom and flexibility to test boundaries without navigation through the constraining maze of censorship often associated with mainstream media outlets.

The most prominent faces of the show during 2008 were Mark Douglas, the brilliant mastermind behind the scenes, and Todd Womack, whose comedic genius played a significant role in the success of the show. They would frequently cast other characters to guest-star in their episodes, which often added a different spice to the comic yet informative narrative.

As a platform that made a significant contribution to shaping the face of political humor, Barely Political played a crucial role in modeling political satire for the social media age. It artfully layered jokes over complex political issues, enabling its audience to laugh while still provoking thought about current affairs. The show was tailor-made for the internet age, with the creators' understanding of delivering bite-sized yet impactful content consumable in the increasingly fast-paced world of 2008.

One of Barely Political's significant hallmarks was the "Key of Awesome" series. It was a noted favorite amongst audience members for its hilarious parodies of hit pop songs- contextualizing each within a framework that insightfully commented on various social and political issues. Through their sharp satire, Barely Political succeeded in not merely providing entertainment but sparking conversations.

One of the most pivotal moments in Barely Political's 2008 run was during the United States presidential election. The show's creators harnessed this politically charged atmosphere to their advantage, releasing a series of videos that satirized the main players in the political world. These series of videos crafted a unique blend of comedy, music, and politics, creating a space where humor and earnest political commentary coexisted seamlessly.

One of the most renowned works from Barely Political in 2008 was its video, "Obama Girl," where a young woman expressed her admiration for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama, combining humor and popular trends. It became viral and served as a prime example of how Barely Political successfully used humor to address critical political discourse.

Despite the predominantly American-centric content, the show managed to secure a global audience. Its success lies in its unique ability to discuss heavy political matter with light-hearted humor. Barely Political demonstrated to the world that political satire isn't confined to late-night shows and can find a thriving home in the digital world. The creators’ awareness of their audience was evident in the way they successfully tapped popular culture to provide context to their humor, making complex political issues accessible and easy-to-understand.

Barely Political proved itself a pioneer in the landscape of online political and socio-cultural commentary. It has not just broken but continually reinvented the mold for what digital content can achieve by combining humor, music, and current affairs. This made Barely Political not just a show, but a phenomenon that shrewdly parodied the pulse of the times in 2008.

Barely Political's 2008 run will be remembered for its bold satire, insightful commentary, and, most importantly, the laughs it brought to its viewers. It is a testament to the power of humor in highlighting critical issues, demonstrating how satire can be used not just for laughs but for larger societal conversations. It continues to be an inspiration for new-age creators looking to navigate the digital waters of political satire and comedy.