Jon Stewart is set to make a comeback to The Daily Show as the host, but with a twist. Comedy Central announced that Stewart will return to the show as a weekly host and executive producer, but only on Mondays. This move comes as a surprise to fans who have missed Stewart’s comedic and insightful commentary since he left the show in 2015.
Starting on February 12, Stewart will take on the role of the host on Mondays, while a rotating lineup of show regulars will handle the rest of the week. The decision to bring back Stewart was praised by Chris McCarthy, the president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, who referred to him as the voice of our generation. McCarthy believes that Stewart’s brilliant wit and ability to cut through the hypocrisy and performative politics of today’s world will be a welcome addition to the show.
Stewart’s return to The Daily Show is particularly noteworthy due to the show’s legacy as a talent incubator. Former correspondents like John Oliver, Larry Wilmore, Olivia Munn, Samantha Bee, Roy Wood Jr., and Aasif Mandvi have gone on to have successful careers in comedy and entertainment. Additionally, two former correspondents, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert, gained tremendous recognition and launched their own successful shows after their time on The Daily Show.
While Stewart left the show on good terms in 2015, he has spoken about the need for a change and a new challenge. His previous show, The Problem With Jon Stewart, debuted in 2021 but was recently canceled. The show tackled polarizing topics and received mixed reviews. Despite this setback, Stewart’s return to The Daily Show demonstrates that his influence and comedic talent are still in high demand.
It remains to be seen who will host The Daily Show after the 2024 U.S. elections, as no official announcement has been made. However, Stewart will continue to serve as an executive producer through 2025, ensuring that he will have a hand in shaping the show’s future.
Overall, Jon Stewart’s return to The Daily Show is a highly anticipated event for fans who have missed his unique brand of satire and insightful commentary. His wit and ability to provide clarity in a divisive political climate make him the perfect choice to navigate the upcoming election season.