News anchor Carissa Codel goes viral by reading cruel viewer comments on-camera with humor and confidence, transforming online hate into a message of empowerment.

Carissa Codel Turns Online Trolls Into Viral Comedy — And Redefines How News Anchors Handle Hate

In an era where social media trolls thrive behind anonymous screens, one Missouri news anchor is flipping the script — and winning the internet in the process. Carissa Codel, a television journalist for KOLR (Ozarks First), has turned the cruelest viewer comments about her appearance into a hilarious, empowering viral series. And she’s doing it with poise, confidence, and her signature anchor voice.

What began as a creative response to body-shaming and harsh criticism has grown into a cultural moment. With more than one million likes across TikTok alone, Carissa’s “Reading Viewer Comments” videos have struck a chord with viewers who admire her ability to rise above the noise — and even find joy in it.

How Carissa Codel Turned Hate Into Humor

The viral series began in August after Codel noticed a wave of negative remarks under one of her news segments. Instead of ignoring them or responding defensively, she chose a different path: humor.

In her first installment, she read out comments such as “shawty obese,” “no oink oink oink,” and “touch up the bangs, lose 15 to 20 lbs” — all in her polished on-air tone, standing in front of a screen displaying the remarks like news graphics. The contrast between the cruelty of the comments and her calm professionalism created a comedic effect that blew up instantly.

Her delivery, steady and unshaken, exposed how ridiculous these insults truly sound when spoken aloud.

By the end of that first video, she read a final jab — “Built for breeding” — before breaking into laughter. The clip quickly spread across platforms, earning thousands of comments praising her resilience and sense of humor.

A Viral Series with a Purpose

Since August, Codel has created 14 installments of “Reading Viewer Comments,” with her December 1 video alone surpassing 2 million views on TikTok. She has even crafted themed editions, including a Halloween special where she dressed as Sabrina Carpenter — a celebrity she’s often compared to — and only read comments related to the pop star.

“Guys, when did Sabrina Carpenter eat Sabrina Carpenter?” she said while holding an espresso martini, leaning fully into the absurdity.

The series has become more than entertainment. It highlights a real issue in journalism: the unfair scrutiny women face about their weight, hair, clothing, and overall appearance.

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In a statement to PEOPLE, Codel shared why she launched the series:
“I personally thought [the comments] were hilarious and showed how often women in this field are scrutinized. I wanted my video reading the comments to stand out, so that’s where the newscaster voice came in.”

Her approach doesn’t just deflate the insults — it reframes them, showing viewers how meaningless and absurd online cruelty can be.

Behind the Scenes: A Family and Team Who Supports Her

Codel’s bravery in sharing these comments publicly could easily have sparked concern from her loved ones — and it did.

In an episode of Attention Addiction, a podcast she co-hosts with her mom, Codie, Codel shared that her mother went into “mom fight mode” after seeing the comments. She wanted to defend her daughter immediately.

But Carissa surprised her by saying, “Oh no. This is great. People will keep wanting to comment because they want to get mentioned.”

By transforming negativity into engagement, she not only protects her mental well-being but also boosts her visibility — a win in today’s digital-forward news landscape.

Her colleagues have also rallied behind her. Fellow morning anchor Angela Luna recorded a playful video defending Codel while lip-syncing the viral audio: “Scram! Leave her alone! She doesn’t want to talk to you.” The clip has become a fan favorite among viewers who appreciate the camaraderie.

Social Media: The New Frontier for Journalists

Codel’s success speaks to a major shift in the news industry. She explained that journalists now need to build a strong online presence because “that’s where news is going.” It’s no longer enough to be polished on air — anchors must also navigate social media commentary, branding, and audience engagement.

In that landscape, strength, authenticity, and humor are just as important as traditional reporting skills.

By showing humanity and vulnerability, Codel has gained something most anchors strive for: genuine connection with viewers.

Rewriting the Rules of Online Criticism

Codel’s series does more than entertain — it inspires. Her videos remind audiences that:

• Troll comments lose their sting when stripped of anonymity.
• Humor can defuse even the harshest insults.
• Women in media deserve respect, not unsolicited commentary on their bodies.
• Confidence is a powerful shield.

Most importantly, she shows thousands of viewers — especially young women — that they don’t have to shrink under criticism. They can own it, laugh at it, and rise above it.

A Community Built on Positivity

Codel never expected her videos to go viral. But now, she embraces the supportive community that has formed around her. Fans eagerly await each installment, celebrate her clapbacks, and thank her for standing up to body shaming in a refreshing, uplifting way.

As she told PEOPLE, “I’m so thankful for the support. I truly feel grateful for the little community that’s been built.”

Carissa Codel may be reading viewer comments, but she’s also rewriting how journalists respond to negativity — with confidence, compassion, and a sense of humor that’s impossible not to admire.