The Joke’s On Us. Literally

It’s been another long, hot summer here at THR, action-packed and chock-full of accolades: a record 44 Southern California Journalism Awards, a Webby for best website and a brand-new ASME newly crowding the fireplace mantle at THR HQ. Then, a couple of months ago, another honor arrived that somehow feels even more flattering. We got lampooned by a bunch of college kids.

Polybagged with this issue, you’ll find The Harvard Lampoon‘s loving parody of The Hollywood Reporter, and its skewering of the often-absurd entertainment business that we chronicle — though its so-called satirical image of a cyborg Marilyn seems less like a far-fetched joke and more like the sort of thing THR might actually be covering these days, as we all hurtle toward a potentially dystopian AI future. (See Steven Zeitchik’s actual story on Alex Gibney’s terrifying new documentary about Elon Musk and his world-conquering ambitions, here.)

The Lampoon parody is a cherished, if irregular, tradition in publishing. Targets have included The New York Times in 1968, Cosmopolitan in 1972 — who can forget that sizzling hot Henry Kissinger centerfold? — and, most recently, National Geographic in 2008, in which Paris Hilton shared the cover with people in crude animal costumes. This is their first spoof issue in 18 years.

It’s a fitting return, since The Harvard Lampoon, which celebrates its 150th birthday this year, has deep Hollywood ties. Its alums include Conan O’Brien, Al Jean, Greg Daniels, B.J. Novak, Colin Jost, Mike Schur, Lisa Henson and scores of others (even one editor on our masthead).

So, when a crew of enterprising 20-year-old Lampoon staffers, armed with nothing but wit, moxie and ChatGPT-written contracts, approached us asking for our blessing, I didn’t hesitate. Not that these future masters of the universe needed my blessing — First Amendment and all — but I guess they needed access to our fonts or something. Anyway, I’m glad we played ball because it was such a fun thing to be a part of. And their offer to invite me to a party in their castle in Cambridge — yes, they really have a castle — was enough to seal the deal for me. 

Besides, with awards season about to begin in earnest, I figured we could all use a laugh, even if it’s at our own expense. 

Maer Roshan, Editor-in-Chief

@MaerRoshan @mrmaer

This story appeared in the Sept. 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.