Jon Stewart Returns to 'The Daily Show' as Weekly Host and Executive Producer

NEW YORK — Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" is about to get a major dose of nostalgia as comedian Jon Stewart prepares to make his return. Stewart, who ruled the show for 16 years starting in 1999, will now serve as a weekly host and executive producer throughout the 2024 U.S. election cycle.

Starting on February 12, Stewart will take the helm of the topical TV show every Monday. The rest of the week will feature a rotating lineup of show regulars.

Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, expressed his excitement about Stewart's return, stating, "Jon Stewart is the voice of our generation, and we are honored to have him back on Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show.' His sharp wit and keen insights will help us all navigate through the insanity and division that currently plagues our country as we approach the election season."

Throughout its history, "The Daily Show" has earned a reputation for its unbiased comedic critique, fearlessly skewering both the left and the right. The show cleverly utilizes the media as a character, delivering political commentary with straight-faced sincerity.

Stewart's return follows a period of host transition after Trevor Noah left last year. The show's current roster of correspondents includes Desi Lydic, Michael Kosta, Ronny Chieng, and Jordan Klepper.

Stewart's departure from "The Daily Show" in 2015 was amicable, and he has always spoken highly of his experience on the show. Reflecting on his time away, he mentioned on a recent podcast, "When you no longer have that structure, you become unmoored from the thing that keeps your cynical mind in check. It quickly takes a dark turn."

Despite his departure, Stewart acknowledged that the show was still successful. However, something was missing for him personally, as he explained in a 2015 interview with The Guardian newspaper.

With his brilliant wit and unparalleled comedic talent, Jon Stewart is poised to provide much-needed clarity in an age of performative politics and staggering hypocrisy. "The Daily Show" is undoubtedly in good hands with Stewart's return.

The Legacy of "The Daily Show"

A Talent Incubator

"The Daily Show" has earned a sterling reputation as a talent incubator, launching the careers of notable individuals such as John Oliver, Larry Wilmore, Olivia Munn, Samantha Bee, Roy Wood Jr., and Aasif Mandvi. In recognition of his contributions, Jon Stewart was awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2022.

Boosting Former Correspondents

Two former correspondents received significant boosts from their time on the show - Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. Steve Carell went on to garner critical acclaim with nominations for an Oscar and an Emmy. He starred in the hit TV series "The Office" and in movies like "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and "Foxcatcher." Stephen Colbert, on the other hand, led the successful spinoff Comedy Central show "The Colbert Report" from 2005 to 2014 and is now the host of CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

"The Problem With Jon Stewart"

In 2021, Jon Stewart debuted his new show, "The Problem With Jon Stewart," on the Apple TV+ streaming service. The program tackled polarizing topics such as racism, climate change, mass incarceration, and gun control. However, its uncompromising stance on these issues didn't sit well with some critics. The Los Angeles Times review described Stewart's search for his old rhythm as he oscillated between calm and horror, occasionally retreating to a corner and croaking for help.

Clash with Apple TV+

Unfortunately, "The Problem With Jon Stewart" was abruptly canceled. Reports suggest that clashes between Stewart and Apple arose due to the show's coverage of stories related to China and artificial intelligence. Despite this setback, Stewart will remain involved as an executive producer through 2025, assisting in shaping the future of "The Daily Show."

Future of "The Daily Show"

As of now, it remains uncertain who will host "The Daily Show" after the November election. The network has not yet provided any details regarding a replacement host. However, Jon Stewart's influence will continue to be felt as he continues to serve as an executive producer, ensuring his involvement in the show's evolution for the foreseeable future.