The Soup Investigates

Launched in 2013 on the E! network, The Soup Investigates is a humorous and entertaining spin-off of the immensely popular comedy talk show, "The Soup". Where "The Soup" has become famous for its satirical takes on pop culture, reality television shows, and other celebrity-related phenomena, The Soup Investigates looks to add a new level of depth and hilarity by taking a more in-depth, investigative approach to the absurd elements of popular culture.

Embracing the prudent journalism style of investigative documentaries but with a comedic tone, the show combines a unique blend of comedy and investigation that is educational, entertaining, and downright hilarious. Each episode is themed around different bizarre aspects of popular culture, including the wacky world of reality TV, eccentric internet celebrities, Hollywood mysteries, and other intriguing topics that form part of our day-to-day cultural narrative.

As an extension of "The Soup", The Soup Investigates retains much of the humor and sarcasm that made the original show a hit. Humorist and the then-host of "The Soup", Joel McHale, reprises his role in this spin-off, bringing his dry wit and discerning eye to every episode. Along with McHale, the investigative team also includes a bunch of amusing contributors who present the discoveries and outcomes in an amusingly engaging manner.

Joel McHale and his team of investigators examine the entirety of pop culture seeking out the often-overlooked details. They dig deep into the trenches of the global entertainment industry and present their findings with the same humor and mirth associated with "The Soup". It is this marriage of serious investigations and humor, which offers a good-natured ribbing of pop culture that makes the series distinctive.

The Soup Investigates will often introduce a topic or celebrity that they intend to investigate, giving the audience a brief about who or what they are. They then dive into their research process, showcasing interviews, reenactments, and even on-site investigations. Initially, the narrator presents the topic in a grave, newscaster-style tone much like traditional investigative journalism programs. But as the absurdity of the subject matter unravels, the tone shifts, allowing the comedic elements to come forth. It's a humorous deconstruction of investigative shows that viewers find both refreshing and enjoyable.

An essential component of The Soup Investigates is its unabashed willingness to self-parody. By playfully mirroring the style and tone of serious investigative journalism (while fully understanding its silliness), the show effectively satirizes the tropes associated with the genre. Moreover, the program isn't afraid to poke fun at itself, with McHale and his team making jokes about the absurdity of the show's premise and various comedic stunts.

Each episode leaves no stone unturned as it delves into the funny side of popular culture that's often ignored in serious discourse. Even though it is a comedy show, it stays true to the spirit of investigation, with reporters taking every story seriously no matter how ludicrous or silly it may seem on the surface.

In a nutshell, The Soup Investigates is an innovative and hilarious blend of investigative journalism and comedy. With its unique formula of combining serious reporting styles with humor, it offers an entertaining yet insightful look into the world of popular culture, and also has hilariously entertaining references to the original "The Soup". From its witty investigative team to the funny and often absurd realities they uncover, watching The Soup Investigates is an intriguing journey into the bizarre aspects of our culture that you wouldn’t want to miss.