The show was without a host after Trevor Noah left The Daily Show at the end of 2022. Producers have decided to move forward without a permanent host — but Jon Stewart will return part-time to cover the election cycle.
Return to form
Stewart hosted The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015. After a six-year break, he hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV, leaving that role in October 2023.
Widespread reach
With Stewart at the helm, The Daily Show became a national sensation, drawing well over one million viewers per episode even as cable TV steadily lost viewers to streaming services. Stewart’s final season, in 2015, attracted an average of 1.3 million viewers per episode.
Tackling tough issues
Stewart is unafraid to confront controversy. According to the New York Times, his interest in diving into topics related to China and artificial intelligence was part of the reason his Apple TV show ended.
Schedule set
Stewart is scheduled to host The Daily Show every Monday through the duration of the current election cycle. He will also serve as the show’s executive producer.
Fiery voice
As the Boston Globe noted, “Stewart has an open outrage and contempt for political hypocrisy that speaks to certain audiences.” Critics have speculated how Stewart will confront Trump, given that he partly left the show in 2015 to avoid the chaos of the Republican primary.
Titans clash
In 2013, Trump tweeted an insult in response to Stewart’s jokes at his expense. “I promise you,” Trump wrote, “I’m much smarter than Jonathan Leibowitz — I mean Jon Stewart.” The “Leibowitz” comment is a dog whistle referring to Stewart’s Jewish identity.
Making the announcement
“Friends,” Stewart posted on X on Wednesday. “After much reflection I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility. Excited for the future!”
Keeping busy
Stewart has been heavily involved in politics in recent years. In 2022, he helped force Senate Republicans to agree to pass a bill expanding healthcare to veterans exposed to toxins.
Fighting for good
Stewart blasted the group of Senate Republicans who held up the bill’s passage as “stab-vets-in-the-back-senators.” “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this situation where people who have already given so much had to fight so hard to get so little,” he said after the bill was passed. “I hope we learned a lesson.”
Earlier fight
In 2019, Stewart testified in Congress, urging legislators to pass a bill that would extend financial assistance to victims suffering health issues as a result of the Sept 11 attack. Stewart criticized Mitch McConnell in particular for his opposition to the measure.
Viral moment
In part because of Stewart’s public pressure, McConnell agreed to support the action. A picture of Stewart smiling as McConnell walked past on his way to vote for the bill went viral.
Tricky situation
Under Trevor Noah, viewership of The Daily Show declined by almost one million per episode. Viewership in the 18-49 demographic is particularly low, with the average viewer age hovering at 60 on Noah’s departure in 2022.
Social game
However, the show dominated on social media. According to ListenFirst, The Daily Show received more mentions and comments across social media than any other comparable talk show.
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