In a scene straight out of a 90s comedy, CNN seemingly took a lesson from Austin Powers, delivering a performance worthy of a slapstick award. When faced with the chaos of the Israel-Gaza conflict, CNN reporters managed to turn a serious situation into what some might call a misguided theatrical endeavor.

Benny’s commentary highlights Aaron Burnett’s supposedly perilous predicament, caught on camera as tanks thundered past her. Apparently marooned in the vast, empty desert with nowhere to retreat, her performance draws laughs reminiscent of a classic Austin Powers steamroller scene. The humor, albeit ironic, underscores the perceived melodrama intended to capture attention rather than convey authentic journalism.

This isn’t CNN’s first rodeo with drama and goofs. Remember the infamous “mostly peaceful” protests? Cities ablaze in the background, yet the narrative spun was one of tranquility. It’s a bit like describing a roaring lion as a purring kitten—both are cats, sure, but let’s not get carried away. Such theatrical portrayals have earned CNN a reputation for prioritizing spectacle over substance, fueling skepticism about their ability to report genuine news.

Then there’s the ever-so-memorable Anderson Cooper, not one to shy away from dramatic possibilities. Whether it’s wading knee-deep in what appears to be exaggerated water levels, or feigning a chaotic scramble from looming missile threats, Cooper and his colleagues seem to relish dousing scenarios with an extra splash of drama. It all screams staged, orchestrated for viewer engagement rather than journalistic integrity—I mean, really, what’s a rooftop missive without some live-action flair?

And let’s not forget Clarissa Ward’s antics in Syria. Her reporting on the so-called lone prisoner turned theatrics into a story fit for any Hollywood script, only to be revealed as just one more blunder in CNN’s long list of faux pas. It’s these repeated pranks of “gotcha” journalism that make audiences wary, leaving them to wonder: is it news they’re watching or a poorly executed reality show?

All jokes aside, it’s crucial to recognize when theatrical gestures, however unintended, overshadow journalistic duty. A serious call remains for reporting that genuinely informs rather than distracts with high jinks. While comedy sketches belong on the big screen, real-world conflicts deserve more than an ill-fated highlight reel.