Jon Stewart, the beloved former host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” is set to make a triumphant return to the late-night program for the 2024 election cycle. After an extensive search for a new host, Comedy Central has decided to bring back the man who turned “The Daily Show” into a cultural institution and a touchstone for younger viewers.
Stewart’s return comes at a crucial time in American politics, as the country grapples with division and insanity leading up to the election season. Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, expressed his excitement about Stewart’s comeback, stating that he is “the voice of our generation” and the perfect person to provide much-needed clarity and puncture the empty rhetoric with his brilliant wit.
In his own announcement on social media, Stewart humorously stated that he has decided to enter the “transfer portal” for his last year of eligibility. This playful remark showcases Stewart’s signature humor and sets the stage for his anticipated return to the show.
Since leaving “The Daily Show” in 2015, Stewart has been involved in various projects. He served as an executive producer for CBS’ “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and hosted a weekly topical humor show on Apple’s streaming service called “The Problem With Jon Stewart.” However, these ventures did not gain as much traction as his tenure on “The Daily Show,” solidifying his status as the persona most closely associated with the program.
Comedy Central has faced intense scrutiny over the past year as it searched for a new host. Leslie Jones, Kal Penn, and Sarah Silverman were among the potential candidates considered after Trevor Noah’s departure in 2022. However, executives were determined to keep the show, especially in an election year, as it is a signature series for both Comedy Central and its parent company, Paramount Global.
Late-night TV has experienced economic challenges in recent years, with advertising dollars and audiences shrinking as viewers turn to streaming platforms. “The Daily Show” is projected to attract just under $19 million in advertising dollars for 2023, a significant decrease from the $39.9 million it captured in 2022. Additionally, production was hampered by the Hollywood writers’ strikes, and Comedy Central did not air repeats of the show like its competitors.
There were rumors that Comedy Central approached other comedians who had not previously appeared on “The Daily Show” to take on the hosting duties. However, it seems that the network ultimately decided to bring back the familiar face of Jon Stewart, who has a proven track record of launching careers for comedians such as John Oliver, Samantha Bee, and Steve Carell.
As part of the deal, James Dixon, a WME agent with extensive experience in late-night TV, will serve as an executive producer alongside Stewart. Dixon has worked with Stewart, Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel and is also involved in CBS’ new late-night program, “After Midnight,” hosted by Taylor Tomlinson.
With Jon Stewart’s return, Comedy Central hopes to rejuvenate “The Daily Show” and potentially find its next leader. Stewart’s ability to discover new comedic talent is comparable to that of Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” As viewers eagerly await Stewart’s on-air duties starting February 12, there is anticipation for the fresh perspective and comedic brilliance he will bring to the show once again.
