'The Daily Show' Gets Swifties To Talk About 'The Eras Tour'

I like to go to the movies after I work a shift at my bar job. My kids and wife are usually asleep when I’m done working, so I’m not rushing to get home. It has become such a habit that people at work ask me, “What are you seeing tonight, Andrew?” This last Saturday, I was asked the same question. My answer was twofold. I would not see a movie because I wanted to see something scary and could not find anything good in theaters. I also did not want to compete with the Swifties.

The release of Taylor Swift’s concert film The Era’s Tour was so monumental that Blumhouse moved their big October horror release from its Friday the 13th premiere date. Millions of people who can’t afford to see Taylor in concert are getting to see her on the big screen. Immediately, there were assumptions these fans would have a raucous time seeing their favorite singer/songwriter. I did not want to be around that.

The advantage of going to the movies as late as I do is that the theaters are often empty. Usually, I’m going on Tuesday nights. However, even if I’m going out on a Saturday, I will go late enough to a movie that has been out for a while to enjoy it in relative peace. That extends to the lobby as well. Some things can’t be helped, but if I can avoid crowds, I will. Many people are attending The Eras Tour to avoid concert mishigas. I would prefer movie theaters not to reflect concerts in the process.

All this came to a head for me this morning when I saw that The Daily Show sent Desi Lydic to talk to some Swifties. It was an immediate and pleasant surprise to see that Lydic had ventured to my favorite theater in the city. The Lincoln Center AMC was the first movie theater I visited when I moved to NYC. Sixteen years later, it is still the best. I don’t know what I expected from the interview, but doing a 180 was not on my list.

Maybe it was seeing my favorite theater in the background. Perhaps I needed to put faces to the fandom. Regardless, I walked away with a new appreciation of these “Anti-Heroes” (does that reference make sense?). They are finding joy in a world that is actively devoid of it. As one fan said, she wanted the full Rocky Horror Picture Show experience, and dammit, Janet, that’s fantastic. They found something they love, and they want to celebrate that with others. That’s great! I will still be avoiding them at the theater, but I support their excitement. Shine on, Swifties!