
The Soup
About
Weekly satire that riffs on pop‑culture clips and current events.
The Soup premiered on July 1, 2004, on the E! Entertainment Network and ran until December 18, 2015, with a brief 2020 revival. The show is a spin‑off of 1990s Talk Soup, offering a quick‑fire, live‑audience format where host Joel McHale (and later Jade Catta‑Preta) delivers snappy commentary over a curated selection of clips from talk shows, reality TV, news, and viral internet footage. Each episode is split into recurring segments that parody the source material while highlighting the absurdity of mainstream media. The program blends sharp humor, playful mockery, and a touch of political commentary in a light‑hearted, fast‑paced style.
What to know
- Hosted by comedian Joel McHale from 2004‑2015, then Jade Catta‑Preta in 2020
- Runs 22 minutes per episode, airing once a week on E!
- Features recurring segments like ‘Chat Stew’ and ‘Clip of the Week’
- Uses a green‑screen set with a live audience of staff and friends
- Mixes scripted jokes with ad‑lib reactions to clips
- Incorporates recurring characters such as Mankini and the Spaghetti Cat
- Includes political satire and commentary on current events
- The show was cancelled in 2015 after 12 seasons
- Revived for a brief 2020 run before ending again
- Has spawned spin‑offs such as Web Soup and Sports Soup
Watch if
If you enjoy quick, punchy humor that breaks down the week’s most viral and awkward moments, The Soup delivers a snappy mix of pop‑culture critique and playful parody that keeps you laughing without long exposition.
Skip if
If you prefer in‑depth analysis, long‑form documentaries, or serious news coverage, this light‑hearted, clip‑heavy format may feel too fast‑paced and comedic.
Format Overview
Recurring Segments
Signature Characters
Live Episodes
Revival and Legacy
Cultural Impact
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