Jon Stewart, the renowned comedian and former host of “The Daily Show,” recently revealed the real reason behind the cancellation of his series, “The Problem With Jon Stewart,” on Apple TV+. In an interview with “CBS Mornings,” Stewart explained that his departure from the network was due to his desire to freely express his thoughts during the election season.
Stewart had initially joined Apple TV+ with the intention of using the platform as a space to share his opinions leading up to the 2024 election. However, he soon realized that the network was not comfortable with him speaking his mind. “They felt that they didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble,” Stewart revealed.
“The Problem With Jon Stewart” premiered in 2021 after Stewart signed a multiyear deal with Apple TV+. The show focused on addressing one specific issue in each episode and aired for two seasons. In Season 1, episodes were released every two weeks, while Season 2 followed a weekly format. However, in October 2023, the show was unexpectedly canceled.
While it was initially reported that Stewart’s departure from Apple TV+ was amicable, there were behind-the-scenes disagreements that led to his ouster. According to The New York Times, Stewart and his bosses clashed over which topics he would cover in Season 2, including artificial intelligence and China. This disagreement ultimately played a significant role in his departure.
The controversy surrounding Stewart’s exit from Apple TV+ even caught the attention of US House of Representatives members. Apple CEO Tim Cook was questioned about whether Stewart’s departure was influenced by his plans to discuss China in an upcoming episode. The House leaders expressed concerns about foreign powers indirectly influencing content decisions on streaming platforms.
Despite the setback, Stewart is not letting this deter him from sharing his opinions. He announced his return to “The Daily Show” as a Monday night host through the 2024 election cycle, starting on February 12. Stewart humorously commented, “Who better to comment on this election than someone who truly understands two aging men past their prime?”
Stewart also addressed the notion of his influence over public opinion, stating that he did not see much of the impact he had hoped for during his 16-year tenure on “The Daily Show.” However, he remains committed to using his platform to voice his thoughts and engage in political discourse.
As Jon Stewart prepares to make his comeback on “The Daily Show,” fans eagerly await his unique perspective on the upcoming election. With his sharp wit and insightful commentary, Stewart is sure to provide a refreshing take on the political landscape, offering viewers a much-needed dose of humor and critical analysis.