Jon Stewart, the beloved former host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, is making a highly anticipated return to the show after nearly nine years. In an interview on CBS Mornings, Stewart revealed that it was the current political environment that brought him back to the late-night gig. He also mentioned that his departure from Apple TV+ over creative differences played a role in his decision.
Stewart expressed his desire to have a platform to share his thoughts during the upcoming election season. He mentioned that he had initially planned to do so on Apple TV+, but they didn’t want him to say anything that might get him into trouble. Despite this setback, Stewart is excited to have a place to unload his thoughts and hopes that people will enjoy his commentary.
When asked about the influence his version of The Daily Show could have on real-world events, Stewart remained modest. He stated that he doesn’t hope to have an influence but rather wants to provide a catharsis and a way to comment on things. He reflected on his 16 years at The Daily Show and admitted that not everything he had wanted to happen in terms of influence actually happened. However, he believes that satire has always played a role in the rise and fall of civilization.
Stewart also spoke about why he chose to come back to The Daily Show now. He emphasized the importance of being present in the conversation and countering the narrative that is being formed. He mentioned various issues such as AI and the militarization of conflicts, stating that they all tie together to one larger idea: reconciling the analog form of government with the increasingly digital world.
The media landscape has changed significantly since Stewart left The Daily Show in 2015, with many young people now getting their news from platforms like TikTok and social media. When asked about this shift, Stewart joked about doing choreographed dance moves but then argued that quality content will always find an audience. He believes that pandering to the idea that young people absorb knowledge differently is the worst thing one can do.
Stewart’s return to The Daily Show was announced last month, and he will be hosting on Monday nights only, starting on February 12. The rest of the week will be covered by a rotating team of correspondents. However, Stewart will also be an executive producer on the other nights, allowing him to be heavily involved in the show leading up to the election and beyond. His deal as an executive producer extends at least until 2025.
Stewart’s return comes as The Daily Show continues to search for a permanent replacement for Trevor Noah, who unexpectedly exited the hosting gig in 2022. While Stewart didn’t elaborate on why he is only returning on Mondays, it is likely because he was exhausted by the end of his initial run. Hosting on Mondays allows him to set the agenda for the week and comment on the weekend’s news.
In a lighthearted moment during the interview, Stewart acknowledged the corporate synergy between CBS and Comedy Central, which is owned by Paramount Global. He joked about getting a tote bag from Paramount Global and referred to the conglomerate as billionaires moving people around on a Stratego board.
Jon Stewart’s return to The Daily Show is highly anticipated by fans who have missed his unique brand of political satire. With his insightful commentary and witty humor, Stewart is sure to make a lasting impact on the show and continue to be a prominent voice in the political landscape.