Saturday Night Live, the weekly live comedy sketch show, has been on the air for decades. But many fans will tell you the show had a tough few years as viewers tuned out.

Then came the 2008 presidential election, and ratings soared. The actors’ impersonations of Barack Obama, John McCain, Hillary Clinton – and especially Sarah Palin – became a hit. Suddenly everyone was talking about Saturday Night Live again.

Politicians have long provided a gold mine of jokes for comedians. Growing up, I saw my parents watch the local news every night at 11 p.m. Me, I watch the Daily Show.

The Daily Show — a hugely popular fake news show, is how many young people keep up with what’s happening in the world. Between host Jon Stewart’s jokes, we actually learn a bit about politics.

But for comedians in Brazil, there will be no ratings boost ahead of their presidential elections because political jokes there have been banned. The Associated Press reports that Brazilian law prohibits television or radio broadcasters from poking fun at any presidential candidate in the three months leading up to Election Day.

Proponents of the law say it’s the best way to ensure a fair race. Those opposed say it goes against freedom of speech. What do you think?